Why is cream of tartar important?

It adds a slight tartness and helps create the chewy, tender texture unique to snickerdoodles.

Are snickerdoodles supposed to be chewy or crunchy?

They’re best soft and chewy with a slight crisp on the edges.

How are snickerdoodles different from sugar cookies?

Snickerdoodles have cream of tartar and a cinnamon sugar coating, giving them a distinctive tang and flavor.

Can I substitute baking powder for cream of tartar?

Yes, but it will change the cookie’s flavor and texture slightly.

Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe: Soft, Chewy, and Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Treats

Name: The Best Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe for Soft & Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar; ½ cup (100g) brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 ¾ cups (340g) all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons cream of tartar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for dough and coating); ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Description

I still remember the first time I bit into a perfectly soft snickerdoodle cookie—warm, chewy, and bursting with cinnamon sugar magic. This classic American cookie delivers cozy cinnamon sugar bliss in every bite, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100g) brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 ¾ cups (340g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for dough and coating)
¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Beat cold butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing gently to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined—avoid overmixing.
Roll dough into 1.5 to 2-inch balls, about golf ball size.
Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar coating, making sure they’re well covered.
Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are set but centers still look shiny for perfect softness.
Optional: Use the ‘spoon trick’—press edges inward slightly with the back of a spoon right after baking to keep cookies thick and chewy.
Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Enjoy your warm, soft, chewy snickerdoodle cookies with that unbeatable cinnamon sugar hug!

Notes

Cream of tartar is key to that authentic snickerdoodle tang and chewiness. Don’t skip it unless you want to try baking powder as a substitute (but expect slight changes). For extra fun, add mini chocolate chips or nuts, but classic cinnamon sugar simplicity always shines!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: snickerdoodle, cinnamon sugar cookies, soft cookies, chewy cookies, classic cookies