Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies – Ultimate Soft Holiday Treat

There’s something magical about baking Chewy Snickerdoodle cookies on a winter afternoon. The kitchen fills with the smell of butter, cinnamon, and sugar, wrapping the air in warmth and nostalgia. These soft, buttery cookies with golden crinkly tops capture the cozy joy of Christmas in every bite. Let’s bake up a batch that tastes just like home.

Why You’ll Love This Chewy Snickerdoodle Recipe

These Chewy Snickerdoodle cookies bake up soft and chewy, with crisp edges and that signature cinnamon-sugar sparkle. The cream of tartar gives them a light tang, while the buttery dough keeps them perfectly tender. No chilling needed, and they stay soft for days — making Chewy Snickerdoodle lovers very happy.

What Makes a Snickerdoodle Unique

Unlike regular sugar cookies, snickerdoodles have a gentle tang from cream of tartar that balances the sweetness beautifully. That tang, paired with their crackled cinnamon-sugar coating, gives them their iconic flavor. Historically, this classic cookie dates back to 19th-century New England and has been a Christmas favorite ever since. While they might look simple, their soft texture and nostalgic flavor make them unforgettable at every holiday cookie swap.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient plays a small but important role in making your chewy snickerdoodle truly perfect. Butter brings richness and tenderness. Cream of tartar keeps the cookies soft and adds that familiar tang. Baking soda helps them puff just right, while the cinnamon-sugar coating adds the signature sparkle and spice.

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp sugar (for coating)
• 1 tbsp cinnamon (for coating)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chewy Snickerdoodles

Step 1 – Prep the Oven and Pans

Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so the cookies bake evenly and slide off easily later.

Step 2 – Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. This prevents clumping and ensures each cookie rises the same.

Step 3 – Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. Add the egg, extra yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4 – Combine and Form Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. The texture should be smooth and slightly tacky, but not sticky.

Step 5 – Coat and Bake

In a small bowl, mix the coating sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls, then coat each one in cinnamon sugar. Place them on the baking sheets, spaced apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges set and the centers look soft. Let them cool briefly before transferring to a wire rack.

Expert Tips for Perfectly Chewy Snickerdoodles

Measure your flour carefully by spooning and leveling it. Too much flour can make cookies dry. Also, don’t overbake pull them out when they look slightly underdone; they’ll finish setting as they cool. If your dough feels too sticky, chill it for 15 minutes. Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help them stay soft for several days. For more soft cookie inspiration, check out my soft and chewy snickerdoodle cookies.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze both the dough and baked cookies. Freeze the dough balls on a tray, then move them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the time. To freeze baked cookies, cool them completely before sealing them tightly.

Quick Nutrition and Serving Info

Each cookie has about 171 calories, with 8 grams of fat and 13 grams of sugar. This recipe makes around 30 cookies total. With only 25 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of baking, you’ll have a full batch in just 35 minutes. Soft, chewy, and lightly spiced — they’re perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Such Recipes

• easy Christmas cookie favorites
• festive peppermint bark brownies
• classic chocolate crinkle cookies
• buttery butter pecan cookies
• sugar-dusted patriotic sprinkle cookies
• traditional peanut butter cookies

Conclusion

These chewy snickerdoodles are everything good about homemade cookies buttery, soft, and coated in cinnamon sugar. Whether you bake them for Christmas or a cozy weekend, they’ll fill your kitchen with warmth and joy. Share them with friends or tuck a few away for yourself; they’re the kind of cookie that disappears fast. For more baking inspiration, follow along on Pinterest or join our sweet kitchen community on Facebook.

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