Chewy Snickerdoodle Recipe

This Chewy Snickerdoodle recipe creates soft, thick, cinnamon-sugar coated cookies that are perfectly tangy and irresistibly chewy. With their crackly tops and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these classic cookies are a cozy treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a party, or just a sweet craving, this recipe will hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly chewy with a soft center and crisp edges
• Classic cinnamon-sugar flavor with a hint of tang from cream of tartar
• No chill time needed, so you can enjoy them faster
• Easy to make with pantry staples
• Ideal for holidays, gifting, or everyday snacking

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Cream of tartar
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon (for rolling)
• Additional granulated sugar (for rolling)

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
6. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and additional sugar for rolling.
7. Scoop dough into 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls and roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
8. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked.
10. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a twist.
• Substitute brown butter for regular butter for a deeper flavor.
• Try using browned sugar or turbinado sugar for rolling for extra texture.
• Make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Add white chocolate chips or toffee bits for a sweet surprise.

storage/reheating

Store the snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container.
They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—freeze in a single layer before transferring to a zip-top bag.
To reheat, warm in a microwave for about 8–10 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

How do I keep snickerdoodles chewy?

Use the correct ratio of ingredients, don’t overbake, and store them properly in an airtight container.

Why do you need cream of tartar in snickerdoodles?

It gives snickerdoodles their signature tang and chewy texture while preventing the sugar from crystallizing.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough up to 48 hours ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before baking.

Can I freeze snickerdoodle dough?

Absolutely. Freeze the dough balls after rolling them in cinnamon sugar, then bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

Can I skip the cream of tartar?

You can substitute it with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar, but the flavor and texture may change slightly.

Why did my snickerdoodles turn out hard?

They may have been overbaked. Bake just until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underdone.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales up easily if you need a larger batch for a crowd.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Not for this recipe! It’s designed to be no-chill, but you can chill the dough if desired for thicker cookies.

What kind of cinnamon is best?

Use ground Saigon cinnamon for a bold flavor, or Ceylon cinnamon for a milder, more floral taste.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or margarine.

Conclusion

This Chewy Snickerdoodle recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its soft, thick texture and warm cinnamon flavor. Easy to whip up and endlessly comforting, these cookies are perfect for any time of year. Keep a batch on hand, and you’ll always have a delicious treat ready to share—or savor yourself.

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