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The Best Snickerdoodle Cookies

Snickerdoodle Cookies are a classic cookie loved by both kids and adults. They’re soft, sweet, slightly chewy, and coated with cinnamon sugar. All you need is a mug of Hot Chocolate to dip these into.

Snickerdoodle with a glass of milk

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Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe

If you’ve never sunk your teeth into one before, Snickerdoodles are simple cookies covered with cinnamon and sugar. Just like Crinkle Cookies, they are delicious, simple to make, and the perfect addition to a Christmas cookie platter.

Hi there! My name is Natalya and I run the blog Momsdish. If you already follow me, you know I can’t get enough of easy meals that require simple ingredients. This recipe for snickerdoodles encompasses all my favorite things: sweets, straightforward instructions, and easy clean-up.

Snickerdoodle cookies on a cookie tray

What are Snickerdoodle Cookies?

Snickerdoodles get dubbed as sugar cookies with a touch of cinnamon. While it’s true that snickerdoodles and traditional sugar cookies have a lot of similar ingredients, there is a major difference between the two: cream of tartar

Now, you might be thinking that cream of tartar is a weird ingredient to add to a cookie. However, this ingredient is the main reason why snickerdoodles are chewy, have that signature touch of tanginess and a melt-in-your-mouth softness. 

Ingredients for the snickerdoodle cookies

How to make the best Snickerdoodle Cookies:

  1. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. 
  2. Add in vanilla extract and eggs and beat until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar. 
  4. Add dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Stir to combine. 

Pro Tip: Make your very own vanilla extract and use it for this recipe. So amazing and easy, you’ll find yourself never buying it from the store again!

step by step of the dough making for snickerdoodle cookies

How to form Snickerdoodles:

  1. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Form equal-sized dough balls and roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. 
Cookie dough rolled into a ball and coated with cinnamon sugar

Baking Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies:

  1. Place cookies on a baking sheet. Press down the center to create an even top.
  2. Bake at 350F for 8-10 minutes until edges are just lightly golden. Let cookies rest and enjoy. 
Cookies on a baking sheet

Common Questions

Why are they called “snickerdoodles”?

There is much debate surrounding why these cookies got their wacky name. However, The Joy of Cooking guesses the name was likely derived from the German word “schneckennudel.” This translates directly to “snail noodles”, but the word also refers to a delicious German variation of cinnamon rolls

Why is there cream of tartar in snickerdoodles?

Cream of tartar prevents the sugar from crystallizing when baking. This results in a soft and chewy cookie versus a crunchy one.

How can you keep Snickerdoodle cookies soft?

Don’t over bake them. Depending on the size, they will need to be in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Pay close attention to when the edges start to turn golden and then immediately pull them out. They might look a little underbaked but will harden as they cool down.

Cookies on top of each other with a broken cookie on top

Storing Snickerdoodle Cookies Cookies

  • Room Temperature: Keep snickerdoodles in a sealed, air tight container on the counter. They should stay soft for about 2 days and then will start to harden a bit. 
  • Freezing: Freeze your snickerdoodles by placing baked and fully cooled cookies on a baking sheet in one layer. Pop the entire sheet in the freezer and allow cookies to completely freeze. Remove cookies from baking sheet and place in a freezer-safe plastic bag. When you’re ready to eat, allow the cookies to thaw on the counter at room temperature until softened through.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can make the dough a day or two in advance. Keep it covered and refrigerated. Just before serving, roll in cinnamon sugar and bake.

up close snicker doodle cookie coated in cinnamon sugar

More Cookies Recipes

Looking to fill up that holiday tray? Here are some more knock-out cookie recipes: 

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Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

4.99 from 69 votes
Author: Natalya Drozhzhin
Snickerdoodle cookies on a cookie tray
Snickerdoodle Cookies are a classic cookie loved by both kids and adults. They’re soft, sweet, slightly chewy and coated in cinnamon sugar.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 30 cookies

