Classic Snickerdoodles
These classic snickerdoodles have the characteristic tart flavor from the cream of tartar and the chewy, outer crispiness of a really great snickerdoodle.
Now may not be the best time to admit this, but I don’t like snickerdoodles.
I never have and sadly, I don’t think I ever will.
But I have received many a request for a snickerdoodle recipe. And I happen to have a husband whose favorite cookie in the entire world (seriously, the entire world!) is a snickerdoodle. Seriously, how did we ever get together?
Brian begs me constantly to make the almighty snickerdoodle and selfish woman that I am, I rarely do (favoring a good chocolate chip cookie over a snickerdoodle any day).
However, I decided to work with his love language (oh wait, you didn’t know the sixth love language was snickerdoodles? That’s weird…) and finally make them again for him.
In the past, when I’ve made the cookie, even Brian has admitted he is underwhelmed with the flavor and texture (since I am not a good judge).
However, this time? Well, Brian declared these the jackpot of all snickerdoodle cookies. They have the characteristic tart flavor from the cream of tartar and the chewy, outer crispiness of a really great snickerdoodle.
Two important notes:
1) Don’t leave out the cream of tartar or it really isn’t an authentic snickerdoodle.
2) I’m afraid for all of you, like me, that hate using shortening in cookie recipes, that you just have to buckle down and do it this time. I’ve tried all-butter snickerdoodle recipes and I have to humble myself and admit that shortening is necessary here. If I can do it, you can do it.
Please don’t be like me. Love the snickerdoodle. Embrace the snickerdoodle. Make the snickerdoodle. And eat the snickerdoodle. I’m sure your life will be much better than mine because of it.
One Year Ago: Cowboy Cookies
Two Years Ago: Double Chocolate M&M Cookies
Three Years Ago: Samoas Bars
Classic Snickerdoodles
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 2 ½ cups (355 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113 g) butter, softened
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- 1 ½ cups (318 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
For the coating:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (53 g) granulated sugar
Instructions
- Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 (11X17-inch) rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper, silpat liners or lightly coat with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.
- In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), beat together the butter, shortening, and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs and mix until well incorporated. Reduce the speed of your mixer (stand mixer or handheld) and add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- In a small bowl or shallow plate, combine the cinnamon and granulated sugar to coat the cookies. Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and roll in the cinnamon an dsugar to coat. Place the balls of dough about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies, one sheet at a time, until the edges are light golden brown and the centers are soft and puffy, about 9-11 minutes. The cookies will flatten after they come out of the oven.
- Remove the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Recipe Source: adapted slightly from Cook’s Illustrated
Made these tonight and they are snickerliciouus. I added 1/2 tsp. of vanilla. Rest followed exactly. The texture is exactly as stated: crisp yet chewy.
I haven’t made Snickerdoodles in years! They were the first cookie I ever made by myself (in middle school) and haven’t made a batch since college. I think I am going to have to make these ASAP because I won’t be able to get that craving out of my head until I do!
added note, i didn’t read your entire note, you do say that it isn’t a real Snickerdoodle without C of tartar—I agree. just curious, what type of Shortening do you use? My mother, as I said, makes really good ones. She uses Mazola Corn Oil for the Shortening, makes real good cookies. Also, i can’t remember if you mention CHILLING the dough. My mother chills several hours,. or Over night. To me, it makes aBig difference
my mother makes really good Snickerdoodles. i have always said that a Snickerdoodle isn’t a real Snickerdoodle without Cream of Tartar. i talked to a friend recently who said that she has never cared for them, either. I think she doesn’t like the taste that the Cream of tartar gives. Some people say thast it gives it a taste they don’t care for. I recently checked the Computer. Martha Stewart has a recipe for Snickerdoodles Without the Cream of Tartar. i read the reviews, some like it better withoutb the cream of Tartasr. it could be that you are one who would prefer it Without it. Again, Martha stewarts Snickerdoodles. i think she has a version with and without cream of tartar. if you like Sugar cookies and cinnamon, it could be that you are one who would like it without. i prefer it with C of tartar, but, to each his/her own.
