A classic American cookie, Snickerdoodles are easy to make biscuits coated in cinnamon sugar. With no chilling required, you can make and bake these cookies within about 30 minutes.
I love making cookies and biscuits. Many, like these, are quick and easy and you can be tucking into them within a short time making them perhaps the most instantly satisfying form of baking. I like making them so much I have written several books on making cookies and biscuits. My first cookie book, Best loved Cookies back in 2000 ( where does the time go?) was a novelty board book with just a few recipes, but it sold so well the publishers came back to me a few years later and asked me to write more recipes for a larger book. As the new book was to be sold in the US too, I had to research some classic American biscuits and include some recipes for those too. It was then that I first discovered Snickerdoodles and I have been making them regularly ever since.
Snickerdoodles are very popular in the States and Canada but are still not that well know here in the UK. I really don't understand why they are not more popular. They are simple to make and taste absolutely delicious.And I just love the name!
So what is a snickerdoodle?
Snickerdoodles are basically a vanilla cookie that is rolled in cinnamon sugar. I find this the perfect combination for my tastes. But you will find snickerdoodles with additional cinnamon in the biscuit itself, so if you want yours to be extra cinnamony then feel free to add ½-1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon with the flour.
Cream of Tartar
A classic Snickerdoodle is always made with cream of tartar and bicarbonate of soda. The cream of tartar gives the cookies a traditional tangy flavour. However, if you do not have any cream of tartar you can make them using baking powder instead (which is, in fact, a combination of the same ingredients albeit in different proportions). Use 2 teaspoon baking powder in place of the cream of tartar and bicarbonate of soda in the recipe. Purists, however, will not consider them to be proper Snickerdoodles but if you do, it's hard to tell!
I think in the US the general consensus is that they should be soft and chewy. To get the right consistency you will need to keep a close eye on the cooking time. Check after around 8 minutes. The outer edges should be pale golden and the center should still look pale and soft (it will firm up as it cools). If like me you like them slightly crisper then cook until they are pale golden all over but do take care not to overcook as they bake quickly and can go hard.
The Snickerdoodles will spread during cooking. If the dough is too soft they will spread a bit too much and it will be harder to achieve a soft chewy biscuit. You can stop this happening by popping them in the fridge to chill a little before cooking. Making them here in the UK, I never find that necessary but if your kitchen is very hot or the butter was very soft before you started then I would recommend that you do chill them briefly.
Step by Step How to Make Snickerdoodles
📖 Recipe
Snickerdoodles
Ingredients
- 175 g butter softened (6oz), plus extra to grease
- 225 g caster sugar (8oz)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 275 g plain flour (10oz)
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
for the cinnamon sugar
- 1 tablespoon caster sugar
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200℃ (180℃ fan)/400°F/gas mark 6. Lightly grease 2or 3 baking sheets.
- Beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add the egg and beat well. Then add the vanilla extract and beat to combine.
- Sieve the flour, cream of tartar and bicarbonate of soda into the mixing bowl and beat together until combined to form a soft dough.
- Make the cinnamon sugar by combining the sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow dish.
- Break off a piece of dough about the size of a walnut and roll into ball. Then roll the ball of dough in the cinnamon sugar until well coated and place on the baking sheet.
- Repeat until you have used all the dough to make about 30 cookies. Leave space between each ball for the dough to spread.
- Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. Allow to stand on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Kayleigh Watkins says
Peanut butter cookies xx
Sarah Roberts says
Love some salted caramel cookies really love it at the moment and more with fruit like apricots a bit healthier
Tammy Neal says
Classic rock cakes x
Diane Duggan says
I would like to see some ginger cookie recipes - my favourite flavour.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
I like ginger too
Janine H says
Classic Rock Cakes
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
I have a recipe for these on my other blog recipes made easy https://www.recipesmadeeasy.co.uk/rock-cakes/
sharon martin says
apple and ginger biscuits or cookies
Claire Hennighan says
I'd like to see you trying out a recipe for a healthy cookie for kids' after school snacks.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
I did some healthier cookies in my last cookie book I shall share one or two of those soon
Becci Cleary says
Some old school favourites.... I hear people talking about a Cornflake Tart that they used to get in school but I have no clue what it is.... I would like some easy bake cookies too. I work in a bakery in a store but have never made cookies from scratch... All ours come in frozen, I would love some recipes that I could bake for my kids
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
cookies are a good starting point when cooking with kids They are quick, try my raspberry and white chocolate cookies coming soon or these snickerdoodles im sure the kids will love the name.
Simone Griffin says
Oooh something chocolatey like chocolate and nut x
Kelly Simpson says
double chocolate cookie recipe
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
I already have one on Only Crumbs Remain here https://onlycrumbsremain.co.uk/easy-double-chocolate-cookies/ and they are awesome!
