Description

These soft, chewy snickerdoodle cookies feature a classic cream of tartar tang and a crackly cinnamon-sugar coating. Designed for busy schedules, they come together quickly without overnight chilling and deliver nostalgic comfort with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated white sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the flour disappears. Do not overmix.
In a small bowl, mix the ½ cup of sugar with the cinnamon for the coating.
Roll portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon) into balls and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden, but centers still look soft.
Let cookies sit on the hot pan for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Ensure butter is softened, not melted, to prevent excessive spreading. Do not overbake; cookies will firm up as they cool. For extra chewiness, chill dough balls for 15 minutes before baking. Store in an airtight container with a piece of bread to maintain softness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 14
Sodium: 120
Fat: 7
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 0.5
Protein: 2

Keywords: snickerdoodle cookies, soft chewy cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, cream of tartar cookies, easy cookie recipe, fast dessert, holiday baking