Classic Old Fashioned Snickerdoodles Recipe
Introduction
Classic Old Fashioned Snickerdoodles are soft, cinnamon-sugar coated cookies with a tender crumb and a subtle tang from cream of tartar. Perfect for any occasion, these nostalgic treats bring warmth and sweetness to your kitchen.

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 stick Crisco® Baking Sticks Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening (1 cup)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, shortening, eggs, milk, and vanilla. Whip together until well combined.
- Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 4: Slowly add the flour mixture to the shortening mixture at low speed. Mix just until blended.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon.
- Step 6: Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls.
- Step 7: Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
- Step 8: Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet.
- Step 9: Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Step 10: Transfer cookies to cooling racks and let cool completely before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use the butter-flavored shortening specified for the best flavor—regular shortening can make the cookies taste bland.
- For a softer texture, slightly underbake the cookies and allow them to finish setting as they cool.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a warm twist.
Storage
Store snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain softness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter for shortening?
Butter can be used, but the texture and flavor will change. The recipe’s reliance on butter-flavored shortening provides a unique tenderness and classic taste that’s hard to replicate with butter alone.
Why is cream of tartar important in snickerdoodles?
Cream of tartar gives snickerdoodles their distinctive tang and contributes to their chewy texture by reacting with baking soda. Omitting it will affect both flavor and texture.
PrintClassic Old Fashioned Snickerdoodles Recipe
Classic Old Fashioned Snickerdoodles are soft, chewy cookies rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture that offers a delightful cinnamon aroma and a crisp exterior. This all-time favorite cookie recipe uses butter-flavored shortening for a perfect balance of flavor and texture, making them irresistible treats perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 stick Crisco® Baking Sticks Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening (1 cup)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl or stand mixer, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, butter-flavored shortening, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture until it becomes well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients at low speed, mixing just until blended to avoid overworking the dough.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Shape Dough Balls: Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch diameter balls, ensuring they are uniform for even baking.
- Coat Dough: Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated for the classic snickerdoodle flavor.
- Bake: Place the coated dough balls onto a baking sheet, spaced adequately apart, and bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to cool completely.
Notes
- For best flavor, use butter-flavored shortening as specified. Using regular shortening may result in less flavor and less satisfying cookies.
- This recipe yields 36 snickerdoodle cookies, perfect for sharing or storing for later enjoyment.
- Ensure dough balls are evenly sized to promote uniform baking.
Keywords: Snickerdoodles, Cinnamon Sugar Cookies, Classic Cookies, Old Fashioned Snickerdoodles, Baking, Holiday Cookies, Soft Cookies

