What can I substitute for cream of tartar in snickerdoodles?

You can either replace cream of tartar with baking powder at a 1:1.5 ratio (1 teaspoon cream of tartar : 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder), or you can replace cream of tartar with the combination of baking soda and either lemon juice or vinegar (as with this recipe).

Why do they call snickerdoodle cookies snickerdoodles?

The Joy of Cooking claims that “snickerdoodle” comes from “Schneckennudel,” a German word that literally means “snail noodles.” Schneckennudels don't have anything to do with snails or noodles, though—they're actually delicious-looking German cinnamon rolls.

Why do my snickerdoodle cookies get hard?

Snickerdoodles might turn out hard if they are overbaked or if the dough is too dry . Be sure to keep an eye on them as they bake – when the edges are set but the centers are still soft and puffy, they are done. Also, make sure you're not adding too much flour.

Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe (2024)

September 14, 2019

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You searched and found the best snickerdoodle cookie recipe! We've been making this easy snickerdoodle cookie recipe for almost a decade! These snickerdoodles are one of the easiest and tastiest cookies!

In the last nine years, I've been making this same snickerdoodle cookie recipe because it is so easy and tasty and is a family favorite. Many of my readers (You!) also made this recipe over the years and love it! I'm bringing it back to the front of my blog posts again to remind everyone of this all time classic.

Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe

When I first published this recipe in 2010, this is the only paragraph I wrote about these snickerdoodles:

Snickerdoodle cookies were always something I enjoyed, but never thought about making until recently. I'm clueless as to why! These are probably one of the easiest cookie recipes I have ever encountered. We've been enjoying them all week. They are also great for freezing and then popping in the microwave for a few seconds before devouring.
See Also
Swedish Meatballs Recipe - The Cookie Rookie®18 All-Star Cookie Swap Recipes For The Holidays Snowball Cookies Recipe - Sally's Baking Addiction Cinnabon Copycat Recipe

Nine years later, I have so much more to say about this easy snickerdoodle cookie recipe! I learned a few tips and tricks along the way to making the perfect snickerdoodles. (Although, these snickerdoodles are SO easy they really don't need many tricks!)

Tips for making the perfect snickerdoodle cookies

Cream of Tartar: Use cream of tartar as listed, but if you do not have it on hand you can use baking powder instead of both the baking soda and cream of tartar. For this recipe, substitute 4 teaspoons baking powder for the baking soda and cream of tartar.
Cookie Size: For most cookie recipes, I like to use my medium sized cookie scoop. BUT, for this snickerdoodle cookie recipe, I sometimes like to make these with my small cookie scoop instead. This recipe will make 3 ½ dozen if using the small cookie scoop and about 3 dozen with the medium scoop.
Parchment Paper: Do not use a silicone liner on your cookie sheet! Whenever I use a silicone liner for these cookies, they spread too thin. Still tasty, but too thin! Parchment paper is better, or nothing if your cookie sheet is nonstick.
Stand Mixer: I use my KitchenAid stand mixer for these cookies but you can also use a hand mixer if you do not own a stand mixer. Any cookie recipe can be made without a mixer and just a wooden spoon, but that takes quite a bit of elbow grease! If you have a food processor, that can work as well.

Other snickerdoodle recipes you may enjoy:

Gingerdoodles
Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches
Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

This recipe was originally published October 6, 2010 and then updated September 14, 2019 with helpful tips and minor recipe edits.

Recipe Card

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4.67 from 3 votes

Snickerdoodle Cookies

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time12 minutes mins

Total Time22 minutes mins

Course: Cookies

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Easy Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe, Perfect Snickerdoodles, Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe, Snickerdoodles

Servings: 24 servings

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 ½ cups plus 4 tablespoon sugar divided
2 eggs
2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl cream together the 1 ½ cups sugar and butter until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Beat in the eggs one at a time.
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Form into 1 ½-inch dough balls. In a wide bowl, combine the 4 tablespoon sugar with the cinnamon. Roll the dough balls in the cinnamon and sugar mixture, then place on baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, until edges are golden. The cookies will flatten as they bake and set as they cool.
Allow to cool for 8 minutes before removing from cookie sheet to cooling rack.

Nutrition

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Thanks for visiting! We’re the Gladd family! We love donuts, Disney, LEGO and Jesus. Not in that order, of course. 🙂 Ben shares DIY wood-working projects and Nikki shares delicious recipes. You’ll also find a sprinkling of travel adventures and other family fun ideas!

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