Kate says
Look really tasty.xx
Tracy Barber says
I'd love to see a cherry and oatmeal biscuit.
Rachel says
Never heard of a snickerdoodle! They look yummy.?
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
They are delicious
Donna Caldwell says
Do you remember the biscuits Gypsy Creams I use to love them but I think it was mcvities stopped making them I’d love to find the recipe
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Yes I do and I have a recipe somewhere not quite the same as mcvities but pretty good i must dig it out
Sharon Chilvers says
Cookies with White Chocolate Strawberries and Poppy Seeds yum
Meryl Thomas says
My orange and cranberry cookie recipe
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Now your talking !
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
ohh yes nice one. Let me know what you think of the snickerdoodles once you have tried them
Leanne Bell says
Oatmeal & Raisin cookies are amazing. Maybe the addition of some nuts x
Kimmarie Lay says
I would love to see the recipe for a golden syrup cookie or a strawberry and white chocolate.
I would be one happy lady with either of these.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Try the strawberry version on my raspberry and white chocolate cookies which will be up very soon
Pauline Burroughs says
I'd love to see a sugar free cookie that still tastes great but not sure if that's possible
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
and calorie free .....we can dream
Rachael Sexey says
The perfect peanut butter cookie would be amazing
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
i will add to my list
Margaret Umpleby says
Oat and ginger cookies, my favourite,filling, fab, food!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
great idea
paula cheadle says
I would love to see some gluten-free recipes
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
im not an expert at gluten free but i will see what i can do
Margaret Wacey says
A stem ginger cookies recipe would be great - they are my favourite.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
i love stem ginger cookies will do
Carol Robinson says
Chocolate chip cookie recipe please
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
A classic- Have you tried the double choc chip cookies on this site they are amazing. I also have a classic choc chip cookie recipe on Recipes Made Easy
kerri marie davidson says
White chocolate and raspberry cookies
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Your wish is my command will be on the site in the next day or two
Susan Bebbington says
I used to have a fantastic Anzac cookie recipe but managed to lose it, so that would be great
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
yes i love Anzac cookies too shame I have just missed Anzac day would have been a great time to post
Sheila Reeves (CakeReev) says
I'd like to see some oat cookies, love flapjacks but they are sooo sweet! I'd like something which I can convince myself is healthy ;))
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
I have an oat and raisin cookie on my recipe blog Recipes Made Easy you may like https://www.recipesmadeeasy.co.uk/oat-and-raisin-cookies/, but yes that is something that is missing here on Only Crumbs Remain which I will have to rectify.
Julia Morris says
I would love a gin and tonic cookie, perhaps a hint of lime? One for the grown ups!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
nice idea
Abigail says
Chocolate and coconut would be wonderful!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
ohh yes thats a great idea
Sheri Darby says
Some apricot and almond cookies would be lovely
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
I love apricot and almond combo
Stef Acaster says
Salted caramel and chocolate chip
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Have you seen my chocolate and salted caramel tarts they are scrummy
Janine Phillips says
Date and oats x
Carole Nott says
I like adding coconut to my cookies with a crunchy topping - this idea could be adapted perhaps
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Ohh yes I do like a coconut cookie too. I shall add that to my list of recipe ideas
Caroline Roberts says
You have such lovely recipes. Would love to see some more of the really pretty cakes, like the upside down ones, as I was previously too nervous to tackle!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Thank you Caroline I will certainly be sharing many more cake recipes here. Try not to be nervous about trying them as your baking will just get better and better the more you practise and its such a fun thing to do.
Kim Neville says
Caradamom Sugar Cookies
natalie dawn says
Ekk I love old fashioned recipes I found a old brownies recipe book from the 50s in a charity shop I grabbed it and loved reading it! Yet to bake from it but I will!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Ohhh I love old cook book too
George says
Welshcakes! (none of this pikelet tosh 😉 ) I really love the orange chocolate ones. Or I will settle for Staffs oatcakes
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
i have plans for a staffordshire oatcake recipe
Anthony G. says
Apple Crumble cookies, Red Velvet cookies or Pecan Pie cookies
(I like the idea of cake flavours as cookies)
Amy Bondoc says
toffee apple fudge cakes or any hing with caramel!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
have you seen my chocolate and salted caramel tarts?
Alison Johnson says
Raspberry & white chocolate
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Coming soon 🙂
ADEINNE TONNER says
I think an oreo type cookie would be nice
Lynn Neal says
Raspberry and white chocolate
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
You are in luck I have one coming in a week or two
Catherine Keating says
Must have ago at a snickerdoodle - they look yummy
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
They really are I dont think you will be dissapointed.
