Name: Sweet and Spicy Snickerdoodles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup salted butter, room temperature; ½ cup vegetable shortening; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 eggs, room temperature; 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons cream of tartar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons cinnamon; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 35 reviews

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both comforting and a little unexpected in its flavor, this Sweet and Spicy Snickerdoodles Recipe is an absolute must-try. These snickerdoodles bring together the nostalgic warmth of cinnamon sugar with a subtle, lively kick that makes each bite perfectly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging yourself, these cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor that feels both traditional and delightfully new. Trust me, once you try this Sweet and Spicy Snickerdoodles Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to treats for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a large clear bowl filled with white flour at the top left, and a stick of pale yellow butter placed horizontally to its right. Below the butter, a big clear bowl is filled with white granulated sugar. A small white container holds two white eggs near the bottom left. Around the eggs, there are several small clear bowls containing different ingredients: light brown cinnamon powder, white baking soda, white granulated sugar, white cornstarch, light pink salt, and a metal measuring cup filled with thick white coconut oil on the right side. All items are placed neatly and spaced out to show each ingredient clearly, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The secret to this Sweet and Spicy Snickerdoodles Recipe lies in keeping the ingredients simple yet powerful in creating that perfect texture and flavor balance. Each element plays a vital role — from the creamy butter adding richness, to the blend of cinnamon and sugar that delivers the signature spicy-sweet crust that makes these cookies shine.

½ cup salted butter, room temperature: Adds creamy richness and helps achieve a tender crumb.
½ cup vegetable shortening: Keeps the cookies soft and adds a nice chewiness.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and promotes browning for a lovely golden color.
2 eggs, room temperature: Bind the ingredients and add moisture for that perfect cookie texture.
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body of the snickerdoodles.
2 teaspoons cream of tartar: The classic tangy agent that gives these cookies their signature tang and chew.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and pillowy.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
2 tablespoons cinnamon: The star spice for that warm, aromatic punch in the cookie coating.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for coating): Adds a crisp, sweet exterior that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Snickerdoodles Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

Start by setting your oven to 350°F to get it ready for perfect baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Having your workspace prepped ahead saves time and keeps things running smoothly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Shortening, Sugar, and Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, vegetable shortening, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, continuing to blend until everything is fully incorporated. This is the step where your cookie dough begins to come alive with a luscious base.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This dry mix ensures even distribution of leavening and flavor in every bite. Gradually add this to your wet ingredients, mixing just enough until the dough starts to come together — don’t overmix, or you risk losing that tender texture.

Step 4: Mix Cinnamon and Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, blend the 2 tablespoons of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This sweet-spicy mixture is what transforms each snickerdoodle into a mouthwatering treat with that classic crackly cinnamon crunch on the outside.

Step 5: Form and Coat the Cookie Dough Balls

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough and roll it into even balls. Then, roll each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat all sides. This step adds that signature flavor and texture that defines the Sweet and Spicy Snickerdoodles Recipe.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room to spread. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool, leaving you with that perfect chewy interior.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the snickerdoodles cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes to set up before transferring to a wire rack. This pause helps maintain their delicate softness, making every bite melt in your mouth. Now they are ready to savor!

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Snickerdoodles Recipe

A pile of round cookies with cracked tops sits on crumpled white paper over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a golden-brown color with darker cinnamon specks sprinkled all over, giving them a rough textured look. The cookies vary slightly in size and are stacked in a loose mound, with some overlapping. In the blurred background, there is a tall glass bottle filled with white milk. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies are delicious on their own, try dusting a little extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving for added sparkle and flavor. A light drizzle of melted white chocolate or a dash of powdered sugar can elevate their presentation and add a fun twist.

Side Dishes

Pair your snickerdoodles with a comforting cup of chai tea, a rich hot chocolate, or a creamy latte. The comforting spices in these beverages perfectly complement the sweet and spicy notes of the cookies, creating a cozy treat time experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange your Sweet and Spicy Snickerdoodles Recipe cookies on a platter with fresh fruit slices like oranges or apples to add fresh brightness. Or serve them alongside creamy vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert that’s delightfully nostalgic and sophisticated.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store your snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to a week, maintaining their soft and chewy texture, perfect for snacking anytime you want a sweet pick-me-up.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully. Place cooled snickerdoodles in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly, so you can enjoy homemade cookies anytime with minimal effort.

Reheating

To refresh the cookies after storage or freezing, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This quick reheat revives the chewy texture and enhances the cinnamon aroma, making them taste freshly baked once again.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter in this Sweet and Spicy Snickerdoodles Recipe?

Yes, salted butter is perfect here as it adds a nice balance to the sweetness of the cookies. Just be sure to adjust additional salt carefully if you want a slightly different flavor profile.

What gives snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor?

The cream of tartar is the secret behind the subtle tanginess that makes snickerdoodles unique. It reacts with baking soda to provide a slight chew and that traditional snickerdoodle flair.

Can I substitute vegetable shortening with all butter?

You can, but vegetable shortening contributes to a softer, chewier texture. Using all butter may create crispier cookies. For the classic chewy snickerdoodle feel, a combination works best.

Why do some snickerdoodles crack on top?

The cracks are a good sign! They occur because the exterior sets before the interior fully expands, indicating a moist center—a hallmark of perfectly baked snickerdoodles.

How do I get my snickerdoodles extra soft?

Make sure not to overbake, baking just until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. Also, using both butter and shortening helps keep the cookies delightfully soft and tender.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Sweet and Spicy Snickerdoodles Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in cookie form—comforting, familiar, yet with just enough of a surprise twist to keep things interesting. Baking these cookies is quick and totally worth the joy it brings, whether for holidays, gatherings, or an everyday treat. Go ahead and bake a batch—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!