Frosted Snickerdoodles are soft, chewy cookies rolled in cinnamon and sugar, giving them a sweet taste that is perfect for any occasion. What sets these cookies apart is the homemade buttercream icing that is generously spread on top, adding a creamy and rich flavor to an already delicious treat.

These snickerdoodles without cream of tartar are simple to make, the recipe is easy to follow, making them a great option for novice bakers or those who are short on time. Cinnamon sugar cookies are a snickerdoodle base and elevated to a whole new level with the addition of buttercream frosting.

The BEST Snickerdoodle Cookies

Frosted Snickerdoodles are a classic cookie that everyone loves. The dough is soft and moist, while the sugar coating adds a slight crunch to the exterior of the cookie, creating a perfect balance of textures. These delicious and simple cookies are great for any occasion, they can be customized to fit any theme or color scheme. Every bite is sensational and there is just the right balance of sweetness and warm spices. This cookie and frosting combo are so delicious that you will want to bake a batch for yourself and one to share!

Variations and Substitutions for Snickerdoodle Cookies

Dietary Adjustments: For those with dietary restrictions, there are a few adjustments that can be made to this recipe. To make these cookies vegan, simply substitute the butter in both the cookie and frosting recipes with a vegan butter substitute. For a gluten-free option, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, for those watching their sugar intake, you can use a sugar substitute in place of the granulated sugar in both the cookie dough and the cinnamon-sugar coating.
Flavor Variations: While the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor combination is delicious, there are plenty of ways to mix things up and add some variety to this recipe. Consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the cookie dough for a subtle twist on the classic flavor. For a more pronounced flavor, try adding a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice to the dough. You can also mix things up by using a different type of sugar for the coating, such as brown sugar or even powdered sugar. Finally, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting for a sweet and salty flavor combination.

Ingredients for Frosted Snickerdoodle Cookies

Butter: Use 1 stick (½ cup) of softened unsalted butter in the cookie dough to make them rich in taste.

Sugars: You will need ¾ cups of brown sugar and ¼ cups of white sugar to make the cookies soft and sweet with a nice depth of flavor.

Egg: Use 1 egg to help bind the dough together well.

Vanilla extract: Adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract will help to give great flavor to these cookies.

Flour: 2 cups of all-purpose flour is needed for the base of the cookie dough.

Salt: Use ½ teaspoon of salt as a natural flavor enhancer in these cookies.

Baking powder: You will need ½ teaspoon of baking powder to help leaven these cookies and create a great texture as they bake.

Cinnamon: Add in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in the dough to make the cookie well spiced.

Cinnamon sugar: You will want to add some cinnamon sugar to the tops of the cookies and for rolling the cookie dough balls in. Combine ½ cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon.

Frosting

Butter: Using 4-5 tablespoons of butter, softened, gives this icing a rich and flavorful taste.

Powder sugar: For a sweet and smooth icing, add in 4-5 cups of powder sugar.

Milk: 1-2 tablespoons of milk are needed for the frosting, but the actual amount may vary depending on the desired consistency.

Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract gives this topping a nice subtle flavor.

How to make Frosted Snickerdoodle Cookies

Cookie dough

Start by creaming the softened butter and both sugars in a large bowl, until fluffy.

Then add in the egg and vanilla extract, stir until well mixed.

Next add in the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon and mix until just combined. The dough should be very crumbly.

After that, divide the dough into 6 equal-sized portions and press them into balls.

In a separate small bowl, create the cinnamon sugar mixture and then roll each dough ball into it to coat the entire ball.

Place the dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet and put it into the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Bake

Get the oven preheating to 375 degrees.

Then remove the dough from the fridge, place cookies in the preheated oven, and bake for 15-18 minutes or until they are just lightly browned around the edges.

Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Buttercream frosting

Using an electric handheld mixer, whip the butter in a large bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer, until it is fluffy.

Next, add in the powdered sugar, one tablespoon of milk, and the vanilla extract. Mix again to combine.

Then add additional milk, if needed, to thin down the frosting if it is too thick.

If you have a piping bag, transfer the frosting to it and pipe the buttercream around the top of the cookie in a swirl pattern. If not, use a ziplocked baggie and cut a small corner off to pipe the frosting onto the cookies.

Last but not least, sprinkle more cinnamon sugar on top for extra deliciousness and decoration.

Serve and enjoy!

Frosted Snickerdoodles are a soft, chewy cookie rolled in cinnamon and sugar topped with homemade Buttercream Frosting. This snickerdoodle cookie with frosting is the perfect homemade cookie that tastes gourmet!

How can you prevent snickerdoodles from flattening during baking?

To prevent snickerdoodles from becoming flat during baking, it is important to chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies retain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much while baking. Additionally, it is important to use the correct amount of leavening agents, such as baking powder and baking soda, as specified in the recipe.

What is the origin of the name ‘snickerdoodle’ for these cookies?

The origin of the name ‘snickerdoodle’ is uncertain, but it is believed to be of German or Dutch origin. Some sources suggest that the name is a corruption of the German word “Schneckennudeln,” which means “snail noodles,” and refers to the spiral shape of the cookie. Others believe that the name is a variation of the Dutch word “snekrad,” which means “crinkled cookie.”

How do you incorporate a cinnamon roll twist into snickerdoodle cookies?

To incorporate a cinnamon roll twist into snickerdoodle cookies, you can add a cinnamon filling to the cookie dough before rolling it in cinnamon and sugar. To make the filling, mix together cinnamon, brown sugar, and softened butter until smooth. Roll out the cookie dough into a rectangle, spread the cinnamon filling on top, and then roll up the dough into a log. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing and baking. The result is a delicious snickerdoodle cookie with a cinnamon swirl inside.

How long are Snickerdoodle Cookies good for?

These cinnamon sugar cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I freeze frosted cookies?

Yes, these cookies can be frozen. I recommend letting the frosting set before placing the cookies onto a large baking sheet and freezing for a few hours until solid before transferring to an airtight container with wax paper between the cookie layers to prevent sticking. Then when you want a cookie, just place it on the counter for a few minutes to thaw.

These two cute teens have been dating for over a year now and well, let’s just say I’ve got a whole folder of dance pictures! So when it came to Senior Prom, we all wanted to try something different. They turned out so great!

Looking for more Snickerdoodle recipes, try these here:

Frosted Snickerdoodles are a delightful, sweet treat that is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. The homemade buttercream icing is the perfect topping to these soft cookies.

FROSTED SNICKERDOODLES

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The BEST Snickerdoodle Cookies

Variations and Substitutions for Snickerdoodle Cookies