Description
This easy snickerdoodle cookie recipe delivers pure comfort with its iconic crackle and perfectly chewy center. It’s a family-friendly treat, perfect for any day, offering a simple and satisfying baking project.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar (for dough)
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1.5 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat 1 cup (226g) softened unsalted butter and 1.5 cups (300g) granulated sugar for 3-5 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale. This adds air for tenderness.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk 2.75 cups (330g) all-purpose flour, 1.5 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 0.5 teaspoon salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. If your dough looks dry, splash in 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water to make it pliable. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This firms the dough, prevents spreading, and deepens flavor for a richer cookie.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Combine 0.25 cup (50g) granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Scoop 1.5-tablespoon dough balls and roll generously in the mixture for that signature crackle.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place coated dough balls 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are set, centers soft and puffy. They’ll finish setting as they cool, revealing the beautiful crackle.
Notes
Always ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth dough. For chewiness, swap 0.25 cup of granulated sugar for light brown sugar in the dough. To avoid spreading, ensure adequate dough chilling and accurate oven temperature. Prevent dry dough by not overmixing flour. Consider gluten-free flour, lower sugar options, or plant-based butter for dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 55 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 calories
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 32 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
Keywords: easy dessert, snickerdoodle, cookie, cinnamon sugar, chewy, family-friendly, baking, classic, American, comfort food