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Classic Snickerdoodle Cookies: A Family Favorite

5.0 from 3 votes

Snickerdoodle cookies are one of those timeless treats that never fail to impress, and in my experience, they are incredibly easy to make. I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t love them, and believe me, I’ve baked plenty of batches!

The first time I made these cookies, my dad happened to be over for a visit. By the time he left, there wasn’t a single cookie left in the house! Sure, the kids and I managed to sneak a few, but Dad definitely devoured the bulk of them. Since that day, snickerdoodles have become a regular in my kitchen, not just for my kids to enjoy but also to send home with my parents now and then.

This recipe is as straightforward as they come. You’ll be working with all the usual suspects when it comes to cookie ingredients—flour, eggs, sugar, and butter. But what really makes snickerdoodles stand out from the crowd is a couple of key ingredients, the most important being cream of tartar. This little powerhouse of an ingredient is really what gives snickerdoodles their characteristic texture and flavor.

two snickerdoodle cookies on a plate next to a glass cup with tea

The Snickerdoodle Secret Ingredient: Cream of Tartar

Cream of tartar might sound like something reserved for the more advanced baker, but it’s an ingredient that has been in the pantry of home bakers for decades. In snickerdoodles, it serves two main purposes:

  1. Texture: Cream of tartar is what gives these cookies their signature chewy texture. Without it, they wouldn’t have that perfect soft and pillowy interior that makes them so irresistible.
  2. Flavor: It also contributes to the slight tang that sets snickerdoodles apart from other sugar cookies. That tart, almost lemony taste is subtle but makes all the difference. It’s what elevates a basic cookie into something a bit more special.

Combined with the classic sugar-cinnamon coating, the result is a cookie that is crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and absolutely packed with flavor. Every bite brings a delicious contrast between the sweet, spicy coating and the tangy, melt-in-your-mouth center.

Butter or Lard? Both Are Delicious!

While most recipes call for butter as the fat of choice, I’ve experimented with a different approach that’s just as tasty. On occasion, I’ve swapped out butter for lard—specifically, lard that I’ve saved from roast or rib drippings.

I know, it might sound a bit unconventional, but trust me when I say it works wonders! The lard gives the cookies a slightly richer, more savory flavor, which pairs beautifully with the sweet sugar-cinnamon coating. It’s a great option if you’re looking to reduce waste in the kitchen or add a unique twist to a traditional recipe.

To be honest, I first tried this because I didn’t have butter or shortening in the house, and decided to try lard as a substitute. It turned out great, and now I will use lard whenever I don’t have butter or am trying to save a couple of bucks by not buying butter in the first place.

The beauty of snickerdoodles is that they are incredibly versatile. Whether you use butter or lard, the cookies always turn out delicious. And because they are so simple to make, they are perfect for whipping up when you need a last-minute dessert or snack for the family.

Everyone’s Favorite Snickerdoodle Cookies

Recipe by Jessie
Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

36

cookies
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes



These classic snickerdoodle cookies are easy to make and loved by everyone who tries them! With a soft, chewy center and a crisp sugar-cinnamon coating, they’re the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, thanks to the addition of cream of tartar.

Ingredients

  • 1 c butter, softened

  • 1.5 c granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2.75 c flour

  • 2 tsp cream of tartar

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • Coating: 1/4 c granulated sugar and 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Make the cinnamon-sugar topping by mixing the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set this aside.
  • Cream the butter (or lard) and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla, continuing to mix for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Combine the dry ingredients (flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt) in a separate bowl.
  • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Form the dough into balls, recommending about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie. Roll these balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are well coated
  • Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. For a flatter snickerdoodle, you can gently press down the center of each ball with a fork.
  • Bake for about 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
  • Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

A Family Tradition

Since that fateful first batch, snickerdoodles have become a staple in our home. My kids love them just as much as my dad did on that first visit, and I often find myself making an extra batch to send home with my parents. They’ve become a bit of a family tradition now, and I love that they bring so much joy to the people I care about most.

I find that there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about baking these cookies. The warm scent of cinnamon and sugar filling the house, the sight of the cookies puffing up in the oven, and the simple pleasure of biting into a warm, freshly baked snickerdoodle—all of it brings back memories of baking with my own family as a child. And now, I get to pass that experience on to my own kids.

The Perfect Cookie for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing cookie recipe, snickerdoodles are the way to go. They’re perfect for a variety of occasions, from after-school snacks to potlucks and holiday cookie exchanges. Their familiar, comforting flavor is always a hit, no matter the crowd. Plus, the fact that they come together so quickly means you can have a batch ready in no time, even if you’re pressed for time.

So, whether you’re baking for your kids, your parents, or just for yourself, give this snickerdoodle recipe a try. I guarantee it will quickly become a regular feature in your kitchen, just like it has in mine!

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