© Original recipe by Serena Miller ©
🍪✨ Soft Classic Snickerdoodles: The Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies You Need This Holiday!
1. Introduction
Nothing beats the comforting aroma of freshly baked snickerdoodles wafting through the home. These iconic cookies are a timeless treat—crispy edges, chewy centers, and that fragrant cinnamon-sugar coating that instantly transports you to holiday gatherings, cozy afternoons, or even a casual coffee break. In this guide, I’ll walk you through a recipe for soft classic snickerdoodles—chewy cinnamon sugar cookies that are perfect for sharing or indulging alone.
With their nostalgic appeal and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies aren’t just a dessert—they’re an experience. Let’s delve into what makes this snickerdoodle recipe truly special and how you can master it in your own kitchen.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes — no long waits, perfect for last-minute cravings
- Simple ingredients— pantry staples come together effortlessly
- Chewy and soft texture— a delightful contrast to crunchier cookies
- Perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday treats
- Customizable flour options— makes these cookies versatile for different dietary needs
3. Ingredient Notes
Crafting the ideal snickerdoodle demands sweet and aromatic ingredients. I recommend using high-quality unsalted butter—it creates that tender, rich crumb and enhances flavor. For the sugar, a fine-grain white sugar harmonizes beautifully with cinnamon, but a touch of brown sugar can add a deeper, caramelized flavor if desired.
The key to soft, chewy cookies lies in the right flour—all-purpose works perfectly, but you can substitute with a bit of cake flour for extra tenderness. The cinnamon should be fragrant and fresh—look for whole cinnamon sticks and grind your own for maximum aroma, if possible. For the cinnamon-sugar coating, combine cinnamon with superfine sugar for a glossy, flavorful crust that crackles on each bite.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
- KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer — Mixers make combining dough effortless and ensure a uniform texture, especially when creating chewy cookies. This durable mixer is a baker’s best friend, ideal for kneading and blending ingredients smoothly.
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — While traditional baking works perfectly, this versatile air fryer can give your snickerdoodles a crispy edge if you prefer that texture. It’s also great for quick reheats or small batches.
5. How to Make Soft Classic Snickerdoodles
Preparing the dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream together softened butter with sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. The aroma of melting butter combined with sweet sugar is pure comfort. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, until well blended. This creates a smooth, luscious base for your chewy cookies.
Mixing the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. The cream of tartar is the secret ingredient that gives snickerdoodles their distinctive tang and chewy texture. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, beating on low until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable—do not overmix, or your cookies may turn out dense instead of tender.
Forming and coating the cookies
In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and superfine sugar. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll each into your cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly. Place these onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cinnamon-sugar coating creates a crackly, aromatic crust that bites through to the chewy interior.
Baking to perfection
Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. The cookies will puff up during baking but settle into that desirable chewy texture as they cool. Once out of the oven, allow the snickerdoodles to rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. As they cool, the aroma intensifies, promising pure delight with every bite.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for smooth mixing and better texture.
- Don’t overbake—pull the cookies out when they’re just set; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and cool on the baking sheet. The residual heat ensures a soft center.
- Invest in quality cinnamon. Freshly ground cinnamon delivers a vibrant flavor that really elevates these classic treats.
- Experiment with brown sugar—adding a touch can deepen the caramel notes and enhance chewiness.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you’re looking to adapt this classic dessert for dietary preferences, consider the following:
- Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Vegan: Use coconut oil or vegan butter and flaxseed eggs instead of regular eggs.
- Lower sugar: Reduce the sugar in the dough slightly or use natural sweeteners like coconut sugar.
For a fun twist, try adding mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough for extra flavor and texture.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftover snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag—they’ll keep fresh for up to a month. Reheat briefly in the oven or in an air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore that just-baked warmth and texture.
9. FAQ
How do I make snickerdoodles extra chewy?
For chewy snickerdoodles, opt for a slightly higher brown sugar content and underbake them by a minute or two. Letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet helps retain their chewy interior.
Can I prepare this cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking for best results.
What’s the best way to get that crackly cinnamon-sugar crust?
Ensure the dough balls are generously coated with cinnamon-sugar, and press lightly to help create a crackled surface during baking. Baking at the right temperature is also essential to achieve that perfect crust.
Are snickerdoodles suitable for holidays?
Absolutely! Their warm cinnamon aroma and delightful texture make them a festive favorite. They’re perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special celebration.
10. Conclusion
Mastering the art of chewy cinnamon sugar cookies is easier than you think with this foolproof snickerdoodle recipe. The soft, chewy interior combined with that irresistible cinnamon-sugar crust makes these cookies an enduring classic. Whether for holiday treats or everyday indulgence, you’ll love how simple ingredients and basic techniques create such extraordinary desserts. Happy baking!
Print
Soft Classic Snickerdoodles Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
A simple, delicious cookie recipe for soft, chewy classic snickerdoodles, rolled in cinnamon sugar for a rich flavor and delightful texture.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix extra sugar and cinnamon for coating.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on wire racks before serving.
Notes
- For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake and let sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110 Kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
