Heavenly Snickerdoodle Recipe

Angelic Snickerdoodle Recipe: Treat Yourself to Sweet Bliss

Soft, pillowy cookies dusted with cinnamon sugar bring pure delight to any snickerdoodle recipe that promises comfort and nostalgia.

These classic treats melt in your mouth with a tender crumb and delicate sweetness.

Generations of bakers have cherished this simple yet irresistible cookie that captures childhood memories.

The crackly, sugar-coated exterior gives way to a buttery, mildly tangy center that dances on your palate.

Warm spices and a crisp edge create an enchanting contrast in every single bite.

Each cookie emerges from the oven golden and inviting, ready to become your new favorite sweet indulgence.

Roll up your sleeves and let’s transform basic ingredients into a batch of pure magic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 155 kcal

Servings: 24

Ingredients for The BEST Snickerdoodle Recipe

For The Dough Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the tender, pillowy foundation that gives snickerdoodles their signature soft texture.
  • Cream of Tartar: Magical ingredient that provides the classic tangy flavor and helps cookies maintain a soft, chewy center.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread perfectly, creating those beautiful crackly edges.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the cookie.
For Sweetness and Richness:
  • Granulated Sugar: Delivers pure sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
  • Unsalted Butter: Brings rich, creamy flavor and contributes to the cookie's melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure to the cookie dough.
For Coating and Flavor:
  • Cinnamon, Granulated Sugar: Create the iconic snickerdoodle outer layer with a warm, aromatic cinnamon embrace that makes these cookies irresistible.

What You’ll Need for Snickerdoodle

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients and creaming butter and sugar.
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer: Helps create smooth, fluffy cookie dough quickly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Baking sheet: Flat surface for baking cookies evenly.
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Small bowl: For mixing cinnamon-sugar coating.
  • Whisk or fork: For blending coating ingredients.
  • Cookie scoop or spoon: Creates uniform cookie sizes for consistent baking.
  • Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool without getting soggy on the bottom.

How to Make The BEST Snickerdoodles

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F, getting it ready for some sweet magic.

  • Prepare the Baking Surface

Grab a baking sheet and either line it with parchment paper or give it a light coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

  • Whip Up the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until they become light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, blend flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth dough forms.

  • Create Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.

  • Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls, then generously roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring a complete and even coating.

  • Arrange and Bake

Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are soft.

  • Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, these soft, chewy snickerdoodles are ready to be devoured!

Snickerdoodle Recipe Twists & Tips

  • Soft Texture Secret: Chill the cookie dough for 30-45 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain a perfectly plump shape.
  • Flavor Boost Tip: Use high-quality ground cinnamon or even try a blend of cinnamon and cardamom for an extra aromatic twist.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring you add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum to help bind the cookies.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, use a plant-based egg substitute like flax egg, and choose vegan-friendly sugar to create a dairy-free and egg-free version of these classic cookies.
  • Storage Wisdom: Store snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing a piece of bread in the container to help maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Serving The BEST Snickerdoodles

  • Cozy Milk Pairing: Serve these warm snickerdoodles with a cold glass of creamy milk for the ultimate comfort dessert experience. The sweetness of the cookie complements the smooth, cool milk perfectly.
  • Holiday Gift Idea: Package these cookies in a cute mason jar or decorative tin with a ribbon for a heartwarming homemade gift. Friends and family will love receiving these classic, cinnamon-sugar treats.
  • Dessert Plate Styling: Arrange the snickerdoodles on a rustic wooden board with a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar. Add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side for an elegant touch that elevates the simple cookie.
  • Coffee Break Companion: Pair these soft, chewy snickerdoodles with a hot espresso or cappuccino for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up. The warm spices in the cookie complement the rich coffee flavors beautifully.

How to Store Snickerdoodles for Later

  • Freshness First: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freezer-Friendly Trick: Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to cooking time.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before rolling and baking for best results.
  • Crisp & Soft Balance: Keep cookies soft by adding a slice of bread to the storage container, which helps maintain moisture and prevents them from becoming dry or crumbly.
Print
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Heavenly Snickerdoodle Recipe

Heavenly Snickerdoodle Recipe


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4.5 from 38 reviews

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

Description

Homemade snickerdoodle cookies dance with cinnamon sugar perfection, blending classic American bakery charm. Crisp edges and tender centers create irresistible comfort for cookie enthusiasts craving sweet warmth.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (340 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsps cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for coating)
  • 1 ½ tbsps cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Preparation: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat distribution.
  2. Surface Setup: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease to prevent cookie adhesion.
  3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until uniformly blended.
  4. Butter-Sugar Transformation: Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl, whipping until the mixture achieves a pale, airy consistency.
  5. Egg Integration: Gradually incorporate eggs into the butter-sugar base, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth, homogeneous batter.
  6. Dough Composition: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
  7. Coating Mixture: Prepare a separate bowl with cinnamon and sugar for cookie exterior.
  8. Shaping and Coating: Form dough into uniform tablespoon-sized balls, then roll each completely in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to ensure full coverage.
  9. Baking Configuration: Arrange coated dough balls on the prepared sheet, spacing them approximately two inches apart to allow for expansion.
  10. Baking and Finishing: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden yet centers remain soft. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

  • Soften Butter Perfectly: Achieve room temperature butter by leaving it out for 30-45 minutes, ensuring smooth creaming without melting. Soft butter creates a light, tender cookie texture.
  • Prevent Overmixing Dough: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough, dense cookies instead of soft, delicate snickerdoodles.
  • Create Consistent Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure dough balls equally. Uniform size guarantees even baking and consistent texture across all cookies.
  • Customize Cinnamon Coating: Adjust cinnamon-sugar ratio to personal preference. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra flavor dimension that elevates the classic snickerdoodle taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 45 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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