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    Home » Holiday Recipes

    Snickerdoodles without Cream of Tartar

    September 22, 2021 by Chenée Lewis

    229 shares
    stack of snickerdoodles

    Easy snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar and baking powder! This post answers why do snickerdoodles need cream of tartar, and shares my favorite snickerdoodle recipe with no cream of tartar! I know you’ll love this chewy snickerdoodle recipe! And if you love these snickerdoodles without cream of tartar and you're looking for more no-fail cookie recipes, look no further than my Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies, my Ginger Crinkle Cookies, my Cookie Monster Cookies, and my Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies with Brown Butter and Sea Salt!

    snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar stacked
    Snickerdoodle Recipe without Cream of Tartar
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    *This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details*.

    Do you have to use cream of tartar in cookies?

    Snickerdoodles are tasty cookies that are amazing any time of year! They're simple, yet so beloved for their soft, chewy texture, and that amazing cinnamon sugar flavor is the best part! But typically, the key to a chewy snickerdoodle recipe is one ingredient: cream of tartar. And if you're viewing this recipe for snickerdoodles without cream of tartar there's a good chance you're like me, and you never have it on hand when you need it! If that's you, this easy snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar is just what you need!

    close up of snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar
    Soft, Chewy Snickerdoodle Recipe without Cream of Tartar

    What is a snickerdoodle?

    Snickerdoodles are a classic cookie famous for their soft, chewy texture and cinnamon-sugar topping. They are said to have German origin, with their name coming from a corruption of the German word Schneckennudel. They're primarily appreciated in the United States, where they're especially loved during autumn and the holiday season. And they're just SO good!

    stack of snickerdoodles with a bite taken from one
    Chewy Snickerdoodle Recipe

    Why do snickerdoodles need cream of tartar?

    Despite what its name would suggest, cream of tartar is NOT creamy and has nothing to do with tartar sauce. It's actually a powdery substance that is a byproduct of the process of fermenting wine. It's often used in whipping up egg whites to help stabilize the air bubbles, creating a meringue with a smoother, stiffer consistency. And it's also famously used in snickerdoodles! You'd have a hard time finding a classic snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar!

    easy snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar on a plate
    Chewy Snickerdoodle Recipe

    Why is cream of tartar used in snickerdoodles?

    The question is: why do snickerdoodles have cream of tartar? Well, cream of tartar is in many ways what makes a snickerdoodle a snickerdoodle. It works in two ways: it adds acid with reacts with baking soda to provide lift and texture, and it adds a tangy flavor that snickerdoodles are distinct for. Cream of tartar also contributes to a chewier cookie, since it prevents sugar from crystallizing and creating a crunch. But have no fear -- you can definitely make snickerdoodles without cream of tartar!

    easy snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar stacked on a plate

    What can I use instead of cream of tartar in snickerdoodles?

    If you don't have cream of tartar on hand, no worries! In this recipe we're replacing the tanginess that we would otherwise get from cream of tartar with some fresh lemon juice. We're also adding a bit of cream cheese for tanginess and texture. The result is chewy, easy snickerdoodles without cream of tartar! Here are your basic ingredients:

    ingredients for snickerdoodles
    Best Snickerdoodle Recipe - What You'll Need

    What can I replace cream of tartar with?

    • butter - be sure to use room temperature butter. See below for a tip for how to soften your butter to room temperature quickly! I like to use salted butter to add flavor to this chewy snickerdoodles recipe, but if you prefer to use unsalted butter, just add an extra ¼ teaspoon of salt in with your dry ingredients.
    • cream cheese - I recommend using full-fat cream cheese for this recipe. Like the butter, your cream cheese should also be softened to room temperature.
    • granulated sugar and light brown sugar - this balance of sweetness gives these snickerdoodles the best flavor and texture!
    • eggs - your eggs should be room temperature to help your snickerdoodles bake evenly.
    • vanilla - be sure to use a high-quality pure vanilla extract. Or better yet, check out my post on how to make vanilla extract at home with just 2 ingredients!
    • lemon juice - to replace the tangy flavor imparted by cream of tartar, we're adding a bit of lemon juice. It won't make your snickerdoodles lemony, don't worry!
    • all-purpose flour - be sure to use a kitchen scale to measure your flour by weight, or use the spoon-and-level method to measure by volume.
    • baking soda - we're actually making these snickerdoodles without cream of tartar AND baking powder! Instead, we'll use bakong soda as the source of our lift that the cookies need!
    • ground cinnamon and granulated sugar - for that classic snickerdoodle topping!
    easy snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar seen from above
    Chewy Snickerdoodle Recipe

