There’s nothing quite like the smell of cinnamon and sugar drifting from my kitchen. I remember the first time I baked a batch of these Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies. My youngest had just waddled in, tugging at my apron.
I wanted something warm, simple, and full of love. These Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies were born from that moment. They vanish quickly around my house.
Every bite brings back cozy afternoons. Now, I share them with you. You will love making these Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies yourself. They are the perfect treat for any day.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
These Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies are incredibly simple. You get that classic tangy flavor. The center stays soft and chewy.
The edges turn perfectly crispy. My kids call them the best cookies ever. You only need basic pantry staples.
No complicated steps here. Every batch comes out perfectly. These Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies always disappear first from any cookie platter. You will find yourself making them again and again.
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Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 dozen cookies 1x
- Diet: None
Description
These Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies are incredibly simple, with a classic tangy flavor from cream of tartar. The center stays soft and chewy, while the edges turn perfectly crispy. Made with basic pantry staples, they vanish quickly from any cookie platter and bring back cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups Granulated sugar
2 Large eggs
2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups All-purpose flour
2 teaspoons Cream of tartar
1 teaspoon Baking soda
½ teaspoon Salt
2 tablespoons Cinnamo
¼ cup Sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Cream the butter and 1 ½ cups sugar together until fluffy
- Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract. Mix well
- Whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes. This step is key for chewy cookies
- Mix ¼ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon in a small bowl
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Coat each ball in the cinnamon sugar
- Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The centers should look soft
- Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack
Notes
Always chill the dough to prevent spreading.
Do not overbake; they firm up as they cool.
Use room temperature butter for best results.
Measure flour by spooning into cup and leveling off.
For extra chewiness, use bread flour instead of all-purpose.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To freeze unbaked dough balls, roll in cinnamon sugar before freezing; bake from frozen, adding 2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: snickerdoodle, cookies, chewy, cinnamon, sugar
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 ½ cups |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¾ cups |
| Cream of tartar | 2 teaspoons |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Cinnamon | 2 tablespoons |
| Sugar (for rolling) | ¼ cup |
SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS
You can make these Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies your own. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. Swap cream of tartar with 2 teaspoons lemon juice for a similar tang.
Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Try rolling them in crushed pecans. My oldest loves adding white chocolate chips.
These Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies handle changes well. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking. It brings out the sweet spice.
Feel free to experiment with these Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies by swapping butter for coconut oil or adding lemon juice for extra tang. For another gluten-free option, try our Chewy Gluten Free Almond Cookies—they’re just as delightful.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cream the butter and 1 ½ cups sugar together until fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract. Mix well.
Whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes. This step is key for Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies. Mix ¼ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon in a small bowl.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Coat each ball in the cinnamon sugar. Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The centers should look soft. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes.
Then transfer to a wire rack. Your kitchen will smell incredible.
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Always chill the dough. This prevents spreading. Do not overbake these Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies.
They firm up as they cool. Use room temperature butter for best results. Cream the sugar and butter until light.
This gives you that perfect texture. Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup. Level it off with a knife.
Too much flour makes them dry. For extra chewiness, use bread flour instead. Let your cookies cool completely before storing. These tips help you nail those Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies every time.
Chilling the dough is essential for perfect Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies that don’t spread too much. If you love soft, almond-flavored treats, you’ll adore our Marzipan Cookies Recipe: Soft, Chewy & Irresistibly Almond for another chewy cookie option.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
Store your Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature. Place a slice of bread inside the container.
It keeps them soft. You can freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Just roll them in cinnamon sugar before freezing.
Bake straight from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes. Reheat leftover cookies in the microwave for 10 seconds. They taste like fresh-from-the-oven Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies again.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
Serve these Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk. A hot cup of coffee or tea pairs beautifully. Scoop vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a cozy sandwich.
Offer them alongside fresh fruit for a balanced snack. They also make a sweet breakfast treat. My family loves them with hot apple cider on crisp mornings. These Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies shine on any dessert table.
These Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a warm drink. For an equally irresistible gluten-free treat, check out our Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Chewy, Gooey Recipe You’ve Been Searching For.
FAQs
Why do my cookies turn out flat?
Your butter might be too soft. Always chill the dough. This fixes flat Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies easily.
Can I skip cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar gives the signature tang. It also prevents sugar crystal formation. Skip it only if you have to. Your cookies will still taste great, but they won’t be true Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies.
How do I know when they are done?
The edges should be set and golden. The centers will look slightly underdone. They finish baking on the hot sheet. Trust your eyes for perfect Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days. Roll and bake when ready. This makes fresh Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies a breeze.
Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies are a classic American soft cookie, known for their tangy cream of tartar flavor and cinnamon-sugar coating. They are a beloved member of the cookie family, often enjoyed during holidays or as a simple homemade treat.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 120mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Sugars | 15g |
| Protein | 2g |
