Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe
If you’re in the mood to fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of clove, look no further than these Spiced Snickerdoodles. This recipe transforms the classic snickerdoodle into something extraordinary by layering warm spices into every bite, turning a simple cookie into a true celebration of flavor. Perfectly chewy centers, sparkly sugar crusts, and irresistible spice make these treats an instant favorite for holidays, gatherings, or any time you want a cookie that feels just a little bit special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Spiced Snickerdoodles couldn’t be more rewarding, especially when you realize how each humble ingredient plays a pivotal role in creating that signature flavor and tenderness. Let’s take a quick tour through your pantry and highlight what you’ll need for cookie perfection.
- Unsalted butter, softened: The rich, creamy foundation for soft texture and a deliciously tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough and forms that irresistible crackly coating.
- Eggs: Essential for structure and achieving that delightful chewiness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a mellow, aromatic sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their form without making them dense.
- Cream of tartar: The secret to classic snickerdoodle tang and that slightly pillowy texture.
- Baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise just the right amount and stay soft.
- Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and elevates the spices.
- Coating – Granulated sugar: Creates the sparkling outer crust as the base for the spices.
- Coating – Ground cinnamon: Delivers that nostalgic snickerdoodle flavor and a gentle kick of warmth.
- Coating – Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, aromatic heat that makes these cookies unique.
- Coating – Ground cloves: Lends depth and a whisper of earthiness, making every bite more complex.
How to Make Spiced Snickerdoodles
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a few baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your Spiced Snickerdoodles won’t stick and helps them bake evenly with the perfect golden edges.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl and an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is nicely light and fluffy. This brings air into the dough and sets the stage for chewy, tender cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Each addition should be fully incorporated before moving to the next, ensuring a luscious, cohesive dough base for your Spiced Snickerdoodles.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. This keeps the rising agents and spices evenly distributed for a consistent texture and unbeatable cookie rise.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredient blend to your wet mixture, stirring just until a soft, scoopable dough forms. The dough should be supple but not sticky, so don’t overmix—just enough so that no flour streaks remain.
Step 6: Prepare the Spiced Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This aromatic coating takes Spiced Snickerdoodles from basic to utterly crave-worthy.
Step 7: Shape and Coat the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and toss each one in the spiced sugar mixture until fully coated. The sugar-spice shell guarantees that signature sweet crunch with every bite.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Arrange the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers are still soft and slightly puffy. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling, letting them set to the perfect chewiness.
How to Serve Spiced Snickerdoodles
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way: a dusting of extra spiced sugar just before serving brings an irresistible sparkle. For a truly decadent touch, consider drizzling the cooled cookies with a thin glaze made from icing sugar and milk, or sprinkle finely grated nutmeg atop each one just before they hit the plate.
Side Dishes
Spiced Snickerdoodles pair beautifully with a hot mug of chai, classic hot chocolate, or a frothy latte. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two cookies makes an unbeatable dessert for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Pack the cookies in a rustic tin lined with parchment for an adorable gift, or stack them up on a cake stand for a homey cookie display. For a holiday touch, add ribbons or tuck them in cellophane bags with a handwritten label—these Spiced Snickerdoodles are always a showstopper at cookie swaps and parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Spiced Snickerdoodles store beautifully at room temperature. Once cooled, keep them in an airtight container—they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to one week. Slip a slice of bread in with the cookies to keep them extra moist, if desired.
Freezing
These cookies freeze like a dream! Arrange the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls—just roll in sugar and spices before freezing, then bake straight from the freezer (add an extra minute or two to the baking time).
Reheating
If you love that freshly baked warmth, revive your Spiced Snickerdoodles by popping them in a 300°F oven for just 2-3 minutes. They’ll taste like they just came out of the oven—soft, chewy, with spices that sing.
FAQs
Can I make Spiced Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar?
The cream of tartar gives these cookies their signature tang and chewy texture, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice (add to the wet ingredients) or 1 teaspoon of baking powder for a similar, though slightly different, result.
How do I make sure my Spiced Snickerdoodles stay soft?
The secret is to slightly underbake the cookies; take them out when the edges are just set but the centers look a little underdone. Let them finish setting on the hot baking sheet. Store in an airtight container to keep that delightful chew.
Can I use different spices in the coating?
Absolutely! The recipe here features cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a warm, wintry vibe, but you can experiment with cardamom, allspice, or even a little ginger for a spicier twist tailored to your taste.
Do Spiced Snickerdoodles spread a lot during baking?
They do spread a bit, which is what gives them that classic snickerdoodle shape. Be sure to space them at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to avoid any cookie collisions.
Are Spiced Snickerdoodles suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Their rich aroma, festive appearance, and delightful texture make these cookies perfect for sharing during holidays, sending in care packages, or adding a homemade touch to gift baskets.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a batch of fresh Spiced Snickerdoodles—the warmth of the spice, the sparkle of sugar, and the joy of sharing a homemade treat. I can’t recommend this recipe enough, especially when you want to bring a smile to someone’s face or make an ordinary day feel extraordinary. Give these cookies a try and get ready to watch them disappear faster than you can say “just one more!”
Print
Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Spiced Snickerdoodles are a delightful twist on the classic cookie, featuring warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Soft and chewy with a sugary coating, they are perfect for holiday baking or any time you crave a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dough: Cream butter and sugar, beat in eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Prepare Coating: Mix sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a bowl.
- Form Cookies: Roll dough into balls, coat in spiced sugar, place on baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set and centers are soft.
- Cool: Cool on pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them.
- Great for fall or holiday baking!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
