If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably craved a warm, cinnamon-sugar cookie only to realize you’re missing one pesky ingredient, cream of tartar. Don’t worry, I’ve been there too, and I’ve got the perfect solution! This snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar is just as soft, tangy, and irresistibly chewy as the classic, but skips the pantry scavenger hunt.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie tray, a comforting weekend treat, or a quick batch of cookies for the kids after school, these no-fuss snickerdoodles fit the bill. With ingredients you likely already have, this is a recipe you’ll want to bookmark and make again and again.
These cookies are a reminder that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. The cinnamon-sugar crackle on top, the buttery base, the tender bite—they’re all here, minus the cream of tartar. Let’s dive into why this twist works so well and how you can make it your own.
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Why This Snickerdoodle Recipe Without Cream of Tartar Works So Well
Traditional snickerdoodles get their signature tang and chewy texture from cream of tartar, which reacts with baking soda. But here’s the thing, baking powder already contains both an acid and a base, which makes it a perfect all-in-one replacement. That’s exactly what we’re using in this recipe, and the results? Absolutely spot-on.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out:
- No special ingredients required – No cream of tartar? No stress. You won’t need to run to the store.
- Perfectly chewy texture – These cookies stay thick and soft in the center, with just the right crispy edges.
- Easy to mix and bake – You only need one bowl and 30 minutes, start to finish.
- Customizable flavor – Want a twist? Add vanilla bean, nutmeg, or even pumpkin spice to the sugar coating.
- Kid and freezer-friendly – Make ahead and freeze the dough balls for fresh cookies whenever you need them.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone just learning how to whip up a homemade cookie, this snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar delivers all the nostalgia and flavor of the original with less hassle.
Recipe Card
Snickerdoodle Recipe Without Cream of Tartar
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy24
servings15
minutes10
minutes90
kcalThis snickerdoodle recipe, made without cream of tartar, delivers soft and chewy cookies dusted with cinnamon sugar for a classic treat everyone loves.
Ingredients
All-purpose flour – 1 ½ cups
Baking powder – 1 tsp
Salt – ¼ tsp
Unsalted butter – ½ cup, softened
Granulated sugar – ¾ cup
Large egg – 1
Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
Ground cinnamon – 2 tsp (for coating)
Sugar – 2 tbsp (for coating)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined. The dough will be soft.
- Roll and Coat: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat in cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake: Place balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and tops are slightly cracked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
- No Cream of Tartar Substitute: Baking powder replaces the cream of tartar, keeping cookies soft and slightly tangy.
- Consistency: Expect a chewy cookie with a slight crisp on the edges.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for the best Snickerdoodle Recipe without cream of tartar
- Even Baking: For consistent baking, make sure all dough balls are the same size.
- Extra Softness: Avoid overbaking; remove when edges are set, but centers are still soft.
- Use Room Temperature Butter :Softened (not melted!) butter blends more evenly with sugar, which helps you get that perfect soft and fluffy texture. Leave your butter out for about 30–60 minutes before baking, or soften it slightly in the microwave, but don’t melt it!
- Chill the Dough (Optional but Worth It): While you can bake the dough right away, chilling it for 15–30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the buttery flavor.
- Add Some Spice: Add a dash of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a seasonal twist.
Fun Twists on the Classic: Snickerdoodle Variants Without Cream of Tartar
1. Brown Butter Snickerdoodles (No Cream of Tartar)
If you’ve never tried brown butter in cookies, you’re in for a treat. Simply brown your butter in a saucepan until golden and nutty, let it cool slightly, and use it in place of regular butter. This adds an irresistible depth of flavor, caramel-like, warm, and slightly toasty, that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-sugar coating.
2. Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles Without Cream of Tartar
Swap out all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The dough might be a bit softer, so chilling becomes even more helpful. You’ll get that same soft interior and crackly exterior, minus the gluten.
3. Vegan Snickerdoodles Without Cream of Tartar
To make this recipe vegan, use vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water). Opt for plant-based milk if needed to adjust consistency. The results are surprisingly rich and chewy, with just a hint of nuttiness from the flax.
4. Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles
Add ¼ cup canned pumpkin purée and reduce the butter slightly to balance moisture. Then, mix pumpkin pie spice into your cinnamon-sugar coating for an autumnal twist. These are perfect for cozy fall baking sessions!
Let’s Solve It
Baking powder is an excellent substitute, giving these cookies the same soft texture without the slightly acidic tang of cream of tartar.
Yes! Freeze baked cookies or the dough balls. To bake from frozen, add 2 minutes to the baking time.
Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will absorb any extra moisture and keep cookies soft longer.
Cream of tartar provides a slight tang and helps with the cookie’s chewy texture. However, baking powder can substitute effectively.
Let’s Bake These Snickerdoodle Recipe Without Cream of Tartar!
This snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar is proof that a pantry-friendly cookie can still deliver comfort, chew, and cinnamon-sugar perfection. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie tray or a random Tuesday treat, this recipe won’t let you down. It’s easy, fuss-free, and endlessly adaptable, everything I love in a go-to cookie recipe.
For another cinnamon-spiced treat, try our Chai Cinnamon Rolls, a cozy American recipe that pairs perfectly with snickerdoodles as a comforting dessert.
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