Snickerdoodles Recipe (No Cream of Tartar)

Enjoy these quick and easy classic snickerdoodle cookies—soft, chewy, and made without cream of tartar. They're rolled in cinnamon sugar and ready in under 20 minutes. No chill time is needed!

Softest Snickerdoodle cookies recipe without cream of tartar

It's officially "cookie season" in our household, and these snickerdoodles without cream of tartar are at the top of the list. If you're in the market for other cookies to bake this holiday season, you need to try these gooey chocolate chip sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies (no molasses), oat flour chocolate chip cookies, and chocolate chip cookies (no brown sugar).

But if push comes to shove, I think Snickerdoodles are my favorite type of cookie! They're super soft and chewy and have the best tangy and sweet flavor combinations. And this recipe is no different, even though it doesn't call for cream of tartar.

You guys loved my first snickerdoodle recipe - these healthy snickerdoodles - but I found myself bombarded with questions like, "Do I need cream of tartar for snickerdoodles?" and "What's the best substitute for cream of tartar?" So, I present this revamped Snickerdoodle recipe—no cream of tartar required. Say goodbye to purchasing that elusive ingredient destined to linger in your pantry for years.

These super soft, chewy snickerdoodles are made without cream of tartar and still taste better than the real thing. They have the same classic tangy flavor and chewy texture. They are buttery and soft, too. My friend Matt, a self-proclaimed Snickerdoodle connoisseur, told me that these were the best Snickerdoodle cookies he had ever eaten. They are the perfect dessert that everyone will fall in love with!

Why you'll love this recipe:

• Ready in 20 Minutes: These snickerdoodles are quick and easy to make.
• No Cream of Tartar: There is NO cream of tartar in this snickerdoodle recipe.
• Insane Texture: They are chewy, thick, soft, and buttery.
• No Chill: There is NO CHILL time required.
• Best Holiday Cookie: Perfect dessert for the Holidays.
• Classic Flavor: The beloved Snickerdoodle taste remains.
• Easy for All: Simple structure for both new and experienced bakers.
• Try these chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar or these gooey chocolate chip sugar cookies next!

Ingredients needed & substitutions

This snickerdoodle cookie recipe made without cream of tartar calls for a handful of simple ingredients. Here is a list, so you have everything prepared:

• All-Purpose Flour: For the base of the cookie dough.
• Salt: Enhances the sweet and salty balance with 1 teaspoon.
• Baking Powder: With 2 teaspoons for that chewy texture in the absence of cream of tartar. Do not substitute this.
• Sugar: Granulated (white cane sugar) for sweetness.
• Maple Syrup: The secret ingredient for extra softness and chewiness. You can also use honey.
• Butter: Unsalted for a rich and buttery flavor. You can also use vegan butter sticks.
• Egg: 1 whole egg and 1 egg yolk for a chewy texture without cream of tartar.
• Vanilla Extract: For the best taste.

How to make soft snickerdoodles without cream of tartar

This soft, chewy Snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar is so easy to make. They only take 10 minutes to bake, and the cookie dough doesn't need to be chilled. Here are step-by-step instructions for any level baker with pictures for visual reference:

Step 1:

First, preheat the oven to 375°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2:

Then, set aside flour, salt, and baking powder in a mixing bowl.

Step 3:

Next, in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the sugar, maple syrup, and softened butter until creamy combined (about 1 - 2 minutes). Then, beat egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract on medium until combined with butter (about 30 seconds).

Step 4:

Now, add dry ingredients in two parts and beat on low in between each until combined. Make sure not to overmix the batter, or the cookies will be tough.

Step 5:

In a small bowl, make the cinnamon sugar topping. Then, using a cooking scooper, portion out about 1.5 Tablespoons of dough for each cookie and gently roll the dough balls in the cinnamon-sugar topping.

Step 6:

After that, evenly space them out on your lined cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. This recipe makes about 24 - 26 cookies.

Step 7:

Finally, bake for 8 - 10 minutes until puffed up. The cookies should look slightly underbaked, puffy, and soft. They will collapse as they cool. Allow cookies to cool for 10 minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.

Enjoy! Snickerdoodles are kept at room temperature for 6 - 7 days in an airtight container.

Do these taste different from a classic Snickerdoodle with cream of tartar?

These snickerdoodles without cream of tartar taste the exact same as classic snickerdoodles. We use extra baking powder in place of the cream of tartar and an egg yolk to give these cookies that classic chewy, soft texture. We also use a mixture of white sugar and maple syrup to prevent the sugars from crystallizing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Snickerdoodle without cream of tartar taste like?

A snickerdoodle without cream of tartar tastes just as soft and sweet as classic recipes. The only difference is it has a slightly milder tanginess.

What's the texture of a Snickerdoodle cookie?

These homemade snickerdoodles without cream of tartar are chewy, thick, and soft. The combination of a tender center and the sugary coating gives it a delightful, comforting bite.

What is cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar is a dry white powder commonly used in Snickerdoodle cookie recipes to give them their signature tangy flavor and chewy texture. Scientifically, the cream of tartar prevents the sugar from crystallizing as the snickerdoodles bake and cool.

Can I make these snickerdoodles gluten-free?

You should have no problem substituting the all-purpose flour with gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour. Let me know if you try this in the comments section below!

How do you make snickerdoodles chewy and tangy without cream of tartar?

We use an extra egg yolk and baking powder to make these snickerdoodles soft and chewy without using the cream of tartar. The egg yolk makes them chewy, and the extra baking powder puffs them up and softens them.

Does Snickerdoodle dough need to chill in the fridge before baking?

Some recipes require you to chill the dough, but not this one! That's why it is the best recipe. You do not need to chill snickerdoodle dough before baking. This recipe takes 20 minutes in total.

How do I know if my snickerdoodles are done?

Your snickerdoodles are done when the edges turn lightly golden brown, and the center is set but still soft. They will look underdone when you pull them out of the oven, but snickerdoodles will continue to bake and set as they cool.

If you love this recipe, try these cookies next!

• Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies
• Gingerbread Cookies without Molasses
• Healthy Snickerdoodles
• Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar
• Peanut Butter Almond Flour Cookies
• Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies
• Chewy Coffee Cookies

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

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