    Equipment

    This is the best snickerdoodle recipe! I love that it's so simple to make -- you'll just need standard cookie making tools like an electric mixer, a small cookie scoop, and a baking sheet. I also use a silicone baking liner or parchment paper and a kitchen scale. Here are all of my favorite tools for this chewy snickerdoodle recipe:

    Instructions

    You can find detailed instructions for this chewy cookie recipe in the recipe card below, but here are the basic steps for the best snickerdoodle cookies:

    Cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugars in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer).

    Beat in eggs, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth.

    Add baking soda and flour to form a dough.

    Roll cookie dough balls in cinnamon-sugar mixture, then bake on a cookie sheet until golden brown.

    Tips and F.A.Q.

    Can you substitute cornstarch for cream of tartar?

    No you can't -- in most recipes, cornstarch won't have the same effect in either flavor or texture.

    What does a snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar taste like?

    These snickerdoodles taste similar to classic snickerdoodles, thanks to the lemon we're adding! They also are a bit thicker and softer, thanks to the cream cheese.

    Snickerdoodles scattered on a tray

    How do I get my butter and cream cheese to room temperature quickly?

    To soften your butter, place the stick of butter on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 4 seconds. Turn so another side of the stick of butter is facing up and heat for another 4 seconds. Repeat for a total of 16 seconds.

    To soften your cream cheese for these key lime cookies, just remove it from the foil and place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in the microwave for 10 seconds or until softened. It should be ready to add to this easy snickerdoodle cookie recipe!

    Why did my snickerdoodles not flatten?

    This recipe yields soft, thick snickerdoodles. They won't get too flat, but I personally love a nice thick cookie! One way to make sure they flatten at least some is to measure your flour by weight so that you don't accidentally overmeasure it. Too much flour keeps cookies from spreading.

    If you would like them to flatten out a bit more, you can use a spatula to press the dough balls down a bit before you put them in the oven.

    Should you flatten snickerdoodles before baking?

    To ensure a flatter cookie, you can press an indent into the center of each dough ball to allow them to flatten out more while they bake.

    How do I store these snickerdoodles?

    They're easily stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days! If you're storing them for longer, you can freeze them in a heavy duty freezer bag for up to two months.

    Why do my snickerdoodles get hard?

    This easy snickerdoodle recipe stays pretty soft, thanks to the cream cheese. But if your snickerdoodle are hard, you may have over-mixed the dough, added too much sugar, or over-baked your cookies.

    More Cookie Recipes You'll Love!

    • Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies Recipe
    • Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies with Brown Butter and Sea Salt
    • Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies
    • Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies
    • Ginger Crinkle Cookies
    easy snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar seen from above

    Snickerdoodles Without Cream of Tartar - Easy Snickerdoodle Recipe

    Print Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Easy snickerdoodle recipe without cream of tartar! This post answers why do snickerdoodles need cream of tartar, and shares my favorite snickerdoodle recipe with no cream of tartar! I know you’ll love this chewy snickerdoodle recipe and you'll be making your snickerdoodles without cream of tartar from now on!
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 14 minutes
    Total Time: 24 minutes
    Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine :American
    Servings: 24 cookies
    Calories: 177kcal
    Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

    Equipment you may need

    • food scale
    • ¾ sheet baking pan
    • silicone baking mat
    • small cookie scoop
    • cooling rack
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • mixing bowls
    • hand mixer

