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    Home » Newest Recipes! » Dessert » Snickerdoodles Without Cream of Tartar

    Snickerdoodles Without Cream of Tartar

    Published: Mar 28, 2021 · Modified: May 22, 2021 by Aubrey · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Want to make delicious and easy snickerdoodles without cream of tartar? This snickerdoodle cookie recipe is made with easy pantry ingredients! Super soft, chewy and packed with cinnamon flavor. The perfect simple cookie recipe to make with kids!

    snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar on white plate with tray of snickerdoodle cookies in background

    This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through this link (at no extra cost to you).

    Cream of tartar is one of those ingredients that many people just don’t keep in their pantry. What is cream of tartar you say? Some argue that cream of tartar is an essential ingredient in snickerdoodle cookies giving it a signature tangy flavor.

    I say you can make snickerdoodles without cream of tartar using some easy substitutions that taste just as (or more) delicious! Frankly, I never met a cookie I didn’t like. How about you?

    If you are looking for a delicious gluten free cookie option, be sure to check out these Peanut Butter Almond Flour Cookies. There are easy vegan substitutions and no one will even know they are gluten free because they are so delicious! For you cookie lovers, you will also love these Soft Gingerbread Cookies and Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies!

    Enough about cookies! Back to the show. These homemade snickerdoodle cookies without cream of tartar are a crowd pleaser that you and your family will love! You might want to make a double batch. Just saying!

    Why this recipe is awesome!

    • These homemade snickerdoodle cookies without cream of tartar are so easy to make that you can make them with your kids! Even toddlers love to join in the fun. If you really want to take it over the top, smear these snickerdoodle cookies with some Cream Cheese Frosting without Butter.
    • This recipe can be made with easy pantry ingredients and has the easiest substitute for cream of tartar in snickerdoodles! Enter secret weapon, lemon juice.
    • This snickerdoodle cookies recipe isn’t moody. Other than making sure you measure your flour correctly (see flour measuring tip!), its really hard not to end up with delicious, super soft and fluffy cookies.

    Ingredients for this recipe

    labeled photo of individual ingredients to make snickerdoodles without cream of tartar

    Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough(without cream of tartar)

    • Flour: Use all purpose white flour for this recipe.
    • Baking Soda
    • Ground Cinnamon
    • Salt
    • Unsalted Butter: If you only have salted butter on hand, you can omit salt from recipe. For a vegan modification, you can substitute vegan butter.
    • Granulated Sugar
    • Egg: Use a large egg for this recipe. For vegan modification, you can use a flax egg (mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal and 2.5 tablespoon water, allow to rest for 5 minutes to thicken).
    • Vanilla Bean Paste or Vanilla Extract: This vanilla bean paste has great vanilla bean flavor. I also love the vanilla bean paste from Trader Joe’s. If you use vanilla extract, be sure to use pure vanilla extract for a strong vanilla flavor.
    • Lemon Juice: I prefer fresh squeezed lemon juice for this recipe. You can use the leftover lemon juice to make the salad dressing for my Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. Eat your cookies with a salad and that will even everything out!

    Snickerdoodle Cinnamon and Sugar Coating

    • Granulated Sugar
    • Ground Cinnamon

    How to make snickerdoodles without cream of tartar

    • Preheat oven to 350°F.
    • Line large cookie baking sheet with silicone baking mat or oven safe parchment paper. If you do not have either, grease your baking sheet with oil or butter.
    • Mix cinnamon and sugar topping in small bowl. Set aside.
    • Tip to Measure Flour: When you measure your flour, do not scoop it out directly as that can lead to using more flour than is needed. To correctly measure your flour, give the flour a stir with a fork or a whisk to loosen it. Spoon the flour into cup until it is heaping, then level with the flat side of a knife.
    process shots 1 - 4 of snickerdoodles without cream of tartar
    • In a large bowl beat together butter, sugar, egg, vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract and lemon juice.
    • In second large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Mix thoroughly.
    • Add dry ingredients to wet and combine using beater until combined. The dough will look like crumbly little balls.
    process shots 5-8 of snickerdoodles without cream of tartar
    • Using your hands, mold the dough into one large ball of snickerdoodle cookie dough.
    • Using cookie scoop or your hands, form 12 evenly sized cookie balls (the balls will be slightly smaller than the size of a golf ball).
    process shots 9-12 of snickerdoodles without cream of tartar
    • Roll each cookie ball in your cinnamon sugar mixture. Place evenly spaced on your baking sheet.
    • Bake for approximately 12-3 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet and then transfer to a cooling rack.

    What does cream of tartar do in snickerdoodles?

    Cream of tartar can play many different roles in baking. Cream of tartar can be used to make baked goods rises, to stabilize egg whites or to prevent sugar from crystalizing.

    Why cream of tartar in snickerdoodles you say? Cream of tartar is a common ingredient in snickerdoodles because it helps as a leavening agent and also gives them a slight tangy flavor.

    However, with a little baking magic, we can omit the cream of tartar and make super fluffy and soft snickerdoodles with the perfect signature flavor.

    easy snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar on white plate with tray of snickerdoodle cookies in background

    Can you make snickerdoodles without cream of tartar?

    Yes, after many different experiments, I found that lemon juice is the perfect substitute for cream of tartar in snickerdoodles. This snickerdoodles recipe without cream of tartar uses lemon juice to create that signature tang.

    Also, while baking powder does not need an additional acid to work as a leavening agent, I found that using lemon juice as the cream of tartar substitute for snickerdoodles, it made the cookies slightly lighter and delicious.

    FAQ and expert tips

    Cream of tartar substitute for snickerdoodles?

    Good substitutes for cream of tartar include lemon juice, buttermilk, vinegar, yogurt and baking powder. However, it is very important to determine the purpose for the cream of tartar in the baking application to pick the most appropriate substitute.

