Description

These chewy snickerdoodle cookies feature a crisp, sugary cinnamon crust and a soft, pillowy center. The secret lies in the cream of tartar, proper chilling time, and precise baking to ensure they are never dry or cakey.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (for coating)
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
Mix the coating sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
Roll dough into 1.5-inch balls and coat thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Place balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers look soft and slightly undercooked.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for proper creaming. Do not overbake; cookies will firm up as they cool. Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain chewiness. Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 150
Fat: 8
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 26
Fiber: 0.5
Protein: 2

Keywords: snickerdoodle cookies, chewy cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, easy baking, holiday cookies, cream of tartar cookies