Name: Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 19 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp cream of tartar; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

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If you’re craving a warm, cozy treat that melts in your mouth with every bite, this Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are the perfect balance of buttery softness and a delightfully crackled cinnamon sugar crust that will remind you of fresh-baked goodness from your childhood. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe delivers unbelievably tender cookies that are bursting with classic snickerdoodle flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface: in the center is a large clear glass bowl filled with white flour. Around it are smaller clear glass bowls holding white granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and a light beige powder. There are two small silver metal cups, one with white granulated salt and the other with a brown powder. A pale brown egg, an unopened light beige stick of unsalted butter with a labeled wrapper, a green container of baking soda, and a small red and white container of cream of tartar are also placed among the bowls. The setup is clean and organized for baking preparation. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple, commonly found ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s soft, flavorful, and full of that special snickerdoodle magic. Every component plays its part, whether adding richness, a perfect crumb, or that iconic cinnamon-sugar coating.

1/2 cup butter, unsalted (room temperature): Room temperature butter ensures smooth creaming for a light, tender cookie.
1/2 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s crisp edges.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings moisture and subtle caramel notes to the cookies.
1 egg: Binds the dough and contributes to the cookie’s soft texture.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the warm flavors without overpowering cinnamon.
1½ cup flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender.
1 tsp cinnamon: The star spice that defines snickerdoodles with a fragrant warmth.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
1/2 tsp cream of tartar: Adds a signature tang and chewiness to the dough.
1/2 tsp sea salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the cinnamon flavor.
Extra cinnamon and sugar for rolling (1/4 cup sugar + 1/2 tsp cinnamon): Creates that irresistible crackly and cinnamon-sugar crust.

How to Make Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining three baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures even baking and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is critical for aerating the dough and giving your snickerdoodles that tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter mixture for about one minute. Incorporating these ingredients well helps bind everything and adds deep, rounded flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and sea salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly prevents lumps and ensures even flavor distribution.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in two batches, folding gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which could toughen your cookies.

Step 6: Roll Dough in Cinnamon Sugar

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out dough and roll it into balls. Then generously coat each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture, which is essential for that classic snickerdoodle crust.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the coated dough balls 2 inches apart on your baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through for even cooking. The cookies should look just barely brown with a slightly puffy, cracked surface—underbaking slightly keeps them soft.

Step 8: Cool and Transfer

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets until firm enough to move to wire racks. This resting time lets them set so you don’t lose that signature softness when handling.

How to Serve Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to add a little visual flair or extra flavor boost, sprinkle a touch of cinnamon sugar on top right after baking or dust with powdered sugar. For a cozy touch, serve with a light drizzle of vanilla glaze.

Side Dishes

Soft snickerdoodles pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee or chai. For an indulgent treat, enjoy them alongside a scoop of cinnamon ice cream or a warm apple compote.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your cookies with layers of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for a snickerdoodle shortcake dessert. They also make charming sandwich cookies filled with your favorite jams, nut butters, or chocolate spreads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your freshly baked Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their softness. They stay perfectly tender and delicious for 3 to 5 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or freeze fully baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store them in a freezer-safe container and thaw baked cookies at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked softness, gently warm the cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Enjoy that fresh-baked feeling all over again!

FAQs

What makes snickerdoodles soft?

The combination of cream of tartar, baking soda, and careful baking time helps create the signature soft and chewy texture of snickerdoodles. Avoiding over-baking is also key to keeping them tender.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt levels, you can use salted butter if needed—just reduce or omit the added sea salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.

Why do traditional snickerdoodles have cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar adds a slight tanginess and reacts with baking soda to provide the unique chewiness and rise that define snickerdoodles compared to other sugar cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure to check that your blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

How should I store leftover cinnamon sugar mixture?

Store any leftover cinnamon sugar in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for several weeks and can be used on toast, coffee, or for rolling more cookies!

Final Thoughts

Baking this Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy cinnamon-scented hug. Soft, chewy, and full of comforting flavor, these cookies are a timeless treat that’s bound to become a household favorite. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be rewarded with batch after batch of perfect snickerdoodle bliss!