Heavenly Snickerdoodle Recipe

Irresistibly Cinnamon-Kissed Snickerdoodle Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Soft, pillowy, and dusted with cinnamon sugar, this heavenly snickerdoodle recipe promises pure baking bliss.

Classic cookies never tasted so good with such a simple yet magical combination of ingredients.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and warm spice that melts in your mouth.

Traditional baking methods meet delightful texture in these irresistible treats.

Crisp edges give way to a tender center that beckons you closer with its inviting aroma.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will fall in love with this straightforward recipe.

Grab your mixing bowl and prepare to create cookie perfection that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 25

All Ingredients For The BEST Snickerdoodle Recipe

For Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy base that creates tender cookie texture with deep flavor complexity.
  • Shortening: Helps achieve soft, fluffy cookie consistency and enhances overall tenderness.
  • Sugar: Sweetens cookies and contributes to golden-brown caramelized exterior.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and create structural support for perfect cookie shape.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and enhances overall sweet flavor profile.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Foundational ingredient creating cookie's structure and texture.
  • Cream of Tartar: Provides tangy flavor signature to traditional snickerdoodle and helps cookies stay soft.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates tender, light texture.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavor notes.
For Coating:
  • Granulated Sugar: Creates sparkling, crisp exterior with sweet crunch.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Delivers classic warm, spicy flavor and aromatic coating that defines snickerdoodle character.

Must-Have Tools For The BEST Snickerdoodle Recipe

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients and creating cookie dough.
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar to fluffy perfection.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure consistent cookie results.
  • Baking sheet: Provides even surface for baking cookies.
  • Parchment paper or cooking spray: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy removal.
  • Small bowl: Used for mixing cinnamon-sugar coating.
  • Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy.
  • Cookie scoop or spoon: Helps create uniform cookie sizes.

How To Make The BEST Snickerdoodle Recipe

  • Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 375F and get a baking sheet ready with parchment paper or a quick spray of grease.

  • Create Magical Cookie Dough

Cream together butter, shortening, and sugar until they’re light and dreamy. Blend in eggs and vanilla until silky smooth. In another bowl, mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough comes together.

  • Shape Cinnamon-Kissed Treats

Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll dough into adorable balls, then dance them through the sweet-spicy coating. Place each cookie with some breathing room on the baking sheet.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pop the cookies into the oven for 9-11 minutes. They’re ready when edges look set but centers remain tender. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a quick five minutes before moving to a cooling rack.

  • Indulge and Savor

Enjoy these heavenly treats with a cold glass of milk or steaming coffee. They’ll stay delicious in an airtight container for several days – if they last that long!

Smart Tips For The BEST Snickerdoodle Recipe

  • Perfect Chill Technique: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and create a thicker, chewier cookie.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Flavor Adventure: Experiment with adding orange zest or nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a unique twist on the classic snickerdoodle.
  • Vegan-Friendly Makeover: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based egg replacer, and choose vegan shortening to create a dairy-free version that's just as delicious.
  • Storage Pro Tip: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months, then bake directly from frozen state, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time for a fresh-baked treat anytime.

Serving The BEST Snickerdoodle Recipe Easily

  • Cozy Milk Companion: Pair these warm snickerdoodles with a cold glass of milk for a classic, comforting treat that brings back childhood memories.
  • Sweet Dessert Platter: Create a beautiful cookie display with different types of cookies like chocolate chip or sugar cookies to add variety and color to your snack spread.
  • Festive Party Favorite: Serve these cookies at holiday gatherings or family celebrations, where their warm cinnamon aroma will instantly make everyone feel welcome and excited.
  • Coffee Break Delight: Enjoy these soft, sugary cookies alongside a hot espresso or cappuccino for a delightful mid-afternoon pick-me-up that balances sweet and rich flavors.

Storage Tips For The BEST Snickerdoodle Recipe

  • Freshness First: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft, chewy texture for 5-7 days.
  • Cookie Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in freezer bags, and freeze up to 3 months for quick treats anytime.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough balls in advance, refrigerate for 24 hours, or freeze unbaked dough for spontaneous baking sessions.
  • Quick Serving Tips: Allow refrigerated dough to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking to ensure even spreading and perfect texture.
Print
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Heavenly Snickerdoodle Recipe

Heavenly Snickerdoodle Recipe


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4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Homemade snickerdoodle cookies bring classic cinnamon-sugar magic to dessert lovers. Crisp edges and tender centers make these traditional American treats irresistible to anyone wanting sweet comfort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • 2 tsps cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 1 ½ tbsps cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light grease coating.
  2. Creaming Process: Whip butter, shortening, and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth foundation for the cookies.
  3. Wet Ingredient Integration: Blend in eggs and vanilla extract, ensuring a uniform and silky consistency throughout the mixture.
  4. Dry Ingredient Combination: Thoroughly mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, creating a well-integrated dry base.
  5. Dough Formation: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, developing a soft and pliable dough that holds together effortlessly.
  6. Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Create a vibrant coating by mixing sugar and ground cinnamon, ensuring an even distribution of the warm, aromatic spice.
  7. Cookie Shaping: Form uniform dough balls, rolling each one generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to achieve a complete and enticing exterior.
  8. Baking Technique: Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared sheet, spacing them to allow for elegant spreading, and bake for 9-11 minutes until edges turn golden while maintaining soft, tender centers.
  9. Cooling Protocol: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to complete the cooling process, allowing them to set perfectly.
  10. Serving Suggestion: Enjoy the snickerdoodles warm, paired with your favorite beverage, and store any remaining cookies in an airtight container to preserve their delightful texture for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for optimal dough consistency and cookie texture.
  • Avoid Overmixing Dough: Mix ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense cookies with a rubbery texture.
  • Chill Dough for Better Spread: Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before baking to control cookie spread and enhance flavor development.
  • Accurate Coating Technique: Roll dough balls completely in cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring full and even coverage for maximum flavor punch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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