If you need an easy snickerdoodle cookie recipe without cream of tartar, you will love this recipe! These delicious cookies are soft and chewy on the inside but have a nice crisp edge.
They are also generously coated in cinnamon and sugar for added sweetness. They are the perfect Christmas cookie, but also greatly enjoyed year-round!
What’s A Snickerdoodle?
Snickerdoodles are a type of cookie made with butter, sugar, flour, eggs, and vanilla. The cookies are typically rolled in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon before baking.
A snickerdoodle is a cookie that has a soft, chewy texture with a similar taste to a buttery sugar cookie but with a distinct twist. It is generously sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and has a crackle top when baked.
Here’s a tasty soft snickerdoodles recipe without cream of tartar!
Why is Cream of Tartar Used in Snickerdoodles?
Cream of tartar helps to create a light and airy texture in snickerdoodles. Which creates fluffiness and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
Cream of tartar is also often used in traditional snickerdoodle recipes to maintain their shape during baking. However, it is an ingredient that can be replaced and still create a deliciously soft and chewy cookie.
Although it may not be a common pantry item, cream of tartar is often used in old-fashioned recipes, especially for snickerdoodle cookies, to give them a tangy taste.
Can you Make Snickerdoodles Without Cream of Tartar?
Yes, if you want to make a snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar, you can substitute one and a half teaspoons of baking powder to replace 1 teaspoon of the cream of tartar.
This easy substitute for cream of tartar in snickerdoodles will have you enjoying a delicious cookie in no time!
Ingredients for Snickerdoodle Cookies Without Cream of Tartar
I’m a big lover of this snickerdoodle recipe because it only requires a few simple basic ingredients!
All you need to have on hand are common baking staples such as flour, sugar, baking soda, and butter – no need to fuss with any complicated ingredients, like cream of tartar or lemon juice.
To make these easy snickerdoodle cookies without cream of tartar, here is what you will need.
Cookie Dough
- Unsalted Butter – This recipe calls for room-temperature salted butter to be used instead of salt. Please, do not substitute shortening. You want to use real butter.
- Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- All Purpose Flour
- Baking Powder – instead of using the cream of tartar, replace it with baking powder.
- Baking Soda
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Ground Cinnamon – I highly recommend using organic ground cinnamon for the best flavor.
- Sugar
Kitchen Essentials You May Need
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- Mixing Bowl – Incredibly durable and long-lasting, stoneware mixing bowls are versatile and can be used for various tasks, including mixing, stirring, and even used as a serving bowl.
- Cookie Scoop – Using a cookie scoop is a great way to ensure that your cookies are uniform in size, shape, and texture. This will help to ensure that the cookies bake evenly.
- Hand Mixer – My favorite way to make these cookies is using a hand mixer, but a stand mixer will also do the job. If you don’t have either, you can always go back to basics and mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon and a bowl.
How to Make Snickerdoodle Cookies Without Cream of Tartar
It is so easy to make snickerdoodle cookies without cream of tartar – just three or four simple steps!
Begin by combining the ingredients for the dough, then chill the mixture if you have time. Next, form it into small balls, roll them in a cinnamon and sugar blend, and bake.
Make the Dough
Step 1 – In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Using a wooden spoon, scrape the sides of the bowl and then add the wet ingredients; eggs and vanilla. Continue to mix for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 2 – Mix in the dry ingredients; flour, baking powder, and baking soda until all the ingredients are evenly blended.
Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Step 3 – In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon until combined.
Chill the Dough
Step 4 – If time allows, cover the dough in the bowl with a towel and refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes.
Cooling the dough is helpful if you have the time. Refrigerating the dough for 20-30 minutes allows the flour to absorb the moisture from the eggs and butter, resulting in chewy cookies. Additionally, it makes rolling the cookies in the cinnamon sugar easier.
Shape the Dough and Roll
Step 5 – Measure out 2 tablespoons of the dough and roll it into small balls until round and smooth. Drop the cookie dough balls into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and coat well.
Bake
Step 6 – Arrange the dough balls on a cookie sheet, leaving a space of 1 ½-2 inches between each one. Using a cup or other flat-surfaced object, press down lightly on each cookie to flatten it to about ¼ inch thickness. Bake in the oven for 9-11 minutes at 350 degrees.
