Easy Snickerdoodle Recipe: Soft, Chewy, and Cream of Tartar Free!

Craving a batch of classic Snickerdoodle cookies but don’t have cream of tartar on hand? No problem! This Snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar delivers all the comforting flavors and textures you love, without the need for that often-elusive ingredient. These cookies are soft and chewy in the middle, have lightly crisp edges, and are generously coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend. They’re perfect for a holiday treat, a cozy afternoon snack, or any time you need a little bit of happiness in your life.

This recipe brings a beloved American classic right into your kitchen, no matter where you are. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe incredibly easy to follow. Get ready to enjoy the taste of homemade Snickerdoodles, simplified!

What makes Snickerdoodles so special? It’s their simplicity. They’re made with basic ingredients that most people already have in their pantry, and the recipe is straightforward. These cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, no matter the age of the recipient or the occasion. Every batch I’ve ever made has disappeared quickly, with friends, family, and colleagues all eagerly requesting more. You can’t go wrong with a classic!

Traditionally, Snickerdoodles get their signature tang and chewy texture from cream of tartar. However, this recipe uses a simple substitution: baking powder. In some regions, you might find Weinsteinbackpulver, a baking powder made *with* cream of tartar. If you have that, great! If not, regular baking powder works perfectly well, ensuring your Snickerdoodle cookies turn out soft, chewy, and absolutely delicious.

If you’re a fan of easy cookie recipes, be sure to explore some other simple delights. Some great options include light and airy Coconut Egg White Cookies, soft and nutty Haselnussmakronen, and the delightfully rich Leftover Egg Yolk Cookies. Or if you’re looking for a seasonal treat, then be sure to try the delicious Soft Pumpkin Cookies are another great option! You’ll find even more inspiration in the Cookie Category, a treasure trove of recipes for every occasion.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s embark on a baking adventure to create these irresistible Snickerdoodle cookies. They’re incredibly easy to make, and their warm, cinnamon-sweet flavor is guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your home.

With a preparation time of less than 20 minutes, you’ll have the cookie dough ready for the oven in no time. Are you ready to start baking?

🥘 Ingredients for Perfect Snickerdoodles

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful cookies:

• Flour
  • All-purpose flour is the perfect foundation for Snickerdoodles. For best results, measure the flour carefully using the spoon-and-level method. This means spooning the flour into your measuring cup and then leveling it off with a straight edge. Avoid packing the flour into the cup, as this can lead to dry, dense cookies.
• Weinsteinbackpulver or Baking Powder
  • This is the crucial ingredient that allows us to skip the cream of tartar without sacrificing the classic Snickerdoodle texture. If you’re in Austria or have access to it, Weinsteinbackpulver, a baking powder containing cream of tartar, is an excellent choice. However, standard baking powder available in the U.S. works just as well.

• Salt
• Butter
  • Opt for unsalted butter that is softened but not melted. Room-temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar, creating a light and fluffy base for the dough, which ultimately contributes to the cookies’ tender texture.
• Sugar
  • Simple granulated sugar is all you need for this recipe. It provides the perfect level of sweetness and helps to create those crisp edges we all love.
• Eggs
  • Two large eggs are essential for binding the ingredients and adding richness to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract
• Cinnamon
  • Cinnamon is the star of the cinnamon-sugar coating, so make sure to use a good-quality ground cinnamon for a warm, fragrant flavor.

See the recipe card for quantities

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions for Snickerdoodle Perfection

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect batch of Snickerdoodles:

Step 1 – Mix the dry ingredients.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder (or Weinsteinbackpulver), and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will result in a more consistent rise and texture in your cookies.

Step 2 – Cream the butter and sugar.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes light and creamy. This typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the dough, which is essential for achieving that perfect cookie texture.

Step 3 – Add eggs and vanilla.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the dough is smooth and glossy. At this point, the dough should already smell heavenly!

Step 4 – Combine wet and dry ingredients.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, incorporating it in two additions. Mix until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. You want to mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Step 5 – Chill the dough.

Cover the bowl and place the dough in the refrigerator to rest for about 30 to 60 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and roll into balls. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 6 – Preheat the oven and prepare the coating.

Preheat your oven to 190 °C (375 °F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the classic Snickerdoodle coating. This mixture will give the cookies their signature flavor and slightly crackled appearance.

Step 7 – Roll the dough.

Remove the dough from the refrigerator and scoop out approximately one tablespoon of dough per cookie. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Then, toss each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

Step 8 – Bake.

Place the coated cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving approximately 5 cm (2 inches) of space between each one. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still appear soft and puffy. It’s important not to overbake them, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 9 – Cool and enjoy!

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set slightly without losing their soft, chewy centers. Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy!

💡 Baking Tip: Understanding Cream of Tartar Substitutions

Many bakers wonder if Weinsteinbackpulver or baking powder can always be substituted for cream of tartar. The answer depends on the role of cream of tartar in the recipe.

In baked goods like Snickerdoodles, cakes, and muffins, cream of tartar is primarily used for leavening when combined with baking soda. In these cases, you can confidently replace both with Weinsteinbackpulver or regular baking powder. This substitution will still result in a lovely rise and tender texture.

However, in recipes like meringue, frosting, or caramel, cream of tartar plays a different role. It acts as a stabilizer for egg whites or helps to prevent sugar from crystallizing. In these instances, baking powder will not provide the same effect. Therefore, remember this simple guideline:

👉 Use baking powder (or Weinsteinbackpulver) for baked goods like cookies and cakes.
👉 Use cream of tartar itself for delicate things like meringue or syrup.

🍽 Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the essential equipment to make this recipe a breeze:

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Medium cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon size)
• Two baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

☕ Serving Suggestions: Perfect Drink Pairings

Elevate your Snickerdoodle experience with these delectable drink pairings:

• Orange Cointreau Coffee – The bright citrus notes cut through the sweetness of the cookie and add a festive twist.
• Lumumba Hot Chocolate with Rum – A rich, chocolaty, and slightly boozy treat that complements the warmth of the cookies.
• Brown Sugar Mocha – The deep, molasses-sweet chocolate and coffee notes create a dreamy combination with the cinnamon cookies.
• Cozy Cinnamon Dolce Latte – Indulge in double cinnamon bliss! The latte echoes the spice in the cookies, making every bite feel extra cozy.

Serve a steaming mug alongside a plate of Snickerdoodles for a delightful treat. Or, create a charming cookie-and-coffee bar at your next gathering, complete with cookies and an assortment of drinks. This combination will surely be a recipe for success and a great way to entertain your guests.

If you try this recipe, let me know what you think with a ★★★★★ star rating and by leaving a comment below. It would be amazing! You can also subscribe to our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don’t miss it.

📖 Snickerdoodle Recipe

Snickerdoodle Cookies (Without Cream of Tartar)

Nora

Soft and chewy Snickerdoodle cookies coated in cinnamon sugar – made without cream of tartar for an easy twist on the classic American favorite. Simple ingredients, cozy flavor, and perfectly delicious all year round.