Snickerdoodle cookies first appeared on the American radar back in the 19th century. This whimsical-sounding treat is a specialty of New England and features buttery cookies flavored with cinnamon.
Is A Snickerdoodle a Sugar Cookie?
Snickerdoodles may be considered a type of sugar cookie but the truth is that they are not prepared in the same way.
A proper Snickerdoodle cookie recipe calls for cream of tartar, an ingredient not commonly added to cookie doughs. In fact, cream of tartar is most often added to egg whites when making meringue.
Cream of tartar gives Snickerdoodle cookies a lighter, fluffier texture than regular sugar cookies which posses a crumbly texture.
Further noting a difference between Snickerdoodles and sugar cookies is the fact that the former are rolled in ground cinnamon before baking, which gives the cookies their unique appearance.
Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe
A traditional Snickerdoodle cookie recipe calls for butter, white sugar, brown sugar, flour, spices and the aforementioned cream of tartar.
One of the most important things to know about making Snickerdoodles is that the dough must be chilled in the refrigerator for 45 minutes prior to baking. This makes the dough easier to work with.
Get our step-by-step Snickerdoodle recipe here.
Video: How To Make Snickerdoodles
This short video from Tasty shows you how to make soft and chewy Snickerdoodle cookies - the perfect autumn treat!
Snickerdoodles Without Cream of Tartar
What happens if you really want to make Snickerdoodles but don't have cream of tartar on hand? You can still make any of the recipes featured here. Just keep in mind the texture won't be as fluffy but the flavor will still be wonderful.
Also: Learn how to make sugar-free matcha cookies.