This easy snickerdoodle recipe is the best one I have EVER tried! They’re super simple to make, and the result is a soft, delicious snickerdoodle cookie that you’ll want to make over and over again!
If you love the classic flavors of a snickerdoodle cookie, be sure to try our Chai Spiced Snickerdoodles and our Snickerdoodle Mocktails – they are AMAZING!
Easy Snickerdoodle Recipe
If you’re like me, you know there is nothing more disappointing than biting into a cookie and having crunchy crumbs fall out of your mouth. (My teeth need to sink into the cookie, not chip away at it!)
This Snickerdoodle recipe is soft, sweet, and totally satisfying!
I got this recipe years ago from my sister-in-law, a self-proclaimed “cookie connoisseur”. Her recipe replaced the recipe I had been using for YEARS – the ingredient list is much more simple, and the cookies always turn out so much softer!
What is a Snickerdoodle?
Snickerdoodles are crinkly-topped sugar cookies thought to have a German origin. The word “Snickerdoodle” comes from the German word “Schneckennudeln,” which translates roughly as “crinkly noodles.”
Snickerdoodles can be either crisp or soft depending on the ingredients used.
What is the difference between sugar cookies and snickerdoodles?
While both cookies look similar and use a lot of the same ingredients, there are some key differences between the two.
- Snickerdoodles use the unique ingredient of cream of tartar. The cream of tartar gives the cookie a unique tangy taste that sugar cookies typically don’t have.
- Traditional sugar cookies are often rolled in white sugar while snickerdoodles are rolled in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
- Snickerdoodles have a signature “cracked” appearance, while sugar cookies have a smooth texture and can be enjoyed with numerous frostings and toppings.
These cookies are so easy to make and they turn out great every time. Here’s how to make them –
How To Make Snickerdoodles
This easy snickerdoodle recipe is the best one I have EVER tried! They’re super simple to make, and the result is a soft, delicious snickerdoodle cookie that you’ll want to make over and over again!
Makes about 40 cookies
INGREDIENTS –
for the cookie dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 ¾ cup flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
for the cinnamon sugar mixture
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon
DIRECTIONS –
MIX THE WET INGREDIENTS. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. (It is best to use a stand mixer or a hand mixer to get it nice and creamy.) Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until well creamy.
ADD THE DRY INGREDIENTS – In a small mixing bowl, mix together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture and mix until combined. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula to get all the loose powder incorporated into the dough.
FORM COOKIES – Scoop a heaping tablespoon of dough, and roll it into a smooth ball. Roll each ball into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and coat well.
I like to roll mine twice to make sure the dough is completely covered. Place each dough ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. You can add another pinch of the cinnamon-sugar mixture to the tops of each cookie – not required, but totally delicious!
BAKE + COOL. Bake for 9-11 minutes. Let the cookies sit on the cookie sheet for a few additional minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool.
How To Get Soft Cookies Every Time
- The key to this snickerdoodle recipe is to not overbake them. Each oven is a little different but you don’t want to cook them too long or they will become crispy. Once they begin to turn a golden brown on top, take them out. They’ll bake just a bit longer on the cookie sheet.
- Softened the butter by leaving it out on the counter about 30 minutes before you start making the cookies. Don’t warm it up in the microwave or it’ll be too hot and it will cause the cookies to flatten out in the oven and they will cook faster and won’t be as soft.
- Make sure the cookie dough balls of dough are uniform in size so they will cook evenly. Use a cookie scoop if you have to!
- Store your chewy snickerdoodle cookies in an airtight container if you’re not going to eat them right away so they stay soft and fresh.
Can you freeze Snickerdoodles?
Yes, you can easily freeze this recipe before or after it has been cooked. If you want to freeze the dough; first, roll it into a log shape and then tightly wrap it in plastic wrap before freezing it. When you’re ready to use it, let the dough thaw until you are able to roll the dough into balls.
If you want to freeze cookies that have been cooked, just put them into a freezer bag and place them in the freezer. In either case, both the dough and the cookies will stay fresh for at least 2 months. Just be sure to write the date on the outside so you don’t forget when you made them.
More Easy Cookie Recipes
- Easy 3 Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies
- The Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Jello Cookie Recipe
- 10 Minute Easy Sugar Cookies
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe
These cookies are some of my all-time favorites! Leave us a comment below and let us know how they turned out or tag us on social media the next time you make these because we always love to see you enjoying one of our recipes!
Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies
Ingredients
for the cookie dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 ¾ cup flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until well creamy.
- In a small mixing bowl, mix together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture and mix until combined.
- In a small bowl, stir together sugar and cinnamon.
- Scoop a heaping tablespoon of dough, and roll it into a smooth ball. Roll each ball into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and coat well. I like to roll mine twice to make sure the dough is completely covered. Place each dough ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can add another pinch of the cinnamon-sugar mixture to the tops of each cookie – not required, but totally delicious!
- Bake for 9-11 minutes. Let the cookies sit on the cookie sheet for a few additional minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool.
I’m eager to try your recipe for Snickerdoodles. Can you use butter instead of margarine? Half butter, half shortening?
Thanks.
Yes, you can use butter instead of margarine.
Snickerdoodles are my favorite cookie what a great recipe!
They’re my favorite cookie too!
LOVE snickerdoodle cookies. They are the ultimate coffee dunking cookie!
Thanks Billy!
You can never go wrong with a snickerdoodle cookie! Great recipe!
Totally agree!
Nothing better than a soft snickerdoodle! This recipe has the best results.
Thanks Suzy, I’m glad they turned out great!
Snickerdoodles are my favorite!! These look perfect & they are making me wish I had one right now!
Just looking at these pictures is making my mouth water. My Snickerdoodles are always too hard, so I am going to try your recipe!