    Ingredients

    • ¾ cup salted butter - room temperature
    • 2 oz cream cheese - softened
    • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
    • ⅔ cup light brown sugar - packed
    • 2 large eggs - room temperature
    • 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda

    Topping

    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 3 tablespoon ground cinnamon

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner.
    • In a large bowl, cream together cream cheese, butter, and sugars until smooth. Beat in eggs, and vanilla, and lemon juice and mix well.
    • Stir in flour and baking soda to form a dough.
    • In a small bowl, stir together cinnamon and sugar for topping.
    • Use a small cookie scoop to scoop out cookie dough balls roll in cinnamon sugar a few times to ensure topping sticks to cookie dough. You may need to re-form dough into a neat ball after rolling.and place 2 inches apart on lined cookie sheet.
    • Place dough balls 2 inches apart on lined baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes in preheated oven. Cool snickerdoodles completely on a wire rack.

    Video

    Notes

    Butter: I use salted butter in most of my baking, but if you prefer to use unsalted butter, just add ¼ teaspoon of salt in with your dry ingredients.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 cookie | Calories: 177 kcal | Carbohydrates: 27 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 7 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 33 mg | Sodium: 89 mg | Potassium: 38 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 16 g | Vitamin A: 234 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 24 mg | Iron: 1 mg
    Nutrition Disclaimer
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    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!

    PIN this chewy snickerdoodle recipe for later!

    stack of snickerdoodles
    Pin this snickerdoodle recipe for later!

    Last Updated on October 18, 2022 by Chenée Lewis

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    229 shares

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    Comments

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    1. Tara

      October 28, 2022 at 1:27 pm

      5 stars
      Very knowledgeable post with lots of helpful information! You also can't go wrong with cookies with cream cheese. Yummmm!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 28, 2022 at 2:12 pm

        So glad you liked it! Thanks!

        Reply
    2. Louise

      October 28, 2022 at 12:08 pm

      5 stars
      These are such a lifesaver when you want that cookie fix but have run out of cream of tartar! Perfect chewy cookies.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 29, 2022 at 2:16 pm

        SO glad you liked them!

        Reply
    3. Holley

      October 28, 2022 at 11:50 am

      5 stars
      I've never made snickerdoodles this way before! I love the added cream cheese to this cookie recipe! My new favorite way to make them!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 28, 2022 at 4:25 pm

        Thanks! Mine too!!

        Reply
    4. Kathleen

      October 28, 2022 at 11:28 am

      5 stars
      Wow, these snickerdoodles look so light, fluffy and fabulous! Putting these on my baking list right now!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 28, 2022 at 4:25 pm

        Yay! Hope you love them! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Mirlene

      October 11, 2022 at 2:10 pm

      5 stars
      I actually never have cream of tartar in my pantry! So this was perfect to make these cookies for the kids. They were delicious too!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 11, 2022 at 6:24 pm

        So glad you all liked them!

        Reply
    6. Sisley White - Sew White

      October 11, 2022 at 1:46 pm

      5 stars
      The mix of brown sugar and cinamon on top is so good

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 11, 2022 at 2:05 pm

        So glad you liked them!

        Reply
    7. Jacqueline Debono

      October 11, 2022 at 1:35 pm

      5 stars
      This is my new favourite snickerdoodle recipe. I also almost never have cream of tartar in my larder because it's hard to find where I live. So happy to have found a recipe that doesn't call for it!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 11, 2022 at 2:05 pm

        I rarely have it either! Glad you liked them! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Janessa

      October 11, 2022 at 12:57 pm

      5 stars
      So thankful for this recipe! I promised to make my sister snickerdoodles for her birthday today (her favourite cookie!) but didn't have any cream of tartar on hand. Luckily I had lemon juice and cream cheese. She loved these and couldn't tell that they weren't my regular recipe.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 11, 2022 at 1:07 pm

        Wonderful! So glad this recipe helped! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Carrie Robinson

      October 11, 2022 at 12:52 pm

      5 stars
      There are definitely times when I don't have cream of tartar on hand when I have a snickerdoodle craving! Keeping this recipe handy for that happens again. 😉

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 11, 2022 at 12:55 pm

        It's always good to be ready for snickerdoodle cravings when they pop up! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Veronika Sykorova

      October 03, 2021 at 8:48 pm

      5 stars
      Cream of tartar is something I don’t usually buy or have so I appreciate this recipe doesn’t have any. These cookies look delicious!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 10, 2021 at 9:58 am

        Thank you! They're so yummy!

