Snickerdoodle cookies are a classic, old-fashioned treat that instantly brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Known for their soft, chewy centers, lightly crisp edges, and signature cinnamon-sugar coating, these cookies are simple yet incredibly satisfying. Unlike ordinary sugar cookies, snickerdoodles have a subtle tang from cream of tartar, which gives them their distinctive flavor and pillowy texture.
Perfect for holidays, bake sales, afternoon tea, or cozy evenings at home, Snickerdoodle Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar are easy to make and loved by all ages. Their irresistible aroma alone makes them worth baking!
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s nostalgic, comforting, and foolproof. The cookies bake up soft and tender every time, with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Rolling the dough in cinnamon sugar is fun and creates that iconic crackled surface that makes snickerdoodles so special.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
- Soft and chewy with lightly crisp edges
- Classic cinnamon-sugar flavor everyone loves
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for holidays, gifting, or everyday treats
- No chilling required
Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 130–150 kcal
- Course: Dessert / Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
Cooking Directions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and mix until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients and mix into dough.
- Roll dough into balls and coat with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake until edges are set and centers are soft.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. - Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. - Add Eggs:
Mix in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. - Combine Dough:
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. - Prepare Cinnamon Sugar:
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. - Shape Cookies:
Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in cinnamon sugar. - Bake:
Place cookies 2 inches apart and bake for 10–12 minutes. - Cool:
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

How to Serve
- Serve warm with milk, tea, or coffee
- Add to holiday cookie platters
- Pack as lunchbox treats
- Gift in decorative cookie boxes
Recipe Tips
- Do not overbake—centers should look slightly soft.
- Use room-temperature butter for best texture.
- Measure flour correctly to avoid dry cookies.
- For thicker cookies, chill dough for 15 minutes.
Variations
Soft Bakery-Style Snickerdoodles
Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch to the dry ingredients.
Extra Cinnamon Flavor
Increase cinnamon in the coating to 2 tablespoons.
Chocolate Snickerdoodles
Mix ½ cup mini chocolate chips into the dough.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles
Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice mix in the coating.
Freezing and Storage Time
Storage
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days.
Freezing
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
- Freeze dough balls (before coating) for up to 2 months.
Special Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Conclusion
Snickerdoodle Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar are a timeless classic that never disappoints. With their soft texture, warm spice, and nostalgic flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and impossible to resist, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking collection.
Snickerdoodle Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar
Description
Snickerdoodle cookies are a classic, old-fashioned treat that instantly brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Known for their soft, chewy centers, lightly crisp edges, and signature cinnamon-sugar coating, these cookies are simple yet incredibly satisfying. Unlike ordinary sugar cookies, snickerdoodles have a subtle tang from cream of tartar, which gives them their distinctive flavor and pillowy texture.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
For Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add Eggs: Mix in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
-
Combine Dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
-
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
-
Shape Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in cinnamon sugar.
-
Bake: Place cookies 2 inches apart and bake for 10–12 minutes.
-
Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
