These Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies are everything you love about the classic — cozy cinnamon, a buttery center, and a signature tang from cream of tartar — but made even softer and more pillowy. Each cookie is rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking, creating a crackly, golden top with a warm spice flavor in every bite. They stay unbelievably soft for days and require simple pantry ingredients.
Whether you’re baking for holidays, gifting, or just craving something sweet, these snickerdoodles are a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect soft and chewy texture
Classic cinnamon-sugar flavor
Quick 20-minute recipe
Only pantry ingredients
Great for gifting and holidays
Freezer-friendly dough
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes (optional)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 20–22 cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
3 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare cinnamon sugar: Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
- Form dough: Add dry mixture into wet and mix until soft dough forms.
- Chill dough: Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Roll in cinnamon sugar: Scoop dough, roll into balls, coat in cinnamon sugar.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool: Let cool on tray 5 minutes before transferring.
Tips & FAQs
Can I freeze the dough? Yes, freeze dough balls already rolled in cinnamon sugar.
Why are they soft? Cream of tartar keeps them thick, chewy, and tangy.
How to avoid dry cookies? Remove from oven when the centers look slightly glossy.
Dairy-free version? Use vegan butter sticks.
Nutrition Summary (Approximate)
| Serving Size | Calories | Carbs | Fat | Protein | Sugar | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cookie | 145 | 19g | 7g | 1.5g | 11g | 0.5g |