Ruth Harwood says
I'd love to see white chcolate and blueberry!
Claire woods says
fruity cookies
janine atkin says
one with white chocolate
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
I have one coming up soon
Helen - Cooking with my kids says
We tried snickerdoodles at Christmas - I couldn't resist them because of the name! Yours look delicious!
Monika Dabrowski says
I love all American style cookies so more of those please.
Monika Dabrowski says
I've never tried these cookies but they look super appealing. I would also love to get my hands on your lovely book so entered the draw!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Good luck
Natalie White says
Coconut and chocolate chip 🙂
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Good choice 🙂
Sarah-Jane Carter says
I would love to see a white chocolate and strawberry flavoured cookie xx
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
You are in luck I have a raspberry and white chocolate cookie recipe coming up soon which is easily adapted to strawberry and white chocolate
Jenny Walters says
I too haven't baked snickerdoodles before but have always loved the name? They look beautiful and being a huge fan of cinnamon they sound like just my bag! I love baking biscuits and the children love me baking biscuits more! Will definitely have to make these golden beauties and soon! Thank you for sharing with #BakingCrumbs
Sheena Batey says
Cherry and chocolate
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
yum good idea
Robyn Clarke says
One of my school friends mums used to make cheddar biscuits, they had a marble effect with Bovril in, they were amazing. Would love to see something similar.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
ohh yes that sounds good
Michelle says
A gluten free recipe would be fab x x
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
There are a lot of fabulous blogs that specialise in gluten free so i will not be do a lot but i will be doing some over time so watch this space.
Andrea Upton says
I think I would like to see a recipe for some sort of savoury cookie
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
I can arrange that
iain maciver says
oatmeal cookies
Annabel Greaves says
I love oatmeal cookies
Patricia Edwards says
I looooove oatmeal cookies
pete c says
something with banana and / or almonds would be to my liking!
Susan Lloyd says
More gluten free recipes would be good x
Michelle Rolfe says
I love snickerdoodles! Such a childhood memory for me. I’ve marked to make as I love all things cinnamon. Might even make a cinnamon swirl ice cream to sandwich between them☺️
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Now, thats the way to go!
Solange says
Almond Crunch Cookies, Maple Glazed Apple Crisp Cookies, Key Lime Pie Cookies and Chilli Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Tee Simpson says
Butterscotch banna cookies
Jenny Paulin says
well Jacqueline I never imagined that these cookies were so simple and only contain cinnamon and vanilla! I think , in my ind, I had them associated with Snickers so assumed they were nutty with some toffee flavour! Anyway, now I have seen your recipe I have to say I must give these a try, because they look so good and I like the flavours used.
thank you for teaching me that a Snickerdoodle cookie actually is! also, thank you for sharing with #Bakeoftheweek x
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
I know, so simple and so delicious do give them a try you wont regret it.
Margaret GALLAGHER says
Kiwi lime would be a great flavour
Kat (The Baking Explorer) says
I've heard of snickerdoodles and always thought it was such a funny name! They sound SO delicious I really must try them!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Yes Kat you really must you will love them I'm sure
Hannah says
Chocolate hobnob or strawberry and white chocolate shortbread!
Hannah says
I’d love to see a version of Oreos! Perhaps the golden ones? Either that or a good old chocolate bourbon!
Jhuls | The Not So Creative Cook says
I am a huge cookie lover - these look amazing! Thank you for sharing, Jacqui.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Thanks Jhuls
sam macaree says
brownie cookie cup
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Ive not heard of those will have to look them up.
Jo Allison / Jo's Kitchen Larder says
I absolutely adore any bakes with cinnamon and so do my boys so these would be devoured in a flash! Will need to give these a go and try to achieve that soft and chewy consistency too! Thank you for sharing with #BakingCrumbs 🙂
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
I'm a bit of a cinnamon addict myself. which is why i like these so much that and the fact they are super easy to make.
Elizabeth Bazley says
Peanut chocolate chip cookies
Emilie says
What a classic cookie! I’d love to see some troubleshooting for scones as I have never been able to reproduce the “mile high” British scone. ❤️
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
I really dont under stand why they are not much more popular here. No one i knows seems to have heard of them. I've just made some mini savoury scones which i shall be sharing on Only Crumbs soon will make sure I add some tips
Victoria Prince says
I'd love to see Oatmeal and Raisin with a twist 🙂 not sure what the twist would be, but I think it'd make it more interesting!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
I shall have to get my thinking cap on for that twist!
Sabrina says
Looks like a perfect Christmas cookie. Is that your way to hint at the weather ❄️ ?
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
The British weather certainly is giving us the run around. I guess they would be good at Christmas but these cookies are too good to limit to just then