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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!
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
PREP TIME: 10 min
COOK TIME: 10 min
Cookie
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – How to Measure Flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar – creates the signature tangy flavor
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter – just 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.
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 whole eggs – room temperature eggs incorporate the best
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ⅓ 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 ½ teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar.
How to Make SnickerdoodleS
- BATTER. In a medium bowl, stir the 2¾ cup flour, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer) cream together 1 cup butter (barely softened) and 1½ cups sugar. Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla and mix until it is well blended.
- SHAPE. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix well, and then shape the dough into 1-inch balls (no need to chill).
- COAT. In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon. Roll the dough balls into the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
- BAKE. Place on an un-greased pan, and bake at 350°F 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?
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.
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Snickerdoodle Recipe
Ingredients
Snickerdoodle Dough
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, just softened
- 1½ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- 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 ⅓ 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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Cover and store the dough from this snickerdoodle recipe in the fridge for 1-2 days. See How to Freeze Cookie Dough for tips.
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.
I made this just now and they are absolutely perfect! I lost my recipe a while back and I was so happy to find this one. These were my father’s favorite cookies. I used to make them for him, so when my son asked me to make some today…of course I said yes! For those who are wandering about cream of tarter…it really is best to use it. You can find it in any grocery store. It really isn’t a snickerdoodle without the cream of tartar. Follow the recipe just as it says and your cookies will be perfect. They do not take long at all to put together. Thank you for this recipe that helping me fill my house with wonderful smells and precious memori4s of my dad today.
Thank you so much for sharing that!! They really are the best!!
These cookies are wonderful! I followed the recipe exactly and loved them! Snickerdoodles are my husbands favorite cookie and this recipe did not disappoint!
They are one of my favorites, too! I am glad he does! Thank you so much for letting me know!
These are the BEST Snickerdoodles cookie! I made them for my husband’s work and everyone LOVES them and request I make them all the time now. My husband, who usually does not like this type of cookie, says they are delicious!! Thanks for a Great recipe!
I am so glad he likes them!! I love to hear that! Thank you so much for sharing that 🙂
This is my new favorite snickerdoodle recipe. The cookies are so soft and chewy just how we like them. My husband, who isn’t a sweets guy, has even made requests for these. THANKS for sharing!
I’ve made this recipe about 5 times now and they’re heaven every time. My family has started to request them for holidays and get-togethers, and there are never any leftovers. They keep well (when they last that long) and come out so soft and perfect! I’m so glad I found this recipe.
I am so glad you did too!! Thank you for letting me know!
I made these babies a month ago. Now my family wanta a new batch weekly. Awesome…
Woohoo!! I love to hear that. I am so glad they are a hit! Thank you!
The best snickerdoodle recipe ever! they are so sweet and soft and have a little bit of crunch !!! Perfect for fall????
I am so happy to hear that!! Thank you for trying them & letting me know!
I made these today and they weren’t fluffy like the picture shows. 🙁 They were really good though!! ????
Hmmm?? Not sure what happened. I am glad you still liked them, though!
Everybody went crazy for these! Our house smelled amazing, and they disappeared quickly! Thanks for the recipe!
Yay!! Love hearing that!! Thank you!
The cookies look so soft and buttery and amazing! I am one of those people who love a good cinnamon-flavored cookie and this recipe is definitely getting baked in my house this weekend 🙂