Made these this morning. Delicious! I didn’t have any shortening on hand, so I used all butter and they were still great. It was hard to tell when they were done… so I may have over baked them for a minute, but it didn’t affect the taste. Yum!
Made these last night and though they did not look quite like yours – not quite as puffy, they were so good. I would not ever choose a snickerdoodle either, but we live in Africa, with very few “special” ingredients, so these are perfect for us and our many visitors. My son who has a hard time finishing even one cookie EVER, asked for a third helping. I am calling these a huge success. 🙂
Oh my heart, I am in love with that picture! How are you getting anything done with that sweetie around?
I can now let go of the guilt I feel each time you post a chocolate recipe. I’ll eat my snickerdoodles, you eat your chocolate :).
Just made these for my 5 yr old’s school party. YUM! I also made the Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas last night and my husband and kids were in heaven. Thanks for the awesome recipes!
Just made these for my 5 yr old’s school party. Amazing! So excited to try more recipes on here. I also made the Honey Lime Enchiladas last night and my husband said, “These are SOOOOOOO good.” My 5 yr old said it was her favorite meal. Keep them coming! Thanks so much!
I made these tonight and my husband said, “These are the way snicker doodles are supposed to taste!!” Thanks for sharing!
I really like snickerdoodles and, like you and a lot of the commenters above, I don’t like to use shortening. But it’s true, the texture is just not right without shortening. I guess that’s why I’ve been making everything BUT snickerdoodles here in the past 6 months or so…
Looks good!!!
Love the picture of your “fuzzball”! Adorable!
I’m sure your snickerdoodles are delicious to those of us who love snickerdoodles… but really, that fuzzball lovebug of yours is SO deliciously cute. Thanks for sharing a little bit of her with us.
I love snickerdoodles and yours look perfect, Mel. Congratulations again on your new precious little bundle! What a blessing!
I love snickerdoodles and so I’ll try this for sure! And soon. And that picture? SO CUTE! Fuzzball of a lovebug is right!
i can’t believe you don’t like snickerdoodles–how unexpected and surprising! it’s kind of you to make them anyway, mel–you’re a doll. 🙂
Mel, I love your website. I’m presenting an award to your blog! Come check it out:
http://www.ourhomemadehappiness.com/2012/05/my-first-blog-award.html
Wow! I love snickerdoodles! These look great! I will be trying these this week!
Confession: I make a whole grain, all butter snickerdoodle. I can’t help it. I just can’t do shortening.
That being said, your cookies look way lighter and fluffier than mine. 🙂
Enjoy your baby! Found you via tastespotting!!!
Mel, you sound just like me! I do not cook with shortening ever and I despise snickerdoodles. However, like another commenter, if ever I need to make them I will turn to your recipe. Your baby girl is adorable. I’m thrilled for you and your family of boys! :o)
I will eat some of your snickerdoodles and try not to feel envious that my little (fuzzball of a lovebug) ones are too big for snuggling anymore..
Your baby is so precious and blessed with an abundance of hair! I commend you on your blog, recipes, taking care of your children and husband and running a household. How do you find the time to still add to your blog with a new baby on board! You should be given a “Woman of the Year Award” for all that you do not just for your family but your readers/followers as well!
OMG…cutest baby girl EVER!!!
And it must be a guy thing…my DH always asks for Snickerdoodles too!
Ha! I’m totally laughing right now because Snickerdoodles are my husband’s all-time favorite cookie too. While I don’t hate them like you, I definitely prefer a chocolate chip cookie any day! And, since I don’t make sweets all that often, why would I waste a baking day on Snickerdoodles when I could make a delicious chocolate chip one? This happened Sunday. I was SO close to making the snickerdoodle, but just couldn’t do it. I made your whole wheat chocolate chip/oatmeal cookies instead (my favorite – and they’re healthy because they have wheat flour, right!?). I put peanut butter and milk chocolate chips in them and they were heaven on earth. I’m glad you’re loving your little one! We’re hoping to have a little angel join our family some time in the next few weeks. 🙂
What a doll!! I Love all that hair.
