• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
  • All Recipes
  • Dinner

Veronika's Kitchen logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Contact Us
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Contact Us
×
Home » Course » Dessert » Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

Published: Apr 25, 2017 · Modified: Aug 19, 2022 by Veronika's Kitchen * This post may contain affiliate links

Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

These are the best soft and chewy Snickerdoodle cookies with perfectly crispy edges. The recipe is super easy and doesn’t require dough chilling. Make a double batch as they disappear very quickly!

A close up photo of snickerdoodle cookies.

If you would ask me about my favorite cookies, I would definitely tell you; Snickerdoodles! They have a delicious sugar/cinnamon crisp outside, while staying soft and chewy inside.

While snickerdoodles are mostly popular during the Holiday season, I love baking them all year around! The same with my other favorite cookies, like White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies, Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies, Donut Cookies, Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe, Brownie Cookies, Apricot Rugelach, Danish Butter Cookies Recipe, Pistachio Cookies, and many others.

Why this recipe works

Here is what makes these cookies the best:

  1. Creaming butter and sugar before adding any other ingredients insures the soft and buttery texture. This step is important for any cookie recipe!
  2. Cream of tartar helps the dough rise and makes the cookies thick and airy. It also provides the classic tangy flavor.
  3. The right amount of sugar/cinnamon mixture creates the perfect aromatic crispy edges.
  4. The high temperature bakes snickerdoodle fast and creates crunchy “shell”. Plus, it helps not to spread the cookies too much.
Snickerdoodle cookies on a light pink plate.

Why to use Cream of Tartar

Many people ask if it is necessary to use Cream of Tartar in Snickerdoodles Cookies recipe, or if this ingredient can be substituted. Both answers will be, yes. Here is a brief explanation of how Cream of Tartar works and how you can either use or replace it with other ingredients.

If you already read my post about “Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder”, you probably remember that baking soda is a base ingredient that requires some acid to activate. Cream of Tartar contains acid that helps baking soda activate. Together they create carbon dioxide, which allows your cookies to rise.

Because we don’t use any other acid ingredients to activate baking soda in this recipe (like lemon juice, vinegar, yogurt, sour cream), Cream of Tartar does a great job to help to make your Snickerdoodles soft and fluffy.

Also, this ingredient provides a classic tangy flavor that makes these cookies for popular!

How to make them without Cream of Tartar

However, if you don’t have this ingredient in your pantry, you can easily substitute it with adding some lemon juice. The proportion should be 2:1 (2 teaspoons of lemon juice per 1 teaspoon of baking soda). In this recipe, we are using 1 teaspoon of baking soda. So, if you don’t have Cream of Tartar, you can add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. The final results will be quite similar but you won’t have the same flavor.

Ingredients for Snickerdoodle Cookies.

How to make it

Preheat your oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat and set it aside.

In a mixing bowl mix all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt (Photos 1-4).

Process photos of how to make snickerdoodle cookies.

In a separate large mixing bowl, using a mixer or a spatula, cream the butter and sugar together until light and airy (Photos 5-8).

NOTE: Creaming butter and sugar is important step that helps the snickerdoodle cookies to be light and soft.

Process photos of how to make snickerdoodle cookies.

Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix it together until well combined (Photos 9-11).

Process photos of how to make snickerdoodle cookies.

Add dry ingredients to the mixture and fold it in until well combined (Photos 12-13).

Process photos of how to make snickerdoodle cookies.

Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and set it aside (Photos 14-16).

Using a 1 ½ tablespoon size ice cream scoop or a regular tablespoon, scoop the dough into the balls and roll them around in the cinnamon/sugar mixture to coat (Photo 17).

Process photos of how to make snickerdoodle cookies.

Put the cookies on a baking sheet about 2 inches apart and bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes.

Cool the cookies on a baking sheet for 10 minutes, then remove them to a wire rack.

Snickerdoodle cookies on a baking sheet before and after baking.

Tips for best results

Cream Butter and Sugar! Always cream these two ingredients until light and fluffy. That will make your cookies super soft.

Fold Dry Ingredients. While I use a mixer to mix wet ingredients, I prefer to FOLD dry ingredients into the wet. The main reason is you don’t want to overmix the dough, otherwise it will be tough. When you fold manually you can better feel the dough texture and won’t need to mix too much.

Don’t overbake the cookies! When the cookies are done, they will have golden edges on the sides, but will still look under baked in the middle. Just take the out and let them sit on the baking sheet for another 10 minutes. They will continue to bake and set. If you overbake them, they will be tough and dry.

FREQUANTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

How to store?

You can put the cookies in an air tight container and they will stay fresh for 1 week.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Wrap the cookie dough in a plastic wrap and foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, place it on the counter for 30-40 minutes to soften. Then scoop, roll into cinnamon/sugar mixture, and bake.

Snickerdoodle cookies on a light pink plate.

Did you make this recipe?!? I’d love to know how it turned out! leave a comment and a rating below👇 thank you!

A close up photo of snickerdoodle cookies.
Print Recipe
5 from 12 votes

Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

These are the best soft and chewy Snickerdoodle cookies with perfectly crispy edges. The recipe is super easy and doesn’t require dough chilling. Make a double batch as they disappear very quickly!
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 30 cookies
Calories: 140kcal
Author: Veronika’s Kitchen

Ingredients

Ingredients for Cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ¾ cups all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar:

  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat and set it aside.
  • In a mixing bowl mix all-purpose flour, cream of tartar,baking soda, and salt.
  • In a separate large mixing bowl, using a mixer or a spatula,cream the butter and sugar together until light and airy.
  • Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix it together until well combined.
  • Add dry ingredients to the mixture and fold it in until well combined.
  • Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and set it aside.
  • Using a 1 ½ tablespoon size ice cream scoop or a regular tablespoon, scoop the dough into the balls and roll them around in the cinnamon/sugar mixture to coat.
  • Put the cookies on a baking sheet about 2 inches apart and bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes.
  • Cool the cookies on a baking sheet for 10 minutes, then remove them to a wire rack.

Video

Notes

Cream Butter and Sugar! Always cream these two ingredients until light and fluffy. That will make your cookies super soft.
Fold Dry Ingredients. While I use a mixer to mix wet ingredients, I prefer to FOLD dry ingredients into the wet. The main reason is you don’t want to overmix the dough, otherwise it will be tough. When you fold manually you can better feel the dough texture and won’t need to mix too much.
Don’t overbake the cookies! When the cookies are done, they will have golden edges on the sides, but will still look under baked in the middle. Just take the out and let them sit on the baking sheet for another 10 minutes. They will continue to bake and set. If you overbake them, they will be tough and dry.
How to store? You can put the cookies in an air tight container and they will stay fresh for 1 week.
Can I freeze the dough? Yes! Wrap the cookie dough in a plastic wrap and foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, place it on the counter for 30-40 minutes to soften. Then scoop, roll into cinnamon/sugar mixture, and bake.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 61mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 205IU | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to know how it turned out! Please let me know by leaving a review below. Or snap a photo and share it on Instagram; be sure to tag me @veronikaskitchen.

Update Notes: This post was originally published in 2017, but was republished with new photos, step by step instructions, tips, and FAQs in Feb of 2020.

More Dessert Recipes

  • Folded puff pastry with melted chocolate.
    Chocolate Puff Pastry
  • A sliced cake, topped with apples, sitting on a plate on a table.
    Apple Sponge Cake (Sharlotka)
  • Apple and Blueberry Crumble with a spoon of ice cream and mint leaves in a bowl.
    Apple and Blueberry Crumble
  • Dates, filled with peanut butter, covered with chocolate, and topped with chopped peanuts, on a white plate.
    Chocolate Covered Dates

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Jodean Yarbrough says

    November 29, 2023 at 1:21 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve been trying different recipes in hope of finding the perfect snickerdoodle, I can stop now. This has to be my best batch of Snickerdoodles, ever! Thank you for sharing the recipe, which will be my go to Snickerdoodle recipe.

    Reply
  2. Emmi says

    March 03, 2022 at 1:07 am

    5 stars
    It’s midnight central time in the Midwest. Had to make my first snickerdoodle cookies! I purposely halved this recipe. Worked perfectly! The cookies look identical to the blog pictures! They are cooling now. They smell so good. I got 12 puffy pillows of cinnamon sugar goodness to have with my morning coffee in the AM. Thanks 🙂

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      March 09, 2022 at 9:28 am

      Thank you so much, Emmi! Midnight is the perfect time to bake some cookies 😉

      Reply
  3. Healing Tomato says

    December 26, 2021 at 6:30 pm

    5 stars
    Oooh, I love snickerdoodle flavors in everything! Your recipe is so easy to make and I plan to make it all year round!

