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Super soft and full of cinnamon, this snickerdoodle recipe is one we’ve made for decades that is beyond delicious and NO-FAIL!

The best Snickerdoodle recipe - cookies stacked on a white plate.

A Family Favorite

Snickerdoodle cookies are a classic cookie we have made our whole lives. The family is obsessed with them and fortunately you guys are too! With over 3,000 FIVE STAR reviews, this recipe has been made and enjoyed by thousands of you each year and we cannot tell you how happy that makes us.

This easy cookie recipe was first made by mom decades ago. It was also one of the first recipes we ever shared here on Lil’ Luna. Although we haven’t changed the recipe, we have shared more tips and tricks to make sure it’s NO-FAIL and turns out perfect EVERY TIME.

WHY WE LOVE IT:

  • Perfectly sweet. It’s double-dipped in cinnamon + sugar!
  • Pantry staples. The ingredients are simple and found in most kitchens!
  • Giftable. They make a great addition to Christmas cookie plates.
Ingredients for snickerdoodles on a kitchen counter.

Ingredients

  • 2 ยพ cups all-purpose flourHow to Measure Flour
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar – creates the signature tangy flavor
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butterjust softened!
    • This is KEY! When you press in finger into the butter, you want it to barely indent. Too hard, and the dough won’t be just right – too soft and your cookies will be flat.
  • 1ยฝ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 whole eggs – room temperature eggs incorporate the best
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  • โ…“ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon

Cream of Tartar Substitution

Replace the 2 teaspoons cream of tartar AND the 1 teaspoon baking soda with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and ยฝ teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar.

How to Make SnickerdoodleS

  1. BATTER. In a medium bowl, stir the 2ยพ cup flour, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ยฝ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
    • In the bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer) cream together 1 cup butter (barely softened) and 1ยฝ cups sugar. Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla and mix until it is well blended.
  2. SHAPE. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix well, and then shape the dough into 1-inch balls (no need to chill).
  3. COAT. In a small bowl, combine โ…“ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon. Roll the dough balls into the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
  4. BAKE. Place on an un-greased pan, and bake at 350ยฐF for 8-10 minutes. Let sit on the cookie sheet for a few additional minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool.
To chill or not to chill snickerdoodle cookies

To Chill or Not to Chill?

This is the main question we get asked about this snickerdoodle recipe so we decided to test it for you to show the differences. The results speak for themselves!

  • CHILLED – the cookie is more poofy, doesn’t have as many cracks on top and does not expand as much.
  • CHILLED + FLATTENED – this cookie expanded the most, but became almost too flat
  • NOT CHILLED – our preferred method – you can see that the cookie is not too flat, has all the cracks on top and is PERFECT.
Snickerdoodle cookies stacked on top of each other with bite taken out.

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4.99 from 3404 votes

Snickerdoodle Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
Super soft and full of cinnamon, this snickerdoodle recipe is one we've made for decades that is beyond delicious and NO-FAIL!
Servings: 36
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes

Ingredients 

Snickerdoodle Dough

  • 2ยพ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, just softened
  • 1ยฝ cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  • โ…“ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350ยฐF.
  • In a large bowl, mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a stand mixer, cream together butter (barely softened) and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla and blend well.
  • Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix well.
  • In a small bowl, combine โ…“ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon.
  • Use a small cookie scoop to scoop out dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture – twice.
  • Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let sit on the cookie sheet for a few additional minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool.

Video

Notes

Cream of tartar substitute. Replace the 2 teaspoons cream of tartar AND the 1 teaspoon baking soda with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and ยฝ teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar.
Store. Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Store in a freezer bag, or air-tight container in the freezer for up to 4 months.ย 
Store cookie dough. See How to Freeze Cookie Dough for tips.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie, Calories: 125kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 23mg, Sodium: 67mg, Potassium: 45mg, Fiber: 0.5g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 172IU, Vitamin C: 0.02mg, Calcium: 9mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

How to store the dough?

Cover and store the dough from this snickerdoodle recipe in the fridge for 1-2 days. See How to Freeze Cookie Dough for tips.

How to store?

Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Store in a freezer bag, or air-tight container in the freezer for up to 4 months.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and Iโ€™m the mom of SIX stinkinโ€™ cute kids and the wife to my smokinโ€™ hot hubby, Lo. My momโ€™s maiden name is Luna, and Iโ€™m one of the many crafty โ€œLilโ€™ Lunasโ€ in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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4.99 from 3404 votes (2,497 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




1,762 Comments

  1. Nancy Kern says:

    5 stars
    I made my first batch for my family. Iโ€™ve never made Snickerdoodles before. They were INCREDIBLE โฃ๏ธ My next batch went to my sonโ€™s work. He said his co-workers loved them & were like children at Christmas โฃ๏ธ

  2. Marissa says:

    Can I make this 2 days before baking?

  3. Barbara Lanza says:

    5 stars
    I liked the way these cookies came out ! I did chill them for a hour and they were more uniform . I also added some mini chocolate chips. Oh my gosh they were delicious ๐Ÿ˜‹ . Iโ€™m having friends over for dinner and one of the guests that is coming this cookie is her favorite!! I certainly will make these again ! Thanks for the recipe !

  4. Kristin Luttrell says:

    5 stars
    This has been my go-to recipe for several years! They are the epitome of what a snickerdoodle should be! I get nonstop requests for these cookies.

    1. Teresa says:

      Do you chill or freeze yours? As mine baked in the whole as one big cookie on the tray ๐Ÿคฃ

  5. Andrew says:

    5 stars
    Phenomenal cookies and good tips. Have yet to meet someone who didnโ€™t like these cookies. 2 minor suggestions: give a relatable size or measurement to make the scoops on the cookie sheet (took me a few batches to get the size right) and give adjustments to recipe if making a double batch. Have been using this recipe for a couple years now, and itโ€™s truly fantastic!

  6. Michelle says:

    Not sure, tastes good, but mine baked up VERY thin, even after chilling the dough after the first batch baked up too thinโ€ฆ. Making them for coworkers and do not have time to make another recipe. Sorry to say I will not be making these again.

    1. Michelle says:

      4 stars
      Update! So, even though these were very thin, my coworkers loved them.

      1. Lil'Luna Team says:

        I’m glad to hear that! Thanks for sharing and giving the recipe a try.

  7. Ashley says:

    Iโ€™m not sure what I did wrong, but my cookies spread so much and were so flat. I did not chill them, per your instructions, but I think I should have. ๐Ÿ™

  8. Karisa says:

    5 stars
    I receive so many great compliments when I make these snickerdoodle cookies! The best recipe out there.

  9. Michelle says:

    5 stars
    I love that it’s quick, easy and simple. It’s so hard not to eat them.all myself.

  10. Addyson frank says:

    5 stars
    I loved how simple the recipe was, and how divine the cookies were! Definitely a five star.