I love me a good snickerdoodle and they happen to be my brother’s favorite cookie of all time as well. I’m taking dinner into them on Wednesday, my niece has been hospitalized for a week, and these will for sure be on the menu!!
I’m sooo with you on this one. I don’t care for snickerdoodles at all! If I ever have to make them though, I’m coming here for the recipe!
Yay for Baby Girls! Congrats! I had to wait a long time for my girl too…totally worth it. She’s gorgeous!
I really enjoy snickerdoodles but often forget about them until the holidays. At Christmas we add cinnamon to the dough and roll the cookie balls in green or red colored sugar bafore baking to make them festive.
Snickerdoodles are my husband’s and son’s favorite cookie. Thanks for the recipe.
Yay…..another snickerdoodle despiser! I have never liked them from day one. Oh my, that picture is just about the cutest thing ever. Have fun, and thanks for the recipes while you are on break!
Mel, I like you don’t do the shortening thing. However, I recently discovered a non-hydrogenated shortening that has been great. It is made from palm oil. You can buy it on the Tropical Traditions website or I found a Spectrum brand at our local natural foods market. Happy snuggling that cute little pink bundle!
These are one of my favorite types of cookies!
Snickerdoodles are almost a waste of calories for me because they are just meh. I don’t know what it is, but I will probably pass. However, if I need a good recipe for them, now I know where to turn (this is always where I go anyway). Cutest baby girl with tons of hair you have! I have baldies too! I like the suggestion of Chocolate snickerdoodles. I might actually try those.
My favorite cookie from childhood! Thanks for the recipe. I will make them soon.
Try Mexican Chocolate Snickerdoodles! Just add cocoa and almond flavoring. You might like them.
Yum! It’s true, shortening is necessary for tender, chewy cookies. I cringe a little too.
Oh she is such a sweet little thing. You must be soo happy!
It’s a giggle how so many of us don’t enjoy snickerdoodles. I think it is the cream of tartar that puts me off. But that baby is totally kissable. Such a cute picture! I am envious of all that hair – mine were always next to bald for months.
That photo of the lovebug brought actual tears to my eyes! Gorgeousness!!
I haven’t had a snickerdoodle in the longest time and I don’t know why because I love them! Thanks for a great recipe! I know what I’ll be doing in just a little while.
Love all the hair on that baby girl, bet it’s soft as down.
Snickerdoodles used to be my favorite cookie… I haven’t had them in years, maybe its time to bake some up and see if the love is still there! Thanks for the recipe, if you posted it … I know its a goodie!
I’m so glad I’m not alone! Everyone looks at me like I’m crazy when I refuse snickerdoodles. I have an extreme love for cinnamon but even cinnamon can’t save this cookie. Im tempted to make your recipe though because I’ve never made anything from your site that wasn’t short of amazing! But maybe I’ll just follow your lead and snuggle my seven week old baby boy. =]
I’m so glad to know this about you, because I don’t like snickerdoodles either, and thought surely I was the only one! Virtual hugs to your precious babe…
I love snickerdoodles!! This is going on the to-make list!! Btw–I just made your lemon crinkle cookies for my office and everyone absolutely loved them. I could hear them in the kitchen going on about how good the cookies were. lol So, keep the great recipes coming!!
I’m w/you- Don’t like using shortening in cookies, cakes or pie crust. Not good for the old ticker. So, while others enjoy, I too, shall be holding a warm, sleeping dog in my lap and reading a good book.
I would rather love on that sweet baby too! But I will just make the cookies instead and try to steal a hug from my 13 yr old. 🙂
Love a good ‘doodle!
I love snickerdoodles (I hope we can still be friends!), and this recipe is almost identical to the recipe my grandmother passed down to me. The only difference is my grandmother’s recipe uses 1 cup or margarine. I am excited to try this recipe with the shortening, even though I normally don’t like to bake with it. I imagine it makes the cookies really soft and chewy, which is what you want in a good snickerdoodle. You and CI’s have never let me down, so I know this will be an awesome cookie! Thanks, Mel! Enjoy your snuggle time with that precious baby girl!
These are one of my favs. So classic and delicious!