Snickerdoodle cookies are a timeless favorite known for their soft centers, crisp edges, and signature cinnamon sugar coating. They’re easy to make, full of warm spice, and perfect for holidays, bake sales, family gatherings, or a cozy afternoon treat. This collection features six delicious snickerdoodle cookie recipes that bring both classic flavors and creative twists to your cookie jar.
Every recipe includes easy-to-find ingredients and simple step-by-step instructions, making them ideal for beginner and experienced bakers alike.
What You’ll Need
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Essentials (Used in All 6 Recipes)
🧂
McCormick Cream of Tartar Must-Have
1.5 oz. The signature snickerdoodle ingredient for tangy flavour and chewy texture.
🍯
Ground Ceylon Cinnamon
Every recipe needs cinnamon for the sugar coating. Ceylon gives a sweeter, more complex flavour.
🧈
Pure Vanilla Extract
Used in 5 of 6 recipes. Pure extract delivers much better flavour than imitation.
Specialty Ingredients
🎃
Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin Puree Fall Favourite
15 oz can. For the Pumpkin Snickerdoodles recipe. No fillers or preservatives.
🥧
McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice
For the Pumpkin Snickerdoodles. Pre-blended cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
🍁
Pure Maple Syrup (Grade A)
For the Maple Pecan Snickerdoodles. Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup.
🥜
Chopped Pecans for Baking
For the Maple Pecan Snickerdoodles. Toast them before folding into the dough for extra flavour.
Equipment
🍳
Baking Sheet + Cooling Rack + Silicone Mat Set Our Pick
6-piece stainless steel set. Covers lined baking sheets and wire cooling racks for all recipes.
🥄
Cookie Scoop Set (3 Sizes)
Makes perfectly uniform dough balls every time. Medium size is ideal for snickerdoodles.
🫙
Airtight Cookie Storage Container
Keeps snickerdoodles soft for up to 5 days. Great for gifting and bake sales too.
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Quick Summary These six snickerdoodle cookie recipes include Classic Snickerdoodle Cookies, Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies, Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies, Maple Pecan Snickerdoodle Cookies, Spiced Snickerdoodles, and Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodles. Each recipe delivers soft, chewy cookies coated in cinnamon sugar with easy instructions and pantry-friendly ingredients. The organized layout helps readers quickly find recipes while making the content easy for search engines and AI-generated search results to understand.
1. Classic Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe Classic snickerdoodle cookies are soft, buttery, and coated in a generous layer of cinnamon sugar for the traditional flavor everyone loves.
Ingredients
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar until light.
Beat in eggs and vanilla.
Mix in the dry ingredients.
Roll dough into balls.
Coat each ball in cinnamon sugar.
Bake for 10–12 minutes.
Cool on a wire rack.
What You’ll Need
Affiliate links
Ingredients
🍫
Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Our Pick
8 oz bag, 6-pack. Used in 4 of 5 recipes. Rich, deep chocolate flavour.
🍪
Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
24 oz bag. For the Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles recipe.
☕
King Arthur Espresso Powder
3 oz jar. Essential for the Mochadoodles recipe. Enhances chocolate flavour.
🌶️
Ground Cayenne Pepper
For the Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies. A small pinch adds the signature warmth.
Equipment
🍳
Baking Sheet + Cooling Rack + Silicone Mat Set Our Pick
6-piece stainless steel set. Covers lined baking sheets and cooling racks for every recipe.
📄
Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets
Fits standard half-sheet pans. No cutting or curling, ready to line and bake.
🥄
Cookie Scoop Set (3 sizes)
Makes uniform dough balls every time. Medium size works best for snickerdoodles.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability may change.
2. Brown Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe Brown butter snickerdoodles add a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the classic cinnamon sugar coating.
Ingredients
2¾ cups flour
1 cup browned butter, cooled
1½ cups sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
Cinnamon sugar coating
Instructions
Brown the butter and let it cool.
Mix the dry ingredients.
Beat browned butter with sugar.
Add eggs and vanilla.
Stir in the dry ingredients.
Roll dough in cinnamon sugar.
Bake for 10–12 minutes.
What You’ll Need
Affiliate links
Ingredients
🍫
Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Our Pick
8 oz bag, 6-pack. Used in 4 of 5 recipes. Rich, deep chocolate flavour.
🍪
Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
24 oz bag. For the Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles recipe.
☕
King Arthur Espresso Powder
3 oz jar. Essential for the Mochadoodles recipe. Enhances chocolate flavour.
🌶️
Ground Cayenne Pepper
For the Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies. A small pinch adds the signature warmth.
Equipment
🍳
Baking Sheet + Cooling Rack + Silicone Mat Set Our Pick
6-piece stainless steel set. Covers lined baking sheets and cooling racks for every recipe.
📄
Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets
Fits standard half-sheet pans. No cutting or curling, ready to line and bake.
🥄
Cookie Scoop Set (3 sizes)
Makes uniform dough balls every time. Medium size works best for snickerdoodles.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability may change.
3. Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe Pumpkin snickerdoodles combine pumpkin puree with warm spices for a soft fall cookie packed with seasonal flavor.
Ingredients
2½ cups flour
½ cup pumpkin puree
¾ cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp baking soda
Cinnamon sugar coating
Instructions
Preheat oven.
Cream butter and sugar.
Add pumpkin, egg yolk, and vanilla.
Mix in dry ingredients.
Roll dough in cinnamon sugar.
