Thereโs something special about biting into a warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated cookie that melts in your mouth. And when that cookie is a ๐ค๐ช Sourdough Snickerdoodle – Soft & Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookie ๐ช๐ค, you know you’re in for a treat!
If you’ve been looking for a way to use up your sourdough discard, this recipe is about to become your new favorite. Itโs a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle, offering a subtle tang that complements the sweet and spicy cinnamon sugar coating. Plus, theyโre ridiculously easy to make! So, preheat that oven, grab your mixing bowls, and letโs bake some magic!
Why Youโll Love These Sourdough Snickerdoodles
- Soft & Chewy Texture โ Thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients, these cookies stay delightfully soft inside with a slight crisp on the outside.
- Tasty Use for Sourdough Discard โ No more waste! This recipe transforms leftover sourdough into a delicious treat.
- Quick & Easy โ You only need 25 minutes from start to finish!
- Perfectly Spiced โ A heavenly mix of cinnamon and sugar coats every bite.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop (optional)
- Wire rack for cooling
What You Will Need & Substitutions?
Dry Ingredients
- ๐ 2 ยพ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
Substitution: Use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or gluten-free 1:1 flour for a gluten-free option. - ๐ฅ 1 ยฝ tsp cream of tartar
Substitution: If unavailable, replace cream of tartar and baking soda with 2 tsp baking powder. - ๐ฅ 1 tsp baking soda
Substitution: If using baking powder instead of cream of tartar, omit baking soda. - ๐ง ยฝ tsp salt
Substitution: Use sea salt for a richer flavor or omit if using salted butter.
Wet Ingredients
- ๐ง 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
Substitution: Use salted butter (reduce added salt) or coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative. - ๐ 1 ยฝ cups (300g) granulated sugar
Substitution: Use brown sugar for a deeper caramelized flavor or coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option. - ๐ฅ 2 large eggs
Substitution: Replace with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water) for a vegan alternative. - ๐ ยฝ cup (120g) sourdough discard
Substitution: If no discard is available, use Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar tangy effect. - ๐ฅ 1 tsp vanilla extract
Substitution: Use almond extract for a unique twist.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ๐ฅ 1 tbsp cinnamon
Substitution: Use pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired variation. - ๐ ยผ cup (50g) sugar
Substitution: Use coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a healthier option.

Step-by-Step Directions & Tips
1๏ธโฃ Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Tip: Use a light-colored baking sheet to avoid over-browning.
2๏ธโฃ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Tip: Sift the dry ingredients for a smoother cookie texture.
3๏ธโฃ Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Tip: Properly creaming the butter and sugar helps create air pockets, making the cookies light and tender.
4๏ธโฃ Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the eggs, sourdough discard, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Tip: If the mixture looks curdled, don’t worry! It will smooth out once the dry ingredients are added.
5๏ธโฃ Combine & Chill
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes (this helps with rolling and prevents spreading).
Tip: For extra flavor, let the dough chill overnight.
6๏ธโฃ Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for rolling. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, roll each in the cinnamon sugar, and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Tip: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop.
7๏ธโฃ Bake & Check for Doneness
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Tip: The cookies will continue cooking slightly after removal, so donโt overbake!
8๏ธโฃ Optional: Extra Soft Cookies
For even softer cookies, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Tips for the Best Sourdough Snickerdoodles
- Use Active Sourdough Discard โ While inactive discard works, active discard enhances the tangy flavor.
- Donโt Skip Chilling โ This helps control spread and keeps cookies thick and chewy.
- Experiment with Spices โ Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra depth!
- Store Properly โ Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
How to Store & Reheating
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, place baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.
How to Serve and What to Serve With?
- Serve warm with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Enjoy alongside a cup of spiced chai tea for a cozy treat.

FAQs
Can I make Sourdough Snickerdoodles gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Why use sourdough discard in Cookies?
Sourdough discard adds a subtle tang, enhances texture, and prevents waste! It also balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
What if I donโt have cream of tartar?
No worries! Replace the cream of tartar and baking soda with 2 tsp of baking powder.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls, coat in cinnamon sugar, and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a ziplock bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Sourdough Snickerdoodles – The Best Cinnamon Sugar Cookies!
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the magic of ๐ค๐ช Sourdough Snickerdoodles – Soft & Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies ๐ช๐ค! This irresistible recipe combines the tangy goodness of sourdough discard with warm cinnamon sugar, delivering a batch of perfectly soft and chewy cookies. Ready in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 ยพ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ยฝ tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ยฝ tsp salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ยฝ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ยฝ cup (120g) sourdough discard
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ยผ cup (50g) sugar (for rolling)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat & prepare: Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter & sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in eggs, sourdough discard, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine & chill: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll in cinnamon sugar: Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Shape dough into balls, roll in cinnamon sugar, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake & enjoy: Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
And there you have it โ the ultimate ๐ค๐ช Sourdough Snickerdoodles – Soft & Chewy Cinnamon Sugar Cookies ๐ช๐ค recipe! These cookies are everything you could want: sweet, cinnamony, soft, chewy, and oh-so-irresistible. Plus, they make the perfect excuse to use up your sourdough discard.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy the warm, sugary magic of these delightful cookies. Happy baking! ๐ชโจ