Name: Chewy and Soft Snickerdoodles Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons cream of tartar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 45 reviews

If you’ve been longing for that perfect classic cookie that combines a nostalgic cinnamon-sugar kiss with a satisfyingly tender bite, then this Chewy and Soft Snickerdoodles Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies manage to strike the ideal balance between chewy and soft, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels like a warm hug with every bite. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a casual get-together, or just because, these snickerdoodles are a timeless treat that will quickly become a beloved staple in your cookie jar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Several bowls and a plate are arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding a different baking ingredient. In the bottom left, a grey bowl is filled with white flour showing a slightly rough texture. Above it, a beige plate holds two large sticks of pale yellow butter with a smooth surface. To the right of the flour, a white bowl contains two raw eggs with bright yellow yolks and clear whites. Next to the eggs, a white bowl with a black rim is filled with brown sugar, finely granulated. Above the flour, a beige bowl is full of white granulated sugar with a smooth even surface. Beside the sugar, a small dark cup holds a dark brown liquid, likely vanilla extract. At the bottom right, three small wooden bowls present white baking powders and salt, each with a fine powder texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

You only need simple pantry staples to bring this deliciousness to life. Each ingredient plays a clever role — from the all-purpose flour providing structure, to the cream of tartar lending that characteristic snickerdoodle tang, and cinnamon-sugar topping that adds the magical finish.

3 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together while keeping the cookies soft.
2 teaspoons cream of tartar: What gives snickerdoodles their signature tang and chewy texture.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right without making them cakey.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness with a slight crunch for texture in the batter and topping.
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature: Adds richness and buttery softness that’s essential for chewy cookies.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to that tender crumb.
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Deepens the sweetness and adds warmth to each cookie.
3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping): Combined with cinnamon for that sparkling, flavorful crust.
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping): Cinnamon’s fragrant touch that defines every snickerdoodle.

How to Make Chewy and Soft Snickerdoodles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Mix

Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two large baking sheets with Silpat mats or parchment paper to ensure your cookies slide off effortlessly. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt — this blend sets up your dough with the perfect chew and flavor punch.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about two minutes until the mixture turns light and velvety. This step is essential because it incorporates air into your dough, making the cookies delightfully soft and fluffy. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl to mix everything evenly.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add in your eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until everything’s combined and smooth. These add moisture and flavor that really elevate the texture and taste of your snickerdoodles.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Turn the mixer off and pour in your dry flour mixture. Mix on low speed just until the ingredients come together—overmixing can make the cookies tough, which we definitely want to avoid for this chewy and soft snickerdoodles recipe.

Step 5: Roll and Coat the Dough

Grab about two tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll them into balls. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and granulated sugar for the topping. Generously roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat every crevice for that signature snickerdoodle sparkle and spice.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the coated dough balls about two inches apart on the lined baking sheets. Slide them into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You want the edges to be set but the centers still soft, so keep a close watch. Remember, these cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies rest for 3 to 4 minutes right there on the baking tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps lock in that chewy softness we all crave in the perfect snickerdoodle.

How to Serve Chewy and Soft Snickerdoodles Recipe

A tall stack of eight round cookies sits in the center on a metal wire cooling rack. Each cookie is golden brown with a slightly cracked surface and a light dusting of cinnamon sugar, giving them a speckled look. Around the stack, several more cookies lie flat on a white marbled surface, also covered with cinnamon sugar. Behind the stack, there is a small glass jar filled with a beige liquid and a short glass partially filled with the same liquid. Cinnamon sticks and a small bowl of cinnamon powder can be seen in the soft blurred background. The setting is bright and clean, emphasizing the warm color of the cookies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of additional cinnamon sugar over cooled cookies adds an inviting sparkle and enhances the warm cinnamon aroma. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a quick sprinkle of flaky sea salt can create a delightful flavor twist that will impress your friends and family.

Side Dishes

Serve these snickerdoodles with a tall glass of cold milk for a nostalgic classic pairing. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a warm chai latte, creating a cozy indulgence you’ll want to savor slowly.

Creative Ways to Present

Place your snickerdoodles in small decorative tins or wrap stacks with rustic twine for charming gift options. You can also sandwich softened buttercream or cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a decadent snickerdoodle sandwich that’s bound to turn heads at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover snickerdoodles fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days—perfect for midweek snack cravings or last-minute guests.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag or container. They maintain their chewy integrity well and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature for that fresh-baked feel!

Reheating

To revive your snickerdoodles, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This simple trick restores that warm, soft texture that makes this snickerdoodle recipe so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. Your chewy and soft snickerdoodles will still turn out delicious and tender.

What makes these snickerdoodles chewy instead of crispy?

The key is the combination of cream of tartar and slightly underbaking the cookies. Also, using more butter and eggs adds moisture that keeps them soft and chewy, giving you that signature texture you’re looking for.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cookie. Unsalted butter gives you better control over seasoning, but salted butter works in a pinch.

Why do we use cream of tartar in snickerdoodles?

Cream of tartar is important because it reacts with baking soda to give snickerdoodles their tangy flavor and chewy texture. It’s the secret ingredient that sets these cookies apart from regular sugar cookies.

How do I prevent my snickerdoodles from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling into balls. Also, make sure your baking sheets aren’t too warm. These steps help your cookies keep their classic round shape and lovely texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Chewy and Soft Snickerdoodles Recipe enough—it’s that rare cookie recipe that charms everyone with its perfect balance of texture and flavor. Once you bake these, they will become the cookie you reach for over and over again, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive celebration. So roll up those sleeves and get ready to enjoy warm, cinnamon-sweet magic straight from your oven.