Snickerdoodle Recipe: Soft & Delicious!

Okay, Mom Tribe, gather ’round! Let’s talk about the Snickerdoodle recipe that’s saved my sanity more times than I can count. You know those days? The ones where the kids are bouncing off the walls, dinner’s a distant memory, and you need a win, like, now? This is your answer.

I remember the first time I made this Snickerdoodle recipe. It was a rainy Saturday, the kind where everyone was cooped up inside, driving each other (and me!) crazy. The air was thick with that “I’m bored!” tension. I needed a distraction, something that would get everyone involved and, let’s be honest, give me five minutes of peace.

I pulled out the ingredients, and my little ones’ eyes lit up. Flour dusted the counters, cinnamon filled the air, and for a brief, beautiful moment, there was harmony in my kitchen. Those cinnamon sugar cookies weren’t just cookies; they were a memory, a little pocket of sunshine on a gloomy day. What made it so memorable was the pure, unadulterated joy on my kids’ faces as they rolled those dough balls in cinnamon sugar. It was a messy, chaotic, utterly perfect moment.

This Snickerdoodle recipe fits into my family life because it’s simple, quick, and everyone loves it. It’s the perfect treat for a rainy day, a school bake sale, or just because. My relationship with this Snickerdoodle recipe? Lifelong. It’s a constant in the ever-changing landscape of motherhood.

So, fellow kitchen warriors, if you’re looking for a soft Snickerdoodle recipe that’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your family’s faces, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get baking!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Alright, mamas, let’s get down to brass tacks. This Snickerdoodle recipe ingredient list is short and sweet because, trust me, I don’t have time for fancy!

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s softened, not melted! Trust me, it makes a difference.
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Good old white sugar. Nothing fancy here.
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a little extra chewiness.
  • 1 large egg: Because eggs are magical binding agents.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Don’t skimp on the vanilla! It adds a cozy warmth.
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookies.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: For that perfect puff.
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar: This is what gives cream of tartar Snickerdoodle its signature tang! Don’t skip it!
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
  • For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
    • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
    • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Because what’s a Snickerdoodle recipe without cinnamon?!

No worries if you don’t have brown sugar – I use molasses and a bit more white sugar all the time in my Snickerdoodle recipe.

You can grab all of these ingredients at Target or Walmart while doing your regular grocery run. This Snickerdoodle recipe doesn’t have to break the bank, either! Generic brands work just as well.

Here’s a Snickerdoodle recipe trick that saved my sanity: I pre-measure all my dry ingredients into a container the night before. That way, when the craving hits, I’m halfway there!

Storage wisdom? These cinnamon sugar cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll keep in an airtight container for up to three days. Though, let’s be real, they’ll probably be gone way before that!

My family loves when I add a tiny pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. It adds a little something special that everyone raves about. Feel free to experiment!

Snickerdoodle recipe ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, spices, and vanilla on a marble countertop

Let’s Make it Happen!

Okay, Mom Tribe, let’s get our hands dirty and make this Snickerdoodle recipe happen! Remember, it’s okay if things get a little messy – that’s part of the fun!

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. This Snickerdoodle recipe is all about that soft, chewy texture.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. This is your cinnamon-sugar coating!
  7. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Then, roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
  8. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
  9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Don’t overbake them! You want them to be soft and chewy, not crispy.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

In my chaotic kitchen, this Snickerdoodle recipe usually takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile!

Your Snickerdoodle recipe should smell amazing by now. That cinnamon-sugar scent is just heavenly!

Here’s where I used to mess up my Snickerdoodle recipe – don’t make my mistake! I would always overbake them, thinking they needed to be golden brown all over. Nope! They should still be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.

Don’t panic if your Snickerdoodle recipe looks a little puffy when they come out of the oven. They’ll flatten out as they cool.

While your Snickerdoodle recipe is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! You deserve it!

Looking for more delicious treats? These cinnamon sugar cookies remind me of another family favorite, Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake.

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, so you’ve got a batch of warm, gooey soft Snickerdoodle recipe sitting on your counter. Now what? Here’s how we love to devour them at my house:

The kids devour this Snickerdoodle recipe when I serve it with a tall glass of cold milk. It’s the perfect afternoon snack or after-dinner treat. Sometimes, I’ll even crumble them over vanilla ice cream for an extra-special dessert.

These Snickerdoodle recipe are perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need a little something sweet to bribe…I mean, reward, everyone for eating their veggies. 😉

Presentation tips that actually matter to families? Skip the fancy platters! I just pile them high on a plate and let everyone dig in. The more casual, the better!

