Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies
Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies are a classic treat that combine buttery, tender dough with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating, delivering a warm and comforting flavor in every bite. If you’ve been searching for a foolproof recipe to bake irresistible Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies, you’re in the right place. This easy and delicious recipe highlights the secret to achieving that perfect softness and rich cinnamon taste everyone adores. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the inviting aroma of these delightful cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly soft texture: These cookies are wonderfully tender and chewy, melting in your mouth with every bite.
- Simple ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items—just pantry staples that work together beautifully.
- Classic cinnamon flavor: Coated in cinnamon and sugar for that nostalgic warm spice hit.
- Fast and easy to make: A straightforward recipe that takes just a few minutes to mix and bake.
- Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these cookies always impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies recipe plays a crucial role, from the richness of butter to the tang of cream of tartar, which creates that signature snickerdoodle tang and soft texture. Every component combines to make these cookies irresistibly delicious.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a creamy richness and tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with spread during baking.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel undertone.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together maintaining softness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour: Creates structure while keeping the cookies soft.
- Baking soda: Helps the dough rise and prevents density.
- Cream of tartar: The secret ingredient for a slight tang and chewy texture.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Cinnamon: Blended with sugar for that classic cookie coating.
- Extra granulated sugar (for coating): Adds a sweet crunch to the cookie exterior.
Variations for Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies
Feel free to customize this Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies recipe to match your taste buds or dietary preferences. Its simple base allows for creative adjustments without losing the beloved essence.
- Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for allergy-friendly treats.
- Vegan twist: Use vegan butter and egg replacer to enjoy snickerdoodles without dairy or eggs.
- Extra spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to deepen the spice profile.
- Brown butter upgrade: Use browned butter for a nutty and richer flavor in the dough.
- Mix-in delights: Fold in white chocolate chips or chopped pecans for added texture and taste.
How to Make Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by creaming the unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract for that fragrant warmth.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually blend these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, stir together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This classic coating will give the cookies their signature sweet and spicy crust.
Step 4: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls and roll each in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Place them evenly spaced on a lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but centers remain soft. Let cool briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Making Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients come together to prevent tough cookies.
- Use cream of tartar: This key ingredient is essential for the signature tang and soft texture of snickerdoodles.
- Cooling time matters: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet before moving to a rack to finish setting.
- Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to preserve softness and flavor.
How to Serve Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies
Garnishes
Try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a subtle drizzle of melted white chocolate to elevate the look and taste of your Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies without overpowering their classic charm.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a warm mug of spiced chai, hot cocoa, or freshly brewed coffee to complement the cinnamon notes beautifully and enhance your cozy snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange cookies in a layered jar with alternating cinnamon sugar and cookie layers for a striking gift idea, or sandwich two Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies together with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature where they will stay fresh for up to four days, maintaining their softness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze baked Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies by layering them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container; they will keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring back their freshly-baked softness, or pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes for a crisp outside with a tender center.
FAQs
What makes Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies different from regular sugar cookies?
Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies are known for their tangy flavor from cream of tartar and a cinnamon sugar coating, while traditional sugar cookies typically lack this signature tang and spice combination.
Can I make these cookies without cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar is essential for the proper texture and tang; without it, the cookies may be less chewy and miss their characteristic flavor.
How do I keep my Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies soft for longer?
Store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to absorb excess moisture and keep them tender for several days.
Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
Absolutely! Freeze the dough balls on a tray first, then transfer to a container to freeze. Bake from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes! Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies make a fantastic homemade gift, especially when packaged in decorative tins or jars with a personal note.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a soft, cinnamon-spiced cookie fresh from your own oven. This Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies recipe has been a personal favorite because of how easy it is to make and how wonderfully comforting the flavor is. Whether you’re sharing with friends, family, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a smile. Give this recipe a try, and watch your kitchen fill with warmth and sweet memories.
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Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies
Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies are tender, chewy cookies with a buttery base and a classic cinnamon-sugar coating. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and cream of tartar to create that signature tang and softness, perfect for any occasion or cozy snack time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (110g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups (345g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend as variation)
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Begin by creaming the unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then add vanilla extract for a fragrant warmth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually blend these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep cookies tender.
- Create the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, stir together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to form the classic coating for the cookies.
- Shape and Coat the Cookies: Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls and roll each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place the coated dough balls evenly spaced on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for easier mixing and better texture.
- Mix dough only until ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Cream of tartar is essential for the signature tang and soft chewiness.
- Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet before moving to a wire rack for best texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Snickerdoodle, soft cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, classic cookie recipe, easy cookie recipe