Once the edges are set but not golden brown, your snickerdoodles are ready. They will look soft and undercooked in the center.
However, they will continue to cook on the hot pan even when they have been removed from the oven.
Cool
Step 7 – After removing them from the oven, leave them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them off the pan.
Tips for Making Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Do Not Melt the Butter – When using butter, make sure to let it sit at room temperature until it’s soft, rather than using the microwave to soften it – this will give you the best results. Do not melt the butter, as it will alter the texture of the cookie.
- For Flatter Cookies – For flatter snickerdoodles, press down on the center of the dough ball before baking. This will prevent them from puffing up in the middle while in the oven. The outcome is a delightful and perfectly rounded snickerdoodle cookie!
- Make Ahead Cookies – You can prepare the dough for this recipe up to two days before serving. Make sure to cover and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy, roll the dough into balls, roll in cinnamon and sugar, and then bake it.
Snickerdoodle Cookies without Cream of Tartar – FAQS
Snickerdoodle Cookies are a classic holiday treat enjoyed by young and old alike. With their delightful texture, sugary sweetness, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar, they can turn any moment into a special occasion. Happy Baking!
Enjoy your Snickerdoodles with a warm mug of hot chocolate for the perfect wintertime indulgence.
More Delicious Christmas Cookie Recipes
It’s hard to imagine the holidays without a batch of these easy snickerdoodles! These classic Christmas cookies have been a staple during the holiday time for many years. They are perfect to include in a holiday cookie box to share with family and friends!
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If you decide to make this easy Snickerdoodle Recipe without Cream of Tartar, please leave a star rating on the recipe card and leave a comment below! Tag @RockyHedgeFarm on Instagram so I can see your creations! I hope that you love this easy recipe as much as I do!
Printable Recipe Card
Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe Without Cream of Tartar
If you need an easy snickerdoodle cookie recipe without cream of tartar, you will love this recipe! These delicious cookies are soft and chewy on the inside but have a nice crunch around the edges.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup salted butter - room temperature
- 1 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1 – In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Using a wooden spoon, scrape the sides of the bowl and then add the eggs and vanilla. Continue to mix for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 2 – Mix in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda until all the ingredients are evenly blended.
Step 3 – In a bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon until combined.
Step 4 – If time allows, cover the dough in the bowl with a towel and refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes.
Cooling the dough is helpful if you have the time. Refrigerating the dough for 20-30 minutes allows the flour to absorb the moisture from the eggs and butter, resulting in chewier cookies. Additionally, it makes rolling the cookies in the cinnamon sugar easier.
Step 5 – Measure out two tablespoons of the dough and roll it into small balls until round and smooth. Drop into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and coat well.
Step 6 – Arrange the dough balls on a cookie sheet, leaving a space of 1 ½-2 inches between each one. Using a cup or other flat-surfaced object, press down lightly on each cookie to flatten it to about ¼ inch thickness. Bake in the oven for 9-11 minutes at 350 degrees.
Once the edges are set but not golden brown, your snickerdoodles are ready. They will look soft and undercooked in the center.
However, they will continue to cook on the hot pan even when they have been removed from the oven.
Step 7 – After removing them from the oven, leave them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them off the pan.
Notes
- Do Not Melt the Butter – When using butter, make sure to let it sit at room temperature until it’s soft, rather than using the microwave to soften it – this will give you the best results. Do not melt the butter, as it will alter the texture of the cookie.
- For Flatter Cookies – For flatter snickerdoodles, press down on the center of the dough ball before baking. This will prevent them from puffing up in the middle while in the oven. The outcome is a delightful and perfectly rounded snickerdoodle cookie!
- Make Ahead Cookies - You can prepare the dough for this recipe up to two days before serving. Make sure to cover and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to enjoy, roll the dough into balls, roll in cinnamon and sugar, and then bake it.
what temp. do you bake?
350 – so sorry about leaving that out in the instructions.
What should the oven temperature be?
Thanks!
I just went and added that information in. Goodness – that is quite important. It is 350 degrees – and thanks for catching that error!