Description

These chewy snickerdoodle cookies feature a crackly, sugary exterior that shatters when bitten, revealing a soft, pillowy center. The secret lies in chilling the dough and using the correct ratio of cream of tartar to baking soda for the perfect texture.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar, divided
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups (340g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt, divided
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Optional: Pinch of salt for coating

Instructions

Cream the butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale. Scrape down the sides.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until just combined and smooth.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours) to solidify the fat and prevent excessive spreading.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup sugar with the cinnamon.
Roll the chilled dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls and coat generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden, but centers still look soft.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Ensure butter is softened but not melted. Do not skip the chilling step for chewy texture. Underbake slightly as cookies firm up while cooling. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 140
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 80
Fat: 6
Saturated Fat: 3.5
Carbohydrates: 20
Fiber: 0.5
Protein: 2

Keywords: snickerdoodle cookies, chewy cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, easy baking, homemade cookies, crackly crust