If you adore the comforting warmth of classic cookies with a little extra oomph, this Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies take the timeless snickerdoodle to the next level by blending traditional cinnamon sugar with a cozy mix of nutmeg and cloves, creating a flavor that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Soft, chewy, and bursting with spice, these treats are irresistibly fragrant and perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying alongside a steaming cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe is a breeze because it calls for simple, everyday ingredients, yet each plays a crucial role in the cookie’s final texture and flavor. From the creamy butter that ensures softness to the combination of warm spices that make these cookies unforgettable, every component counts.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender crumb, so make sure it’s truly softened for easy mixing.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that slight crisp edge around the cookie.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough together and keep the cookies moist and chewy.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings depth and a subtle background note that complements the spices beautifully.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure for our cookies—be careful not to overmix once added.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar: Adds signature tanginess and contributes to the classic snickerdoodle chewiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a nice soft texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: For coating, giving the cookies their delightful crunchy exterior.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star of the spice coating—warm and inviting.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthiness that deepens the spice profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Offers a gentle hint of sharpness that makes these snickerdoodles truly special.
How to Make Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature while you prep the dough. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to ensure even baking, which helps the cookies develop beautiful golden edges without burning.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to creating tender cookies with just the right amount of lift — it incorporates air and helps balance the sweetness throughout the dough.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which will enhance the dough’s flavor and give your cookies that warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. This ensures all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, so every cookie bakes up with consistent texture and flavor without any unpleasant uneven pockets.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter and egg mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing here can lead to tough cookies, so aim for a tender dough that holds together without being overworked.
Step 6: Prepare the Spice Coating
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar with the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This fragrant blend is what transforms your snickerdoodles into Spiced Snickerdoodles — every bite bursting with delightful autumnal spice.
Step 7: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls for perfectly sized cookies that bake evenly. Then generously roll each ball in your spice-sugar mixture, coating every inch for a crackly, flavorful crust. Place the cookies two inches apart on your baking sheet to give them room to spread without sticking.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges just set and the tops develop those classic crackles. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely — this step helps maintain their chewy texture and prevents sogginess.
How to Serve Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are perfect as-is, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can elevate their presentation for special occasions. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar just before baking also adds a sparkling finish that looks as gorgeous as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Spiced Snickerdoodles are fantastic companions to warm beverages like chai tea, vanilla latte, or a cozy cup of hot cocoa. They also pair wonderfully with creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful dessert experience full of temperature and texture contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange your Spiced Snickerdoodles on a festive platter with seasonal accents like cinnamon sticks, star anise, or dried orange slices. You can also sandwich them with cream cheese frosting or caramel for a decadent twist that will wow your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Placing a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain moisture, keeping your Spiced Snickerdoodles soft and chewy.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, they’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three months—perfect for making batches ahead of time.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, simply microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds or reheat in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and releases those wonderful spiced aromas, making each bite feel like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but I recommend reducing or skipping the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall salt balance in your Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe.
What makes snickerdoodles different from regular sugar cookies?
The key difference lies in the tang from cream of tartar and the unique cinnamon sugar coating. This Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe amps up that classic flavor with added nutmeg and cloves, giving these cookies a warm, aromatic twist that sets them apart.
Can I substitute the cream of tartar?
If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with double the baking powder amount, since baking powder contains cream of tartar. However, the classic tangy flavor might be slightly less pronounced in this adapted version.
How thick should I make the dough balls?
Rolling the dough into 1-inch balls yields cookie sizes that bake evenly with the perfect chewy center and crisp edge. If you make them bigger, you may need to adjust baking time accordingly to avoid underbaked middles.
Are these cookies suitable for decorating?
Absolutely! The slightly cracked tops and smooth surface of Spiced Snickerdoodles make a great canvas for simple royal icing or a dusting of edible glitter, especially during the holiday season. Just wait until the cookies are fully cooled before decorating.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe a try — it’s one of those delightful traditions that can bring warmth and comfort to any day. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or simply indulging yourself with a sweet treat, these cookies are guaranteed to spread smiles and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Happy baking!
Print
Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Spiced Snickerdoodles are a delightful twist on the classic cookie, featuring a warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Soft and chewy on the inside with a lightly crackled top, they’re rolled in a fragrant spiced sugar coating that adds a burst of cozy flavor perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Spice Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating the perfect base for your cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them, then add the vanilla extract, blending all the wet ingredients smoothly.
- Mix 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 seasoning.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and ensuring tender cookies.
- Prepare Spice Coating: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves, mixing well to create the aromatic spiced sugar for rolling.
- Form and Coat Dough Balls: Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball thoroughly in the spice coating so they are fully covered with the mixture.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are set and tops crackled.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a softer cookie, bake closer to 9 minutes; for a slightly crispier edge, bake for up to 11 minutes.
- Cream of tartar is key for the classic tangy flavor and chewy texture of snickerdoodles.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- You can freeze the unbaked dough balls before rolling in spice coating for up to 3 months.
- Make sure butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