Bake for 11–13 minutes.
What You’ll Need
Affiliate links
Ingredients
🍫
Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Our Pick
8 oz bag, 6-pack. Used in 4 of 5 recipes. Rich, deep chocolate flavour.
🍪
Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
24 oz bag. For the Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles recipe.
☕
King Arthur Espresso Powder
3 oz jar. Essential for the Mochadoodles recipe. Enhances chocolate flavour.
🌶️
Ground Cayenne Pepper
For the Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies. A small pinch adds the signature warmth.
Equipment
🍳
Baking Sheet + Cooling Rack + Silicone Mat Set Our Pick
6-piece stainless steel set. Covers lined baking sheets and cooling racks for every recipe.
📄
Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets
Fits standard half-sheet pans. No cutting or curling, ready to line and bake.
🥄
Cookie Scoop Set (3 sizes)
Makes uniform dough balls every time. Medium size works best for snickerdoodles.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability may change.
4. Maple Pecan Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe Maple pecan snickerdoodles blend maple flavor with crunchy toasted pecans for a delicious seasonal variation.
Ingredients
2¾ cups flour
¾ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
¼ cup maple syrup
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped toasted pecans
Cinnamon sugar coating
Instructions
Prepare cookie dough.
Fold in chopped pecans.
Roll into balls.
Coat with cinnamon sugar.
Bake for 10–12 minutes.
What You’ll Need
Affiliate links
Ingredients
🍫
Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Our Pick
8 oz bag, 6-pack. Used in 4 of 5 recipes. Rich, deep chocolate flavour.
🍪
Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
24 oz bag. For the Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles recipe.
☕
King Arthur Espresso Powder
3 oz jar. Essential for the Mochadoodles recipe. Enhances chocolate flavour.
🌶️
Ground Cayenne Pepper
For the Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies. A small pinch adds the signature warmth.
Equipment
🍳
Baking Sheet + Cooling Rack + Silicone Mat Set Our Pick
6-piece stainless steel set. Covers lined baking sheets and cooling racks for every recipe.
📄
Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets
Fits standard half-sheet pans. No cutting or curling, ready to line and bake.
🥄
Cookie Scoop Set (3 sizes)
Makes uniform dough balls every time. Medium size works best for snickerdoodles.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability may change.
5. Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe Spiced snickerdoodles combine cinnamon with nutmeg, cloves, and ginger for warm, cozy cookies perfect during the cooler months.
Ingredients
2¾ cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground ginger
1 cup butter
1½ cups sugar
2 eggs
Instructions
Mix dry ingredients.
Cream butter and sugar.
Beat in eggs.
Combine both mixtures.
Roll dough in cinnamon sugar.
Bake for 10–12 minutes.
What You’ll Need
Affiliate links
Ingredients
🍫
Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Our Pick
8 oz bag, 6-pack. Used in 4 of 5 recipes. Rich, deep chocolate flavour.
🍪
Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
24 oz bag. For the Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles recipe.
☕
King Arthur Espresso Powder
3 oz jar. Essential for the Mochadoodles recipe. Enhances chocolate flavour.
🌶️
Ground Cayenne Pepper
For the Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies. A small pinch adds the signature warmth.
Equipment
🍳
Baking Sheet + Cooling Rack + Silicone Mat Set Our Pick
6-piece stainless steel set. Covers lined baking sheets and cooling racks for every recipe.
📄
Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets
Fits standard half-sheet pans. No cutting or curling, ready to line and bake.
🥄
Cookie Scoop Set (3 sizes)
Makes uniform dough balls every time. Medium size works best for snickerdoodles.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability may change.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodles Recipe Cinnamon sugar snickerdoodles feature an extra-thick coating of cinnamon sugar that creates a crisp exterior with a soft, chewy center.
Ingredients
2¾ cups flour
1 cup butter
1½ cups sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
⅓ cup sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare cookie dough.
Roll generously in cinnamon sugar.
Place on lined baking sheets.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Cool before serving.
What You’ll Need
Affiliate links
Ingredients
🍫
Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Our Pick
8 oz bag, 6-pack. Used in 4 of 5 recipes. Rich, deep chocolate flavour.
🍪
Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
24 oz bag. For the Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles recipe.
☕
King Arthur Espresso Powder
3 oz jar. Essential for the Mochadoodles recipe. Enhances chocolate flavour.
🌶️
Ground Cayenne Pepper
For the Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies. A small pinch adds the signature warmth.
Equipment
🍳
Baking Sheet + Cooling Rack + Silicone Mat Set Our Pick
6-piece stainless steel set. Covers lined baking sheets and cooling racks for every recipe.
📄
Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets
Fits standard half-sheet pans. No cutting or curling, ready to line and bake.
🥄
Cookie Scoop Set (3 sizes)
Makes uniform dough balls every time. Medium size works best for snickerdoodles.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability may change.
What makes snickerdoodle cookies different from sugar cookies? Snickerdoodle cookies are made with cream of tartar, which gives them their signature tangy flavor and soft, chewy texture. They are also rolled in a cinnamon-sugar coating before baking, unlike traditional sugar cookies.
Why do snickerdoodles use cream of tartar? Cream of tartar helps create the classic chewy texture and slightly tangy taste that snickerdoodles are known for. It also reacts with baking soda to give the cookies a light, tender crumb.
How do I keep snickerdoodle cookies soft? Bake the cookies just until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft. Let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay soft for up to five days.