        Reply
    11. Aya

      October 03, 2021 at 2:41 pm

      5 stars
      I love the fact that this snickerdoodle recipe does not have cream of tartar. The use of cream cheese and lemon is absolutely brilliant!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 18, 2021 at 2:53 pm

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
      • Natalie

        October 29, 2021 at 11:57 pm

        5 stars
        Saw this recipe on a YouTube short clip and was lucky to have all of these ingredients. It was truly amazing! Delicious in taste wish a soft, decadent, inside. Will definitely be referring to this recipe again. Just started baking with my daughter and these were by far her favorite. Thanks Chenée! ❤️

        Reply
        • Chenée Lewis

          October 31, 2021 at 12:08 pm

          Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed them and that you could try them out with your daughter! 🙂

    12. Hayley Dhanecha

      October 03, 2021 at 10:30 am

      5 stars
      I and my family love snickerdoodle cookies, these are so perfectly done. Can't wait to bake my own without cream of tarter.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        November 09, 2021 at 1:25 pm

        Thank you so much! I'm glad you like them!

        Reply
    13. Moop Brown

      October 02, 2021 at 4:56 pm

      5 stars
      I love that for this recipe these cookies look so thick and fluffy and like the perfect texture. Can't wait to try!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 10, 2021 at 9:58 am

        You'll love them! 🙂

        Reply
    14. Tammy

      October 01, 2021 at 12:28 pm

      5 stars
      I love snickerdoodles and yours look perfect and soft! Such a perfect cookie to welcome the fall season with.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 01, 2021 at 8:51 pm

        I definitely agree!! Thanks!

        Reply
    15. Veronika

      October 01, 2021 at 9:16 am

      5 stars
      OMG! I just made these cookies and they are AMAZING! They are soft and chewy and was super easy to make!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 01, 2021 at 8:51 pm

        So glad you liked them!!

        Reply
    16. Linda

      September 30, 2021 at 3:02 pm

      5 stars
      What gorgeous-looking cookies! I've never made them without cream of tartar but I am sure going to try this one! Love the idea of adding cream cheese for a softer creamier cookie. I want to pop one of them in my mouth right now!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 01, 2021 at 8:51 pm

        Thanks!! I hope you love them!

        Reply
    17. Bernice

      September 27, 2021 at 9:13 pm

      5 stars
      Well it certainly looks like you've achieved what you set out to do. These snickerdoodles have the perfect flavour and texture...no cream of tartar needed!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 31, 2021 at 9:17 pm

        Thank you! I'm glad they worked out for you!!

        Reply
    18. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer

      September 27, 2021 at 9:05 pm

      5 stars
      The puff on these cookies is amazing! Seriously, I could easily down a plate myself! These look incredible! Adding these to my holiday cookie rotation for sure! Thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        October 31, 2021 at 12:15 pm

        Thank you so much!! 🙂

        Reply
    19. shelby

      September 27, 2021 at 11:48 am

      5 stars
      I tried this as you wrote it without the cream of tartar to see what my kids would say because they are my food critics! They absolutely loved these cookies. Thank you for sharing this knowledge!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        September 27, 2021 at 3:12 pm

        I'm so glad they liked them! Thanks!

        Reply

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    About Chenée

    I’m Chenée (kinda rhymes with “today”) and I love all types of baking! But my favorite recipes are ones that are quick and easy, and still yield impressive results. The ones you can't help but make again and again! That's what I share here, and I hope I can make your baking life a little easier along the way. MORE ABOUT CHENÉE >>

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