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Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies

Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies

These classic Snickerdoodles are made perfectly chewy thanks to the essential cream of tartar, yielding soft centers, crinkly tops, and a generous coating of sweet cinnamon sugar.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Classic
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough
  • 2 ¾ cups All-Purpose Flour Spoonable and leveled
  • 2 teaspoons Cream of Tartar Essential for the signature Snickerdoodle flavor and chew
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (2 sticks), softened to room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Large Eggs Room temperature is best
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Pure vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
  • ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon Ensure it is fresh for maximum flavor

Equipment

  • Stand mixer or handheld electric mixer
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Baking Sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
  • Cookie scoop (1.5 tablespoon size)

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set this mixture aside.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a large bowl and a hand mixer), cream the 1 cup of softened butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar together on medium-high speed.
  2. Beat for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. This aeration is crucial for a chewy texture.
  3. Reduce the speed to low and beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 3: Combine and Chill (Optional)
  1. With the mixer set to low speed, gradually add the reserved dry ingredients (from Step 1) to the wet mixture. Mix only until just combined; do not overmix the dough. If the dough feels overly sticky or soft, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Coating and Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. In a shallow, separate bowl, combine the ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon for the coating.
Step 5: Scoop, Roll, and Bake
  1. Use a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough. Roll each piece of dough gently between your palms to form a smooth ball.
  2. Drop the dough ball into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Roll until it is completely and generously coated on all sides. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart.
  3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should look set, but the centers should still look slightly soft and puffy. Do not overbake, or the cookies will lose their signature chewiness.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
  1. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. They are very delicate when hot.
  2. Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

The key to the crinkly texture is the high ratio of cream of tartar to baking soda. Ensure your butter is truly room temperature before creaming. Baked cookies can be stored airtight at room temperature for up to 5 days.