I’m sharing with you today my very favorite cookie in the entire universe… the cookie I’ve loved the most since I was just a little girl:  Snickerdoodles.

snickerdoodles on a plate

Snickerdoodles

My mother made snickerdoodles often when I was growing up, so I suppose I became enamored with them at a very early age. The draw most certainly must have been the sugar and cinnamon exterior, or the crunch of the cookie, or maybe it was the intrigue of the craggy cracks formed within the cookie.

jar of cream of tartar
Or maybe it was the tangy flavor of added Cream of Tartar.  I’ve seen a few recipes for Snickerdoodles floating around that don’t have any Cream of Tartar in them. Just so you know… those aren’t snickerdoodles!  Traditional Snickerdoodle recipes nix baking powder and use a combination of baking soda and cream of tartar as a leavening agent instead.  But Cream of Tartar does much more than that… it imparts a tangy flavor to the cookie, making it recognizable as “the Snickerdoodle.”

cookie dough balls sitting in cinnamon sugar

There’s are a couple more ingredients that make a Snickerdoodle a Snickerdoodle for me.  The first is shortening.  I’m not one to ever really use shortening in any recipes, let alone cookie recipes.  But for these cookies, they are the key to making them crispy and wonderful.

balls of snickerdoodle cookie dough

And of course a good roll in sugar and cinnamon is the key to the crunchy, cinnamony sweet exterior.

snickerdoodle cookies

When they’re baked, Snickerdoodles crackle apart.  It’s their signature look.

snickerdoodle cookies

You know how every fingerprint is unique?  Every crackly Snickerdoodle is unique too.  They just sort of crack every which way.  Okay by me.

Gosh I love these guys.  How about you… are you a Snickerdoodle fan or do you have another classic favorite?

Favorite snickerdoodle-themed recipes:

Snickerdoodle
5 from 1 vote

Snickerdoodles

Without a doubt, Snickerdoodles are my favorite type of cookie!
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies (1 per serving)
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Ingredients

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together shortening, sugar and eggs.
  • In a separate bowl, sift dry ingredients together and stir into wet mixture. Chill dough in refrigerator until firm, at least 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 375℉.
  • In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Use your hands to roll cookie dough into small balls (about 1½ tablespoons each). Roll balls in the sugar/cinnamon, and place on an ungreased baking sheet, about 2 inches apart
  • Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until cookies are flattened and look crinkly. Let cool on cookie sheets at least 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For the rolling sugar: You'll have leftover sugar to throw away after rolling. I call for more than needed because I like to have a good puddle to roll them around in. Use less sugar if you don't want the waste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie, Calories: 129kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 51mg, Potassium: 42mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 15IU, Vitamin C: 0.002mg, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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50 Comments

  1. Karen @ Sugartown Sweets says:

    As I was reading your post, I learned something new! I did not know Cream of Tartar imparted a tangy taste! I’ve just googled it, and I had no idea of the different uses for this ingredient that I’ve NEVER used! It’s now at the top of my shopping list. Thank you 🙂

  2. Heather @girlichef says:

    Snickerdoodles have always been a favorite of mine, as well. I think I’m way past due for making a batch. Thanks for the reminder…my tummy is growling!

  3. Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says:

    I’ve never tasted snickerdoodles before but I want to, right now 😀 It’s a very cute name and looks so delish!!

    Temptations, ha!

  4. Bunny says:

    Oh my they look so good !

  5. Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says:

    Snickerdoodles are just a classic! My son is obsessed with cinnamon, so these are hit in our house. I love them made into a sandwich cookie with Nutella in the middle!

  6. Mary Miller / A Passionate Plate says:

    I love Snickerdoodles! I grew up in a house that always had a full cookie jar, and most of the time it contained homemade Snickerdoodles. I think my mom made them so often because the ingredients were cheap and the recipe was easy. Plus, we all loved them. Beautiful pictures!

  7. Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray says:

    These look perfect!

  8. Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says:

    I love Snickerdoodles, there one of my favorite cookies! Just a perfect, simple recipe!

  9. Heather says:

    Does cream of tartar get old? I think I have my little jar for about 2 years now??

    1. Lori Lange says:

      I did a little google search on that, and apparently it has an indefinite shelf life if it’s kept tightly closed and away from heat. That being said, I try to replace all of my spices w/in one to two years of purchase (depending on the spice).

  10. Claire says:

    Snickerdoodles are my favorites!!!! And you’re right about cream of tartar….there is a distinct flavor that it imparts. Gotta uses cream of tartar. 🙂