Best Soft Snickerdoodle Cookie with a Twist
Why Snickerdoodles Are a Year-Round Favorite
These cookies are a holiday staple for sure, especially around Christmas, but honestly, they are just as perfect any time of the year. Whether you're enjoying them with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, taking them to a bake sale, or sharing with a neighbor, snickerdoodles always hit the spot.
A Cookie Person’s Best Friend
I’m definitely a cookie person. One thing I love is making a big batch and freezing some for later. There was a time when my freezer was packed with different kinds of cookies, and it felt like a little treasure trove. Knowing I had fresh-baked cookies waiting made my belly happy on so many lazy days.
What You’ll Need for the Best Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies
This simple list of ingredients is all you need to create soft, cinnamon-sugar perfection.
- • All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups): This gives the cookies structure and that soft, tender bite. You could use bread flour, but it has more protein, which can make your cookies tougher and chewier.
- • Cream of tartar (1 ½ teaspoons): This helps activate the baking soda and gives snickerdoodles their signature tang and soft texture. Without it, they’re just cinnamon cookies.
- • Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Works with the cream of tartar to help the cookies puff slightly and spread just the right amount.
- • Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): A good cinnamon makes a difference. I recommend Korintje cinnamon for a smooth, aromatic flavor that adds warmth and sweetness.
- • Butter (1 cup, softened): Always butter, never margarine. Butter gives these cookies that rich flavor and soft bite.
- • Granulated sugar (1 cup): White sugar gives crisp edges and contributes to the perfect texture.
- • Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle chew, bringing out a deeper flavor.
- • Egg (1 large): The egg binds everything together and helps with texture.
- • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Use pure vanilla extract for a warm, rich flavor.
- • Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon, in sugar coating): Just a pinch enhances the cinnamon flavor and adds an extra layer of warmth.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather these kitchen basics to make things easier (and a little more fun). Snickerdoodles don’t require anything fancy, but a few helpful tools go a long way:
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Baking Sheet
A sturdy baking sheet is key. If it’s too thin, the bottoms might brown too quickly. I like to line mine with parchment paper for easy cleanup. -
Mixer (Hand or Stand)
You’ll need a mixer to cream the butter and sugars properly. A stand mixer is great, but a hand mixer gets the job done just fine too. -
Mixing Bowl
One medium or large bowl will be enough if you're using a stand mixer. If not, you might want two—one for dry and one for wet ingredients. -
Cookie Scoop or Ice Cream Scoop
This helps portion the dough evenly, so your cookies bake at the same rate. Plus, it keeps your hands cleaner. -
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accuracy matters, especially with baking soda and cream of tartar. Dry measuring cups for the flour and sugar, and measuring spoons for the rest.
Watch the Snickerdoodles Come to Life
Sometimes it helps to see it all in action. In this video, I walk you through every step of making these soft, cinnamon-sugar coated snickerdoodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do snickerdoodles have cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar helps activate the baking soda and gives snickerdoodles their signature tang and soft texture.
What makes snickerdoodles chewy instead of crunchy?
The combination of cream of tartar, brown sugar, and butter helps create that soft, chewy texture.
How do I get more crinkles on my snickerdoodles?
Roll larger dough balls, don’t press them down, and increasing baking soda to 1 teaspoon can encourage more cracking.
Can I freeze snickerdoodle cookie dough? How do I thaw and bake it?
Yes, you can freeze dough balls. Freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
How long do snickerdoodles stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, snickerdoodles stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days.
Why did my snickerdoodles turn out flat?
This can happen if the dough is overmixed or if too much flour is used. Follow the recipe carefully and measure ingredients accurately.
More Sweet to Love
Whether you're baking a batch to share or sneaking one straight from the freezer, these snickerdoodles are the kind of cookie that never goes out of style. Bake a few, freeze some for later, and enjoy them whenever the craving hits. And if you're in the mood to keep the sweet going, don't miss my Ultimate S’mores Bar. It's a cozy and fun way to build your own dessert moment at home. You can check it out right here and save it for your next gathering or a night in.
Thanks for hanging out! Just a quick heads-up: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep things rolling around here!
Hey, if you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! A quick rating helps others out too, and if you added your own twist, let’s talk about it!