Name: Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons cream of tartar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; For rolling:; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

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The aroma of freshly baked Chewy Snickerdoodle cookies always fills my kitchen with comfort. Each bite offers that perfect balance of cinnamon warmth and buttery sweetness, wrapped in a soft and chewy texture that instantly feels nostalgic. These cookies remind me of family gatherings, cozy evenings, and the simple joy of homemade treats.

Irresistibly Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like that this recipe is simple enough to make on a whim but still produces bakery-quality results. I also love how the cinnamon-sugar coating creates just the right amount of crunch before giving way to the chewy center. The golden-brown edges make these cookies beautiful to look at, and when I serve them, they never last long. Whether I eat them fresh out of the oven or save them for later, they always keep their irresistible texture.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
baking soda
cream of tartar
ground cinnamon (plus extra for rolling)
unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar
brown sugar, packed
large eggs
pure vanilla extract

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) to make sure it’s ready when my cookies are.
In one bowl, I whisk flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
In another bowl, I cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
I add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
I gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—this keeps the cookies soft.
I scoop out dough balls about 1–2 inches wide, roll them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
I bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. After cooling for a few minutes, I move them to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. The prep time is around 15 minutes, baking time 10 minutes, and total time about 25 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Other times, I stir in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture. If I want a stronger cinnamon flavor, I add a pinch more directly into the dough.

storage/reheating

I keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they start to firm up, I place one in the microwave for about 10 seconds, and it brings back that warm, chewy texture I love. I also freeze them baked or unbaked; both reheat beautifully.

FAQs

What makes Chewy Snickerdoodle cookies chewy?

I find that using the right balance of butter, sugars, and eggs, plus slightly underbaking them, gives that classic chewy bite.

Can I freeze Chewy Snickerdoodle cookies?

Yes, I freeze both baked cookies and unbaked dough balls. When baking from frozen, I just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

I chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. It keeps the cookies from spreading and helps the flavor develop.

Do I need cream of tartar for Snickerdoodles?

Yes, I always use it because it creates that tangy flavor and chewy texture that makes Snickerdoodles different from other sugar cookies.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely. I prepare the dough in advance, chill it overnight, and then bake the cookies the next day when I’m ready.

Conclusion

Every time I bake these Chewy Snickerdoodle cookies, I’m reminded why they’ve become such a beloved classic. The cinnamon-sugar coating, chewy centers, and nostalgic flavor make them perfect for sharing—or keeping all to myself. Whether I enjoy them warm from the oven or as a sweet snack later, these cookies never fail to bring a little joy into my day.