    Are snickerdoodles without cream of tartar supposed to be soft or crunchy?

    Snickerdoodles without cream of tartar should be the same consistency as regular snickerdoodle cookies. A very light airy crunch on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.

    Can I make these snickerdoodles vegan?

    Yes, this snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar includes vegan modifications. You can use vegan butter and flax egg in place of the dairy butter and egg.

    snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar on white plate with tray of snickerdoodle cookies in background

    Looking for other delicious dessert ideas?

    • These Coconut Rum Balls are absolutely delicious for a holiday treat or all year round!
    • This Chocolate Orange Cake is light, fluffy and full of orange chocolate decadence!
    • These Vegan Blondies are easy and healthy! A great way to sneak in some protein for your kiddos.

    Hungry for more? Subscribe to my EMAIL NEWSLETTER and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for all of the latest delicious food!

    You can also comment below. I LOVE hearing from you! If you loved the recipe, a 5 STAR RATING is the ultimate compliment as food is my love language!

    snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar on white plate with tray of snickerdoodle cookies in background
    snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar on white plate with tray of snickerdoodle cookies in background

    Snickerdoodles Without Cream of Tartar

    Want to make delicious and easy snickerdoodles without cream of tartar? This snickerdoodle cookie recipe is made with easy pantry ingredients! Super soft, chewy and packed with cinnamon flavor. The perfect simple cookie recipe to make with kids!
    5 from 113 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes
    Total Time: 22 minutes
    Servings: 12 cookies
    Calories: 140kcal
    Author: Aubrey
    Cost: $8

    Equipment

    • large baking sheet, oven safe parchment paper or silicone baking mat

    Ingredients

    Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough(without cream of tartar)

    • 1½ cups all-purpose white flour (see notes to measure flour)
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature or melt in microwave for about 30 seconds)
    • ½ cup + 3 tbsp granulated sugar
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
    • 1½ teaspoon lemon juice

    Snickerdoodle Cinnamon andSugar Coating

    • 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F.
    • Line large cookie baking sheet with silicone baking mat or parchment paper. If you do not have either, grease your baking sheet with oil or butter.
    • Mix cinnamon and sugar topping in small bowl. Set aside.
    • Tip to Measure Flour: When you measure your flour, do not scoop it out directly as that can lead to using more flour than is needed. To correctly measure your flour, give the flour a stir with a fork or a whisk to loosen it. Spoon the flour into cup until it is heaping, then level with the flat side of a knife.
    • In a large bowl beat together butter, sugar, egg, vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract and lemon juice.
    • In second large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Mix thoroughly.
    • Add dry ingredients to wet and combine using beater until combined. The dough will look like crumbly little balls.
    • Using your hands, mold the dough into one large ball of snickerdoodle cookie dough.
    • Using cookie scoop or your hands, form 12 evenly sized cookie balls (the balls will be slightly smaller than the size of a golf ball).
    • Roll each cookie ball in your cinnamon sugar mixture. Place evenly spaced on your baking sheet.
    • Bake for approximately 12-3 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet and then transfer to a cooling rack.

    Notes

    Vegan and Other Substitutions
    Unsalted Butter: If you only have salted butter on hand, you can omit salt from recipe. For a vegan modification, you can substitute vegan butter.
    Egg: Any type of egg can be used for this recipe. For vegan modification, you can use a flax egg (mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal and 2.5 tablespoon water, allow to rest for 5 minutes to thicken)

    Nutrition

    Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 147mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 260IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @AubreysHealthyKitchen or tag #aubreyshealthykitchen!
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    About Aubrey

    My name is Aubrey. I am a busy lawyer and momma. While I am passionate about both, I have a place in my heart for great food and want to share it with other food lovers!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Katelyn

      August 20, 2021 at 6:13 pm

      5 stars
      Favorite snickerdoodle recipe!

      Reply
    2. Sheana

      July 25, 2021 at 9:45 am

      5 stars
      Favorite snickerdoodle recipe!

      Reply
    3. Paula

      July 21, 2021 at 11:40 am

      5 stars
      I never made snickerdoodles without cream of tartar but I tried this recipe and you don’t need it. I love these cookies! So easy and they were really soft and had a nice crunch on the outside.

      Reply
    4. Katlyn

      June 14, 2021 at 6:40 am

      5 stars
      Easy snickerdoodle recipe. Really delicious.

      Reply
    5. Alyssa

      June 10, 2021 at 6:39 pm

      5 stars
      These snickerdoodle cookies were delish! Super soft with the perfect light crisp on the outside. Easy to make. Keeper!

      Reply
    6. Kate

      May 03, 2021 at 1:33 pm

      5 stars
      I am a cookie snob and these snickerdoodles were delicious!

      Reply
      • Aubrey

        May 03, 2021 at 2:24 pm

        Thank you! I am a cookie snob myself and snickerdoodles are one of my favs.

        Reply
    7. Kirlyn

      May 02, 2021 at 9:40 am

      5 stars
      I am not generally a fan of weird ingredients on my food and wanted to make snickerdoodles without cream of tartar. Made these this morning with my kiddo and they turned out great! Light crunch on the outside, super soft and chewy on the inside – perfect! Will be making again.

      Reply
      • Aubrey

        May 02, 2021 at 9:58 am

        So happy to hear! Weekend cookies are the best!

        Reply
    8. Desiree

      April 14, 2021 at 9:10 pm

      5 stars
      I didn’t have cream of tartar and this snickerdoodle recipe was perfect! Tasted just like regular snickerdoodle cookies. So easy and my kiddos loved.

      Reply
      • Aubrey

        April 14, 2021 at 9:16 pm

        So happy to hear! Making cookies with the kids is the best for sure!

        Reply

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