Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodles

© Original Recipe By Megan May ©

🍪✨ Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodles: The Perfect Soft Cinnamon Treats!

1. Introduction

Imagine biting into a cookie that combines the warm, aromatic richness of cinnamon with a satisfyingly soft, chewy texture — that’s what makes snickerdoodles a beloved classic in the cookie jar. These chewy cinnamon sugar cookies are the perfect balance of lightly crisp edges and tender centers coated in sweet cinnamon sugar. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a simple yet delicious treat, this recipe offers all the comforting flavors of traditional snickerdoodles with a delightful chewy twist.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes for an easy, quick dessert.
• Perfectly chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
• It’s a one-bowl, fuss-free recipe making cleanup a breeze.
• Great for holidays, bake sales, or just because snack cravings hit.
• Warm cinnamon aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake.

3. Ingredient Notes

For these classic snickerdoodles, choosing quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference. Use unsalted butter for a rich, creamy flavor that complements cinnamon perfectly. I recommend soft brown sugar over white sugar for a deeper caramel note and chewier cookie texture. Cream of tartar is essential — its tanginess reacts with baking soda to give snickerdoodles their distinctive chewiness and signature tang.

For the cinnamon, opt for fresh, ground cinnamon that’s aromatic and not stale. A high-quality cinnamon heightens the overall flavor and makes every bite irresistible.

4. Kitchen Tools You Need

To get that perfectly chewy texture, a reliable KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer is invaluable. It mixes ingredients uniformly without overworking the dough, ensuring that chewy consistency. For shaping the cookies, a Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer helps bake evenly and quickly, while a good baking sheet lined with parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

5. How to Make Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodles

Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is fluffy and creamy—that’s when you’ll notice the scent of caramel and cinnamon filling the air. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Mix just until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, mixing on low speed. The dough should come together into a soft, slightly sticky ball—chewy but manageable.

Shape and Coat

In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar for coating. Scoop about a tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball, then thoroughly coat in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place the coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.

Baking & Finishing

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set and slightly golden. The centers might look soft but will firm up as they cool. Let the cookies sit for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. You’ll be greeted by the delightful aroma of cinnamon and sugar—truly irresistible!

6. Expert Tips for Success

• Don’t overbake: The secret to chewy snickerdoodles is not to overbake. Remove them as soon as the edges turn golden.
• Chill the dough: For even chewier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping.
• Use fresh cinnamon: Grind or buy high-quality cinnamon for a bold aroma and flavor.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for maximum freshness.

7. Variations & Substitutions

If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking flour. Wanna make these cookies vegan? Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use flax eggs instead of real eggs. For a decadent twist, add mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans to the dough before shaping. These adaptations ensure everyone can enjoy the soft cinnamon sugar treats!

8. Storage & Reheating

Store snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay soft and chewy for several days. To restore freshness, gently reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in your air fryer at 350°F for a few seconds—perfect for that oven-warm cookie experience anytime.

9. FAQ

Are snickerdoodles supposed to be chewy?

Yes! Unlike some cookies that are crisp or chewy, snickerdoodles can be soft, chewy, or crispy depending on how you bake them. This recipe emphasizes a chewy texture with a slightly crisp edge.

Can I freeze snickerdoodles?

Absolutely! Freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

What makes snickerdoodles different from sugar cookies?

Snickerdoodles are distinguished by their cinnamon-sugar coating and the use of cream of tartar, which gives them their signature tang and chewiness. Sugar cookies lack these distinctive spices and acidic ingredients.

10. Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, chewy snickerdoodle straight from the oven. The perfect harmony of cinnamon, sugar, and buttery goodness makes these soft cinnamon sugar treats a timeless favorite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe promises delightful results every time. Happy baking!

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