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

Instructions

  • Combine butter and sugar in the bowl of the stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachement. Beat on medium/high speed until the mixture is fluffy (about 5 minutes).
  • Add in vanilla extract and eggs. Continue beating until well combined (about 2 minutes).
  • In a separate bowl whisk together flour, salt, baking soda and cream of tartar.
  • Add your dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Stir until well combined. Cover dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  • In a separate bowl, combine 1/3 cup sguar and 2 Tbsp cinnamon. Form equal-sized dough balls and roll each one generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  • Place cookies on a baking sheet and press down the center slightly to create an even top. Bake at 350F for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Let cookies rest a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Per Serving

150kcal Calories21g Carbs2g Protein7g Fat4g Saturated Fat27mg Cholesterol46mg Sodium20mg Potassium1g Fiber12g Sugar205IU Vitamin A10mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
150
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
7
g
11
%
Saturated Fat
 
4
g
25
%
Cholesterol
 
27
mg
9
%
Sodium
 
46
mg
2
%
Potassium
 
20
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
 
21
g
7
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
12
g
13
%
Protein
 
2
g
4
%
Vitamin A
 
205
IU
4
%
Calcium
 
10
mg
1
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: christmas cookies, snickerdoodle cookies
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $3-$5
Calories: 150

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Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya is a food blogger who founded Momsdish.com to make cooking easier. Growing up on a farm in Ukraine, Natalya was inspired by the amazing dishes that were prepared using simple ingredients. Natalya is most notably known for making cooking approachable for any person.

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Read comments/reviewsAdd comment/review

  • LaRhesa Ragan
    December 8, 2023

    First batch did not cook through all the way and the middle are doughy. I left them in the full 12 minutes. Normal 1” balls.
    I’m going to try to make them a little smaller on the next batch.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 8, 2023

      Hi LaRhesa! Did you make any substitutions to the recipe? A couple of things to help troubleshoot. Be sure to fully preheat the oven before you start to bake them. The type of pan you use can affect how fast or slow they bake because different materials distribute heat differently.
      Also- I would verify you’re measuring your ingredients correctly so you have the right ratio of wet to dry ingredients. I have a tutorial on How to measure ingredientshere.

      Reply

  • Kim Romeo
    October 24, 2023

    Hi Natasha! Do you have a cream cheese frosting recipe that you would use for these cookies?
    Every recipe I’ve made from you have been fantastic! Thank you so much

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 24, 2023

      Hi Kim! I’m glad you’re loving the recipes. You can use the search bar at the top of the page to search for my recipes but I have this Cream cheese frosting recipe.

      Reply

  • Sherian McLaughlin
    July 20, 2023

    Hi,
    Just wondering if I could use gluten free flour on your cookie recipes? That is a must for me and a way of life in eating,

    Thanks, Sherry

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 21, 2023

      Hi Sherry, I haven’t tested that to advise. If you do an experiment, let us know how it goes,.

      Reply

  • Aunt J
    May 24, 2023

    I find Natasha’s recipes to be first rate, and this one’s no exception. I love freezing unbaked cookie dough balls. I thaw them on parchment lined sheets, then bake as usual. This seals my Aunt-of-the-Year nominations! When the nieces and nephews call to say they’re riding over on their bikes, I can quickly bake a tray of cookies. Who doesn’t love warm cookies and ice cold milk?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 24, 2023

      Aww, that’s just awesome, Aunt J! I’m so glad they were a hit!

      Reply

  • jessica
    May 11, 2023

    Hello! Do you usually have leftover sugar/cinnamon mix after baking these cookies? Thanks

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 12, 2023

      Hi Jessica, There will be a dusting left but not too much.

      Reply

  • Linus
    March 28, 2023

    “Cream of tartar” isn’t really a thing in Sweden. Not common at all and not available in any of my local stores. Do you know of any substitutes I could use instead?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 28, 2023

      Hi Linus! In general, a good replacement for the cream of tartar when baking is to use 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice for every 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar. I have not tested it so I can’t say what it would be like in this recipe. Let us know if you experiment with it.