    Reply
  4. Chandice says

    December 26, 2021 at 4:04 pm

    5 stars
    Ever since I was a little girl snickerdoodles were one of my favorite cookies! I love how soft and chewy these turn out. Thank you so much!

    Reply
  5. Naïby says

    December 26, 2021 at 2:47 pm

    5 stars
    So simple to make, yes. Thanks for your explanation on the cream of tartar. Sometimes I forget all about the chemical process.

    Reply
  6. susan | the wimpy vegetarian says

    December 25, 2021 at 6:15 pm

    5 stars
    Snickerdoodles are one of my very favorite cookies, if only because of their name, lol. I love the idea of making the cookie dough, roll it into balls and freezing to bake off later!

    Reply
  7. Brianna says

    December 25, 2021 at 6:01 pm

    5 stars
    Soft and full of cinnamony goodness! One of my favorite cookies and your recipe was super easy to make.

    Reply
  8. veenaazmanov says

    December 24, 2021 at 11:38 pm

    5 stars
    Simple , quick and easy and sounds perfect for a snack box or Tea time treat option.

    Reply
  9. Sharon says

    December 24, 2021 at 8:52 pm

    5 stars
    These snickerdoodles are such a great classic cookie experience that is a favorite here in our house. Very easy to make too.

    Reply
  10. Amy Liu Dong says

    December 24, 2021 at 7:12 am

    5 stars
    I have never tried to make a Snickerdoodles cookies, but that recipe looks delicious and easy. Thank you!

    Reply
  11. Lauren Michael Harris says

    December 21, 2021 at 8:13 pm

    5 stars
    Snickerdoodles are one of my favorite cookies ever! They are just so perfect for Christmas!

    Reply
  12. Gloria says

    December 20, 2021 at 10:31 am

    5 stars
    The classic cookie is always a hit. Perfect for the holiday treat tray. Great all year long.

    Reply
  13. Kaye says

    October 01, 2020 at 5:42 am

    They turned out absolutely perfect! I was pretty nervous because when you say something like, “When you fold manually you can better feel the dough texture and won’t need to mix too much” I have no idea what you mean! I am a very new dessert baker and that sentence really meant nothing to me. How exactly is the dough supposed to feel? I’m glad I went ahead anyway without knowing because it was super easy and the end result delicious.

    Reply
  14. Nikita says

    March 29, 2020 at 10:07 am

    Should step 4.5 be “refrigerate dough for xx minutes”? You mention refrigeration in the history and how to but not in the actual recipe.

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      February 03, 2021 at 10:15 am

      No, you don’t need to refrigerate the dough.

      Reply
  15. Rose says

    December 01, 2019 at 8:46 pm

    Hey Veronika, just wanted to let you know that in the bit where you talked about substituting lemon juice for cream of tartar you say that the recipe calls for half a tsp of baking soda when it’s actually a full tsp!
    Also, for anyone who is trying to make this recipe vegan, I used 1/4 cup of apple sauce per egg and it worked super well.
    Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • AK says

      January 26, 2021 at 9:18 pm

      Hi I was wondering what you subbed for the butter bc I tried vegetable oil and it didn’t taste right? Thank you

      Reply
  16. Doreen says

    March 24, 2018 at 11:12 am

    Hi Veronika

    Once made, what is the shelf life for snickerdoodles?

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      March 25, 2018 at 8:17 pm

      Hi Doreen! I usually keep them in a tight container. You easily can keep them for about a week, but I bet they will be gone before that!)

      Reply
  17. Ashley - Forking Up says

    August 28, 2017 at 10:33 am

    I love snickerdoodles! We always put a cherry in the center. And as a kid, I would just eat the cherry part, hah. I need to make some as an adult!

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      August 28, 2017 at 9:08 pm

      Thank you, Ashley! I love your idea with cherry) I should try it)

      Reply
  18. Manila Spoon says

    August 27, 2017 at 9:44 pm

    That looks like the prettiest and yummiest snickerdoodles to me!! These are my fave and love them with a cup of tea!!

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      August 28, 2017 at 9:08 pm

      Thank you, Manila!

      Reply
  19. Marisa Franca @All Our Way says

    August 27, 2017 at 12:49 pm

    This is a classic that will never grow old. I really enjoy the taste of cinnamon and so does the rest of the family. Baking weather is here — yay!

