Easy Snickerdoodles Without Cream of Tartar (So Soft!)
The Secret to Soft, Chewy Snickerdoodles—No Cream of Tartar Needed!
There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated snickerdoodle. But what if you’re halfway through your recipe and realize you don’t have cream of tartar? Or maybe you’re wondering if you even need it? Good news—you don’t! This easy snickerdoodle recipe skips the cream of tartar while still delivering the soft, chewy texture and signature flavor you love.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make snickerdoodles without cream of tartar, the best substitutes, and pro tips for perfect cookies every time. Let’s get baking!
Table of contents
- Easy Snickerdoodles Without Cream of Tartar (So Soft!)
- The Secret to Soft, Chewy Snickerdoodles—No Cream of Tartar Needed!
- 🕒 Quick Recipe Overview
- Why Make Snickerdoodles Without Cream of Tartar?
- 🍪 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- 💡 Tips for Soft & Chewy Snickerdoodles
- ❓ FAQ – Snickerdoodles Without Cream of Tartar
- 👋 Conclusion: Try These Easy Snickerdoodles Today!
🕒 Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 24 cookies |
Why Make Snickerdoodles Without Cream of Tartar?
Do You Really Need Cream of Tartar for Snickerdoodles?
Cream of tartar is a classic ingredient in snickerdoodles, responsible for their slight tang and chewy texture. However, if you don’t have it on hand, you can still make delicious cookies with simple swaps.
Why skip cream of tartar?
- You don’t have it in your pantry.
- You prefer a milder flavor without the tanginess.
- You want to use a common alternative that works just as well.
The Best Substitutes for Cream of Tartar in Snickerdoodles
If you’re wondering how to replace cream of tartar, here are the best options:
- Baking Powder – The best 1:1 substitute. It already contains cream of tartar and baking soda, making it a perfect swap.
- Lemon Juice or Vinegar – Adds acidity but can slightly alter the flavor.
- Buttermilk or Yogurt – Works well for moisture and tenderness.
For this recipe, we’ll use baking powder, which keeps the cookies light, chewy, and foolproof.
🍪 Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¾ cups |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 ½ cups |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Cinnamon | 2 tsp |
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Butter – Unsalted is best; if using salted, reduce added salt.
- Sugar – White sugar works best for traditional snickerdoodles.
- Eggs & Vanilla – Essential for structure and flavor.
- Cinnamon – Adds the signature warm spice.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Make Snickerdoodles Without Cream of Tartar
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4️⃣ Combine & Roll:
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat them in cinnamon-sugar.
5️⃣ Bake & Enjoy:
- Place on baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes.
- Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
💡 Tips for Soft & Chewy Snickerdoodles
- Don’t overbake! Cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes to enhance texture.
- Use fresh baking powder to ensure a proper rise.
❓ FAQ – Snickerdoodles Without Cream of Tartar
Can I make snickerdoodles without baking powder or cream of tartar?
Yes! You can use self-rising flour or another leavening substitute.
Will my cookies taste different without cream of tartar?
Slightly! They’ll still be soft and chewy, just without the tangy note.
Can I freeze snickerdoodle dough?
Yes! Freeze in balls and bake straight from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
👋 Conclusion: Try These Easy Snickerdoodles Today!
Now that you know how to make soft, chewy snickerdoodles without cream of tartar, it’s time to put your baking skills to the test! These cookies are easy, quick, and just as delicious as the classic version.
So what are you waiting for? Bake a batch today and enjoy the perfect cinnamon-sugar treat! 🍪✨
