If you’re craving a cozy cookie filled with warm, inviting spices and that classic snickerdoodle charm, you’ve got to try this Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe. It takes the beloved cinnamon-sugar cookie to a whole new level by adding nutmeg and cloves into the mix, creating a flavor that’s rich, comforting, and downright addictive. Soft and chewy with a gently crisp crackled top, these cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or just enjoying with a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon. Once you bake your first batch, this Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe will quickly become your go-to for every occasion that calls for a sweet, spicy hug in cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe comes together with simple pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in creating those perfect textures and flavors. From the creamy butter that adds richness to the perfect balance of leaveners ensuring a tender bite, every ingredient matters here.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that helps keep the cookies tender and flavorful.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and aids in creating that light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together while adding moisture and structure.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Offers a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the overall flavor.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these cookies their classic snickerdoodle texture.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar: A key ingredient that adds the snickerdoodle’s signature tang and chewiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with cream of tartar to leaven and lighten the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for coating: Provides a sparkling crust that’s crisp and sweet.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The classic snickerdoodle spice star, warming each bite deliciously.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty warmth that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Brings a slightly smoky, fragrant spice that sets these cookies apart.
How to Make Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s at the perfect temperature for even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial because it helps incorporate air, making your cookies tender and soft. Then, add the eggs one at a time to keep the texture smooth, followed by the vanilla extract to boost flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures the leaveners and seasonings are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to your butter and sugar bowl, mixing gently just until combined. Overmixing can make the dough tough, so keep it light and fold everything together carefully.
Step 5: Prepare the Spice Coating
In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This aromatic coating is what makes these snickerdoodles extra special, giving a fragrant, spicy crust that’s irresistible.
Step 6: Shape and Coat the Dough
Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls for perfectly sized cookies. Then generously roll each ball in the spice coating, ensuring it’s completely covered to get that signature snickerdoodle crackle and spice burst.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are set and the tops have those beautiful crackles. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully — this helps keep them soft inside while crisp on the outside.
How to Serve Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar right before serving adds a fun, sparkly touch. For a festive twist, you can drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies, adding both flavor and elegance.
Side Dishes
Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe pairs perfectly with creamy beverages like milk, chai tea, or a latte. Offering a small bowl of warm caramel or pumpkin dip alongside can also elevate the experience, turning a simple cookie into something extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or gifts, stack the cookies tied with a ribbon alongside cinnamon sticks for a charming presentation. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a scoop of cinnamon-spiced ice cream or cream cheese frosting, creating a delightful cookie sandwich that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Spiced Snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft texture. Stored properly, these cookies stay fresh for up to a week, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To refresh day-old cookies, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will revive their softness and bring out that spicy aroma that makes this Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe since salted butter contains added sodium. This helps prevent your cookies from becoming too salty.
What makes snickerdoodles chewy?
The cream of tartar in this Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe provides acidity that reacts with baking soda, giving the cookies their signature chewiness and slight tang. The creaming of butter and sugar also helps create a soft texture.
Can I substitute the spices if I don’t have nutmeg or cloves?
Absolutely! You can leave out one or both and add a bit more cinnamon or even a pinch of allspice to keep the warm spice profile. The cookies will still be deliciously flavorful.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for edges that are set and lightly golden while the tops show beautiful crackles. The centers might still look slightly soft, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe is an absolute joy to bake and even more delightful to eat. Its perfect blend of warm spices and tender, chewy texture makes it a standout twist on a classic favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these cozy, heartwarming cookies with those you love.
Print
Spiced Snickerdoodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 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 and aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Soft and chewy with a crackled top, these cookies are coated in a spicy sugar mixture that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat any time of year.
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 and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for the cookies. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating fully before adding the next. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar bowl, blending just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Make Spice Coating: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon cloves. This mixture will coat the cookie dough balls, delivering the signature warm spice flavor.
- Shape and Coat Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls. Roll each dough ball thoroughly in the prepared spice sugar mixture to coat all sides. Arrange the coated dough balls spaced about 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined baking sheet to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake and Cool: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops display crackles. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies soft and tender.
- If you like a stronger spice flavor, you can increase the cinnamon or cloves slightly.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For a thicker cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and coating.