      Reply

  • Michelle C.
    March 10, 2023

    Wow! Never made them before, only ever bought them. Son said they are the BEST he’s ever had! Made exactly as written, used 1-Tbsp scoop, gave each rolled ball a light tap to flatten just slightly, baked 8 min, then 9 min as dough was colder by last batch. Sugar didn’t stick to last batch of cold dough – let it warm a little. I agree the ratio of cinnamon/sugar seems unusual so I added more sugar. Took them out of oven when still puffed up – they crinkle as they cool. Very soft next day. Now gone! THANK YOU!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 10, 2023

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Michelle!

      Reply

  • Beth
    December 29, 2022

    What size cookie scoop do you use for these cookies. Your chocolate chip cookie recipe is truly the best I’ve tried. Making them slightly less than the 3T scoop. SO, I’m curious what size you are making the snickerdoodles. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 29, 2022

      Hello Beth. That scoop portions 1 Tablespoon of dough if you level it. You can also find our favorite kitchen tools in our Amazon Affiliate Shop HERE.

      Reply

  • Robert
    December 22, 2022

    This was my first time making snickerdoodles and it turned out great. (Second batch anyway)
    First batch baked to long, but that was my fault. Taste was there just crunchy. Second batch nice and soft. Great cookie recipe. Thank you

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 22, 2022

      You’re welcome, Robert! Thanks for trying my recipe, so glad you loved it.

      Reply

  • Tammie Perry
    December 6, 2022

    Sometimes using butter can be tricky. I used butter Flavored Crisco and they turned out great!
    Couldn’t figure out how to post a picture or I would have

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 6, 2022

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Tammie! Share your photo on social media and #natashaskitchen for us to see it!

      Reply

  • Michele Theresa
    November 25, 2022

    I live at 6200 elevation. Any recommendations for additional ingredients, cooking time and cooking temperature?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 25, 2022

      Hi Michele! You may find this article from King Arthur Baking on high altitude helpful.

      Reply

  • Emie
    November 24, 2022

    Amazing and simple cookies! They are super soft and the perfect mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Natasha’s kitchen has become one of my go-to places to find recipes that I know my family will love.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 24, 2022

      Hi Emie! Thanks so much for sharing. I’m glad you love my recipes.

      Reply

  • Lynne Browne
    November 2, 2022

    Natasha,
    I sure pray that your relatives in Ukraine are safe & sound. ❤️

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 3, 2022

      Thank you so much!

      Reply

  • stacie Nicosia
    October 3, 2022

    I thought maybe, but I am measuring the same as you do. fluffing flour then spooning it into measure cup. i am in southern nevada. i even thought altitude. I am so defeated. lol. Should i increase the flour?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 3, 2022

      Hi Stacie; I use this as a resource for high-altitude baking. I recommend reading through it.

      Reply

  • stacie Nicosia
    October 3, 2022

    I love these but mine get soo flat. I dont know what i am doing wrong… I refrigerate the dough, I dont let the butter get too soft and i have tested my soda but still get flat cookies.
    ideas?

    Reply

  • Sabrina
    December 25, 2021

    I don’t have a stand up mixer and for some reason my mixture after adding an egg became kind of soft/ a thick liquidy consistency

    Reply

  • Brenda Boldt
    December 19, 2021

    Yummy, Yummy, Yummy!!! These are the best Snickerdoodle Cookies ever! I am so happy to have found Natasha’s Kitchen!! Thanks for this wonderful recipe. Next, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 20, 2021

      Thank you so much, Brenda. That a wonderful feedback and review!

      Reply

  • Diane Newell
    December 15, 2021

    Hi, I was asked to make Snickerdoodle Cookies which I have not ever made prior. I made your Snickerdoodle recipe. This is absolutely the best Snickerdoodle Cookies, ever. I followed your recipe exactly! My house even smelled like cinnamon! Every recipe of yours is always awesome. Thank You! I will now be making your Snickerdoodle recipe lots.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 16, 2021

      Thank you for the awesome feedback, Diane! I’m happy that you loved this recipe.

