Make the best soft and chewy classic Snickerdoodles. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect pillowy center and the signature crackly, sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. You will love this comforting cookie.
Author:Kenji Sato
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:11 minutes
Total Time:31 minutes
Yield:About 3 dozen cookies
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a tender cookie.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
In a small, shallow bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. This is your coating mixture.
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into smooth balls. For the best coating, roll each ball first in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then roll it again to ensure a thick, even crust.
Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes. The edges should look set, but the centers should still appear slightly soft and pale. They will continue to set as they cool.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these soft treats!
Notes
Using cream of tartar is essential for the classic tangy flavor and chewy texture of a Snickerdoodle.
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling can help prevent excessive spreading.
For extra soft cookies, slightly underbake them.
If you prefer a thicker cookie, lightly press down on the dough balls with the bottom of a glass before baking.