Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Cookies
Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Cookies are a classic American treat that’s beloved for their soft, chewy texture and the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon. These cookies are coated in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, which gives them a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior. With their perfect balance of sweetness and spice, Snickerdoodles are a favorite in many households, especially during the holidays, but they’re delicious enough to enjoy year-round.
The charm of Snickerdoodle cookies lies in their simplicity. Unlike overly complicated desserts, these cookies are made with basic ingredients that come together to create a delightful treat. Let’s dive into how to make these mouthwatering Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Cookies that will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Cookies
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 2 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 tsp Cream of Tartar
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/4 tsp Salt
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Set the baking sheets aside as you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a ball between your hands.
- Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar coating mixture, making sure each ball is generously coated on all sides.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Place the cinnamon-sugar coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the cookies have cooled, they are ready to be served.
- Enjoy these delicious, soft, and cinnamon-sugar-coated cookies with a warm cup of coffee, milk, or tea.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Don’t overbake: Snickerdoodles are meant to be soft, so make sure to remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden. The cookies will continue to cook a little as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Use cream of tartar: This ingredient is what gives Snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor and helps the cookies achieve their classic texture. Do not skip it!
- Chill the dough (optional): If you prefer a thicker cookie, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Coat generously: For that perfect cinnamon-sugar coating, be sure to roll the dough balls generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The more coating, the better!
Variations of Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Chocolate Snickerdoodles: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate twist on the classic Snickerdoodle.
- Pumpkin Snickerdoodles: Add pumpkin spice or a bit of pumpkin puree to the dough for a fall-inspired version.
- Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles: Swirl in some peanut butter or use peanut butter chips for a salty-sweet Snickerdoodle twist.
- Brown Sugar Snickerdoodles: Substitute brown sugar for half of the granulated sugar to add extra moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to the cookies.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Cookies
These classic cookies pair well with a variety of drinks and treats:
- A cup of hot coffee: The bitterness of coffee balances out the sweetness of the Snickerdoodles, making them the perfect pairing.
- Chai tea: The spices in chai tea complement the cinnamon flavor in Snickerdoodle cookies.
- A glass of milk: A cold glass of milk is the perfect way to enjoy these cinnamon-sugar cookies.
- Vanilla ice cream: Sandwich these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet delicious dessert.
How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Cookies
Storing:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. They will stay soft and chewy.
- To keep the cookies fresh for longer, store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Place them in a zip-top freezer bag, separated by parchment paper, to avoid sticking.
Reheating:
- To reheat, microwave the cookies for 10-15 seconds for a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
- Alternatively, you can warm the cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to restore their texture.
Conclusion: A Cookie that Stands the Test of Time
Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Cookies are a timeless treat that never goes out of style. Their soft, chewy texture and the perfect balance of cinnamon and sugar make them a crowd-pleaser at any event. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a party, or just because, these cookies are sure to bring comfort and joy to anyone who takes a bite. Simple yet delicious, Snickerdoodles are a must-have in every baker’s repertoire.
Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Cookies
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Ingredients
- For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed, until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- In a small bowl, combine the 3 tbsp granulated sugar and 1 tbsp ground cinnamon. Stir until the cinnamon and sugar are well mixed.
- Step 4: Shape the Cookies
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Roll each ball of dough in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one.
- Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the cookies have cooled, serve them with a glass of milk or enjoy them on their own.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
✔ Don’t overbake: Snickerdoodles are meant to be soft and chewy, so take them out of the oven as soon as the edges turn golden.
✔ Cream of tartar: This is key to giving snickerdoodles their classic tangy flavor. Don’t skip it!
✔ Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
✔ Cinnamon mix: For an extra cinnamon boost, you can increase the cinnamon amount in the sugar coating if you love a more intense cinnamon flavor.