      Reply

  • Girl
    November 1, 2021

    It’s supposed to be teaspoon of cinnamon in the sugar mix isn’t it? Two tablespoons of cinnamon made my cookies taste horrible

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 1, 2021

      Hi there, it is 2 Tbsp cinnamon for the coating

      Reply

    • Nora
      December 1, 2021

      Hi Natasha! In the pic it looks like you added only 2 teaspoons of cinnamon not tablespoons! My mixture turned out too brown when I added 2 tablespoons not like yours…thank you

      Reply

      • Natasha
        December 1, 2021

        Hi Nora, maybe we didn’t stir it enough for the photo, but 2 Tbsp is accurate. You can definitely use less but for that amount of sugar, it shouldn’t be brown.

        Reply

  • Carole McFadden
    October 18, 2021

    Can’t wait to try your Snickerdoodle recipe. My hubby’s favorite cookie! Can you freeze this dough once they are shaped into balls then when ready to bake just roll in cinnamon sugar and bake. I’d like to get some doughs made ahead for my holiday baking. Thanks Natasha. Love your recipes, they never disappoint! Plus love your personality!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 19, 2021

      Hi Carole! Thank you for that wonderful compliment! Honestly, I haven’t tried freezing the dough to speak to the outcome. We have attempted to freeze the cookies once baked, though. Please see the “Storing Snickerdoodle Cookies Cookies” section in the recipe. I hope this helps!

      Reply

  • Hazel
    May 22, 2021

    Can I try these with almond flour instead ?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 22, 2021

      Hi Hazel, I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

      Reply

  • Carolyn
    May 7, 2021

    Hi
    Was wondering what size ice cream scoop did you use?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 7, 2021

      Hi Carolyn, That scoop portions 1 Tablespoon of dough if you level it. You can also find our favorite kitchen tools in our Amazon Affiliate Shop HERE.

      Reply

  • Inna
    March 26, 2021

    Can we substitute the cream of tartar? What do we substitute it with?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 26, 2021

      Hi Inna, Cream of tartar prevents the sugar from crystallizing when baking. This results in a soft and chewy cookie versus a crunchy one. I haven’t tried any other substitute to advise, though.

      Reply

  • Crystal Hunter
    March 5, 2021

    This is the best snickerdoodle recipe I’ve ever tried. The freezing option is the best and they taste like you just made them once they get to room temperature.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 5, 2021

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • Rebecca
    February 7, 2021

    Snickerdoodles were always me & my dad’s favorite cookies! So when I found out my boyfriend also favoured these, I knew I had to make some. Knowing that your recipes are always a hit, I made them & omg they’re wonderful; to say the least. I’ve made these several times since, & crazy enough they stay soft plus fresh for up to two weeks! Love them & love youu, thank you for helping me be a hit too 😍🙏🙏

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 7, 2021

      Hello Rebecca, that is so great! I’m glad you loved this recipe, these are one of our favorites at home too. Thanks for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Veenas
    January 6, 2021

    Thank You For to Know this Snacks. Thank You For Sharing.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 6, 2021

      You’re welcome! I hope you can try this recipe soon.

      Reply

  • Yana
    January 2, 2021

    Unbelievable chewy and soft, even on a third day! Kids say they are better then chocolate chip cookies. I end up not refrigerating the dough and they still turn out so delicious. Will be making them again and again.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 2, 2021

      That is the best when kids love what we moms make, Yana. That’s so great!

      Reply

  • Lisa
    December 30, 2020

    What do you think about using brown sugar with cinnamon for the ‘rolling’ mixture? More like Coffee Cake flavours. Would that work?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 30, 2020

      I haven’t tested that substitution so I’m not sure how it would bake up. The color would be darker since brown sugar has molasses. If you experiment, please let me know how it goes.

      Reply

      • Lisa
        January 8, 2021

        FYI: Brown sugar + cinnamon at the end put these over the top! SO yummy!

        Reply

  • Irina
    December 25, 2020

    Excellent recipe! As my kids said “cookies to die for”. Thanks for sharing this recipe with everyone

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 26, 2020

      They are so sweet! Thank you for sharing that with us, Irina.

