Description
Soft, chewy American snickerdoodles with a pillowy center and a crunchy cinnamon sugar crust. These spiced cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, made with a butter-sugar creaming method for maximum airiness.
Ingredients
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt (baker’s salt preferred)
1 cup unsalted butter (barely softened)
1½ cups granulated sugar
2 large room-temperature eggs
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
⅓ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
2 tablespoons cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
In a large bowl, whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt until combined
Set dry ingredients aside
In a stand mixer, beat softened butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until pale and fluffy (should slowly drip from spatula like ripe banana)
Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to mix on low speed to preserve air cells
Beat in one egg at a time, followed by the alcohol-free vanilla extract
Add dry ingredients in three portions to wet mixture, mixing on low speed
Scrape mixer bowl to ensure full blending. Dough should reach marshmallow consistency (smooth, non-sticky)
Chill dough for 30 minutes
In a small bowl, mix ⅓ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon for coating
Roll dough into 1-inch balls
Dip each ball into cinnamon sugar mixture, coating evenly, then return for second coat by rolling in fresh coating
Place on lined baking sheets 2 inches apart
Bake 8-10 minutes until tops are cracked and edges are lightly golden
Notes
Butter must be chilled (37°F or colder) for best texture
Double-dipping ensures maximum cinnamon sugar coverage
Prepare cinnamon sugar coating immediately before use to prevent clumping from moisture
Store cookies in airtight container to maintain freshness
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg