For snickerdoodle purists, follow the instructions in this recipe to the letter and beat after adding the eggs for the full 3 minutes, which will give you beautiful cracks on the cookie’s surface as well as a cakey texture. For a chewier version, beat after adding the eggs for just 30 seconds. Vanilla and cinnamon play key roles in this snickerdoodle recipe, so opt for a warm and potent cinnamon (we like the one from Burlap & Barrel) and plump and shiny vanilla beans.
Ingredients
Makes about 32
2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, cooled slightly
½ cup (packed) light brown sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Preparation
Step 1
Whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter, brown sugar, and 1 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl, scraping down sides, until incorporated. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; reserve pod for another use.
Step 2
Add eggs and continue to beat until mixture is pale yellow, begins to thicken, and falls from beaters in a ribbon-like stream, about 3 minutes. Reduce mixer speed to low. Gradually add dry ingredients and continue to beat, scraping down sides and bottom of bowl, until just combined. Let sit at room temperature at least 30 minutes to hydrate flour; dough will be very loose but will thicken as it sits.
Step 3
Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 400°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk cinnamon and remaining 2 Tbsp. sugar in a medium bowl.
Step 4
Using a 1-oz. ice cream scoop or a generous, heaping tablespoonful, portion cookies and roll into small balls with your hands. Toss in cinnamon-sugar until coated all over. Transfer to prepared sheet, spacing about 3″ apart. Do not flatten; cookies will spread as they bake.
Step 5
Bake cookies until edges are lightly browned and firm but centers are puffed and soft, 8–10 minutes. Let cool on sheets 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.
Step 6
Do Ahead: Cookie dough can be made 3 days ahead; cover and chill. Let dough come to room temperature before portioning and coating in cinnamon-sugar.