      Reply

  • James Undercofler
    December 22, 2020

    My wife has made snickerdoodles for years. This year she tried this recipe and they were the best she ever made. So good she took her old recipe out of her book and replaced it with this one.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 22, 2020

      Wow! That’s amazing! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • Teresa
    December 20, 2020

    hhhmmmm…im excited to try this recipe…another challenge

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 21, 2020

      I hope you love these cookies and please let us know too how it goes!

      Reply

      • Taïssa
        December 25, 2020

        Huge hit, adults and kids alike. Added some sparkles to the cinnamon-sugar coating to add the Christmas feel.

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          December 26, 2020

          Love it! Thanks for sharing that with us.

          Reply

  • John
    December 20, 2020

    Can you add cream of tartar to other cookies to make them soft.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 20, 2020

      Hi John, I’m not sure about other recipes but it works great for this specific recipe.

      Reply

    • Dana
      December 21, 2020

      Hi Natasha, I made your snickerdoodle cookies today to add to my holiday baking, and they are amazing! The perfect snickerdoodle!!! My husband said they may be the best cookie he’s ever had. Thanks for a wonderful, easy recipe. I’ve made many recipes of yours, and I have never been disappointed!

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        December 21, 2020

        Hi Dana, so great to hear that! Thank you for sharing that with me, I’m happy that your husband loved these cookies.

        Reply

  • GM
    December 19, 2020

    What can I substitute for cream of tartar?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 20, 2020

      Hi GM, Cream of tartar prevents the sugar from crystallizing when baking. This results in a soft and chewy cookie versus a crunchy one. I haven’t tried any other substitute to advise though.

      Reply

  • Margie
    December 18, 2020

    When a recipe says baking soda, does it mean baking powder or bicarbonate soda?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 18, 2020

      Hi Margie, baking soda is the same thing as bicarbonate of soda.

      Reply

  • Sara
    December 17, 2020

    Hi natasha I am so excited to try your recipe

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 17, 2020

      I hope you love this recipe Sara!

      Reply

  • malak
    December 17, 2020

    hi i wish you can make some restaurants recipe

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 17, 2020

      Hi Malak, we have several restaurant copy-cat recipes! What kind are you looking for?

      Reply

      • Jana
        December 17, 2020

        Honey bread that they serve it in cheesecake factory

        Reply

      • Malak
        December 17, 2020

        Honey bread that they serve it in cheesecake factory

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          December 17, 2020

          Thank you for that suggestion, Malak! I do not have that recipe at this time.

          Reply

          • Malak
            December 18, 2020

            But you can try it and then share it

  • jana
    December 17, 2020

    hi natasha i brought my cookie cutter last wweek from amazon and i am going to try your biscuits do you have a biscuit recipe i can try

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 17, 2020

      Hi Jana, I only have recipes for cookies on my website.

      Reply

  • Montse
    December 16, 2020

    Hello, I like your recipes, it would be easier to make them if you also put the measurements in grams.

    Reply

    • Montse
      December 16, 2020

      I just discovered that you have an option to use grams. thanks for your recipes.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        December 16, 2020

        You’re welcome!! I hope you enjoy this!

        Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 16, 2020

      Hi Montse, thank you for that suggestion. If you scroll down to our printable recipe card, you will find we have a metric conversion option. I hope you find it helpful!

      Reply

  • Ashley
    December 15, 2020

    Hi Natasha,
    How many tablespoons was the cookie scoop you used?
    Thanks.

    Reply

  • April
    December 15, 2020

    This is my favorite snickerdoodle recipe. So soft and chewy and m’mmm….

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 15, 2020

      Perfect! I hope this recipe becomes your favorite.

      Reply

  • ABENA AYIM BEDIAKO
    December 15, 2020

    I love Snickerdoodle Cookies i bet this will taste good

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 15, 2020

      I hope this becomes your favorite!

      Reply

  • Kristyn
    December 15, 2020

    Your recipe is incredible! Snickerdoodles are a favorite in our home. They never disappoint!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 15, 2020

      Hi Kristyn, thank you for the wonderful review. I’m so glad you loved the snickerdoodle cookies.

      Reply

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