If you’re craving a cookie that’s quick to whip up yet delivers a burst of cozy cinnamon flavor, these Cake Mix Snickerdoodles with Cream of Tartar Recipe have got your name all over them. Combining the ease of a yellow cake mix with the classic touch of cream of tartar, this delightful treat comes together in no time and yields soft, chewy snickerdoodles with that signature tang and crackly cinnamon-sugar exterior. It’s the perfect little indulgence that feels homemade without the fuss, ideal for both beginner bakers and cookie aficionados alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients; each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and charm of these snickerdoodles. From the richness of vegetable oil to the tangy magic of cream of tartar, here’s what you’ll want on hand before diving in.
- Yellow Cake Mix: Acts as the base, providing sweetness and a soft, tender crumb that forms the cookie’s body.
- Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps keep the snickerdoodles soft and chewy.
- Large Eggs: Bind everything together and give structure to the cookies.
- Cream of Tartar: A classic snickerdoodle ingredient that gives the cookies their distinctive tang and helps with texture.
- Sugar: For the sweet coating and a little extra sweetness inside.
- Ground Cinnamon: Provides that warm, aromatic spice in the cinnamon sugar coating that’s truly irresistible.
How to Make Cake Mix Snickerdoodles with Cream of Tartar Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
First things first, preheat your oven to 350ºF so it’s perfectly hot and ready once your dough is shaped. Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper; this not only prevents sticking but also ensures even baking and crisp edges without any hassle.
Step 2: Mix Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. This simple mixture creates that irresistible, crackly coating that makes snickerdoodles so fun to bite into, delivering a sweet-spicy kiss with every chew.
Step 3: Make the Dough
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and cream of tartar. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, slightly sticky dough. The cream of tartar is what sets these apart, giving them that classic snickerdoodle tang and perfect chew.
Step 4: Shape and Coat
Using a small cookie scoop or simply your hands, form the dough into 1-inch balls. Then, roll each ball generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure every nook and cranny gets some love. This step ensures each cookie will have that signature cinnamon-sugar crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the coated dough balls spaced evenly on the parchment-lined cookie sheets. Bake for about 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are set and the tops crackle slightly. Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cake Mix Snickerdoodles with Cream of Tartar Recipe
Garnishes
While these snickerdoodles are delicious on their own, feel free to add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar right before baking for an even crunchier topping. Dusting with a little powdered sugar after cooling can also add a pretty touch and a hint of extra sweetness that pairs beautifully with their tangy base.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of chai tea for an incredibly comforting snack break. They also make a lovely companion to vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to dress them up for dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to jazz up your cookie platter? Stack a few snickerdoodles tied with a rustic ribbon for a charming gift or party favor. You can also sandwich a bit of cream cheese frosting between two cookies to create a fun twist on classic whoopie pies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to a week, perfect for nibbling throughout the week or for unexpected guest visits.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze the baked snickerdoodles in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their charm.
Reheating
To enjoy those warm, soft cookies again, simply microwave a snickerdoodle for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm in an oven at 300ºF for 5 minutes. This brings back their fresh-from-the-oven softness and enhances the delightful cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this Cake Mix Snickerdoodles with Cream of Tartar Recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic here for its mild flavor and light color, you can experiment with white, vanilla, or even spice cake mixes for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that stronger flavors may change the cookie’s classic taste.
Why is cream of tartar important in snickerdoodles?
Cream of tartar is what gives snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor and helps create that lovely chewy texture. Without it, your cookies might end up more like standard sugar cookies without that classic snickerdoodle bite.
Can I make these snickerdoodles gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free cake mix, this recipe can be made gluten-free. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients, including your cinnamon and sugar, haven’t been cross-contaminated.
How do I keep my snickerdoodles soft and fresh longer?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread inside. The bread helps maintain moisture in the cookies, keeping them soft for days.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?
Definitely! Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or even mini chocolate chips can add an exciting texture and flavor dimension to this Cake Mix Snickerdoodles with Cream of Tartar Recipe. Just fold them into the dough before scooping and rolling.
Final Thoughts
These Cake Mix Snickerdoodles with Cream of Tartar Recipe are one of those perfect kitchen shortcuts that deliver comforting, delicious results every time. Whether you’re making them for a casual afternoon treat or an impromptu party, they never disappoint. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy the warm, cozy flavors of this beloved classic made easy and irresistible.
Print
Cake Mix Snickerdoodles with Cream of Tartar Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings (approximately 12-15 cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cake Mix Snickerdoodles with Cream of Tartar are a quick and easy twist on the classic cinnamon sugar cookie. Using a boxed yellow cake mix as the base, combined with cream of tartar for that traditional snickerdoodle tang, these soft and chewy cookies are rolled in a fragrant cinnamon-sugar coating and baked to perfection. Perfect for a speedy homemade treat that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup sugar
- 1½ Tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly. This mixture will be used to coat the cookie dough balls, giving them their signature snickerdoodle flavor.
- Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and cream of tartar until well combined to form a smooth dough.
- Form Dough Balls: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into 1-inch balls, ensuring even sizing for uniform baking.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Roll each dough ball in the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure each ball is fully coated for maximum flavor and texture.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated dough balls spaced apart on the prepared cookie sheets to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges begin to set and cookies are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Do not overbake to maintain soft and chewy texture.
- You can substitute yellow cake mix with white or vanilla cake mix for variations.
- For a richer flavor, try using melted butter in place of vegetable oil.
- Ensure even scooping for consistent cookie size and baking.
- Cream of tartar is essential for the classic snickerdoodle tang and texture.