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      August 28, 2017 at 9:08 pm

      Thank you, Marisa)

      Reply
  20. Andrea The Petite Cook says

    August 27, 2017 at 4:47 am

    These cookies look so good and chewy! I gotta make a batch ASAP!

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      August 28, 2017 at 9:09 pm

      Thank you, Andrea)

      Reply
  21. Deepika says

    August 26, 2017 at 9:58 pm

    Soft and chewy cookies are always a hit with me and my family. Making these for sure.

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      August 28, 2017 at 9:09 pm

      Thank you, Deepika)

      Reply
  22. Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says

    August 26, 2017 at 3:02 pm

    Soft and chewy cookies are my favorite cookies. Snickerdoodles are one of those classic favorites, and I love the cinnamon and sugar combo.

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      August 28, 2017 at 9:10 pm

      Thank you, Joanna!

      Reply
  23. Kaitie says

    August 26, 2017 at 10:36 am

    YEA! My kids are going to LOVE THESE! I love making fun treats to add to their lunches as an extra surprise 🙂 Great recipe!!

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      August 28, 2017 at 9:10 pm

      Thank you, Kaitie! I am sure they will love these cookies)

      Reply
  24. Veena Azmanov says

    August 26, 2017 at 9:26 am

    I usually always make snickerdoodle cookies during Christmas holidays.. just like my mom use too. Loved when my mom made it.

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      August 28, 2017 at 9:11 pm

      Thank you, Veena) I agree, they are perfect for the holiday season)

      Reply
  25. Kylee from Kylee Cooks says

    August 26, 2017 at 9:24 am

    These look so perfect! I love snickerdoodles – they remind me of holidays and good times. The smell alone takes me back!

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      August 28, 2017 at 9:12 pm

      Thank you, Kylee!

      Reply
  26. Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says

    August 25, 2017 at 9:47 pm

    I remember making Snickerdoodles once for a Christmas cookie exchange. They are easy and delicious…the disappeared quickly.

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      August 28, 2017 at 9:12 pm

      Thank you, Gloria) They are really easy to make!

      Reply
  27. Helene says

    August 25, 2017 at 2:10 pm

    I have been meaning to make snickerdoodles some time. Most probably I will try to make this for Christmas. 🙂

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      August 28, 2017 at 9:13 pm

      Thank you, Helene! You will love them)

      Reply
  28. valmg @ From Val\'s Kitchen says

    August 25, 2017 at 1:55 pm

    I love snickerdoodles, they are one of my favorite cookies. Not only do they taste great, but they smell great too.

    Reply
    • Veronika's Kitchen says

      August 28, 2017 at 9:14 pm

      Thank you, Val)

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Follow me on:

Welcome to Veronika’s Kitchen!

Hi, I'm Veronika! I'm so happy to see you on my blog and share my favorite meals with you! My main goal is to share delicious classic recipes using simple ingredients. Read More…

Categories

Featured at:

list of brand logos

Most Popular

  • Stew with beef tips, potatoes, carrots, and peas in a bowl.
    Dutch Oven Beef Stew
  • Chicken and rice with broccoli and melted cheese in a white casserole.
    Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
  • A slice of Tiramisu on a grey plate.
    Classic Tiramisu Recipe
  • Sliced banana bread on a white table.
    One Bowl Banana Bread

Instant Pot Recipes

  • Mashed potatoes, topped with butter and chopped parsley in a bowl.
    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
  • A collage of four Instant Pot recipes with text in the middle.
    Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners
  • Bolognese sauce over pasta in a grey bowl.
    Easy Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce
  • Lamb shank with gravy, vegetables, amd mashed potatoes in a grey bowl.
    Instant Pot Lamb Shanks

Dinner Recipes

  • Pasta in a creamy tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese.
    Meatless Baked Ziti with Ricotta
  • Pork medallions with caramelized apples in a skillet, topped with fresh sage leaves.
    Pork Medallions with Apples
  • Pasta in a creamy pesto sauce in a skillet.
    Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe
  • Red potato salad with dill and chopped bacon in a bowl.
    Red Potato Salad with Dill

Dessert Recipes

  • Sour Cream Cookies, topped with sugar icing and sprinkles on a plate.
    Sour Cream Cookies
  • Chocolate bundt cake, topped with chocolate ganache.
    Chocolate Overload Cake
  • Cookies topped with M&Ms and chocolate chips on a wire rack.
    Monster Cookies
  • Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll in a baking dish.
    Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Contact

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Copyright © 2025 Veronika's Kitchen on the Cookd Pro Theme