Leftover ideas? Ha! What leftovers? Okay, if you happen to have any leftover cinnamon sugar cookies (a rare occurrence in my house), you can crumble them up and use them as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.

For a seasonal variation, try adding a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture in the fall. It’s a delicious twist on a classic! Or you can check out these Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls for another seasonal favorite.

I remember one time I brought a batch of these easy Snickerdoodle recipe to a playdate, and the moms went wild! They couldn’t believe how easy they were to make, and everyone raved about the taste. It was a total mom win! If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for this Black Bean Butternut Squash Stew!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Alright, Mom Tribe, let’s tackle those burning questions you have about this best Snickerdoodle recipe. I’ve been there, I’ve messed up, and I’m here to share my wisdom (and my mistakes!) with you.

  • Can my picky eater handle this Snickerdoodle recipe?
    • Most likely, yes! The flavor is mild and sweet, and the texture is soft and chewy. You can even let your picky eater help with the baking process – sometimes, kids are more likely to try something they helped make!
  • What if I don’t have cream of tartar?
    • Okay, this is a big one. The cream of tartar is what gives cream of tartar Snickerdoodle its signature tang and chewy texture. If you absolutely don’t have it, you can try substituting it with lemon juice or vinegar (1/2 teaspoon), but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Honestly, I highly recommend just grabbing some cream of tartar. It’s a key ingredient in this Snickerdoodle recipe!
  • What if I burn my Snickerdoodle recipe? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)
    • Been there, done that! If they’re just slightly burned, you can try scraping off the burnt parts with a knife. But if they’re completely ruined, don’t beat yourself up! We all have kitchen fails. Just throw them away and start a new batch. Tomorrow is always a fresh day!
  • Can I make this Snickerdoodle recipe ahead for meal prep?
    • You can definitely make the dough ahead of time! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it into balls and baking.
  • Can I freeze these Snickerdoodle recipe?
    • Yes! You can freeze the unbaked dough balls or the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, roll it into balls, coat them in cinnamon sugar, and then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. To bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. You can follow instructions from other experts as well, for example, check out Soft & Thick Snickerdoodles – Sally’s Baking! To freeze the baked cookies, let them cool completely and then store them in a freezer bag or airtight container.
  • My cookies are flat and spread out too much. What did I do wrong?
    • This usually happens when the butter is too soft. Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted. You can also try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
  • Can I add chocolate chips to this Snickerdoodle recipe?
    • Okay, purists might disagree, but I say go for it! Chocolate chips make everything better. Just add about 1/2 cup of your favorite chocolate chips to the dough.

For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out Mommy Made Meals website!

Final Thoughts:

This Snickerdoodle recipe is special to my family because it’s more than just a cookie; it’s a memory maker. It’s the smell of cinnamon filling the air, the laughter of my kids rolling dough balls, and the feeling of warmth and comfort that comes from sharing something homemade.

Here are some Snickerdoodle recipe Mom Hacks I’ve learned over the years:

  • Pre-measure your dry ingredients. This saves time and makes the baking process go much smoother.
  • Use a cookie scoop. This ensures that all your cookies are the same size, so they bake evenly.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment! Add a pinch of nutmeg, a dash of almond extract, or even a few chocolate chips to make this Snickerdoodle recipe your own.

Here are a few family-tested Snickerdoodle recipe variations:

  • Lemon Snickerdoodles: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough and the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  • Maple Snickerdoodles: Substitute maple syrup for the vanilla extract and add a pinch of maple flavoring to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  • Gingerbread Snickerdoodles: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves to the dough.

My daughter loves the Lemon Snickerdoodles, while my son is a fan of the classic cream of tartar Snickerdoodle. Me? I love them all! Just like recipes from The Best Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe – Modern Honey or The Best Snickerdoodle Recipe | Lil’ Luna this Snickerdoodle recipe is a keeper!

I hope you try this Snickerdoodle recipe and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun in the kitchen!

You’ve got this, Mom Tribe! Happy baking!

A plate of freshly baked, golden Snickerdoodle cookies.

 

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Snickerdoodle recipe

Golden Snickerdoodles on a Plate

These classic snickerdoodle cookies are soft, chewy, and coated in a generous layer of cinnamon sugar. A simple and satisfying treat perfect for any occasion!

  • Author: Vivien
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (192g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and cinnamon.
  7. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  8. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
  9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For an extra chewy texture, slightly underbake the cookies. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

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