Chocolate Snickerdoodles

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Soft, fudgy, and dusted in cinnamon sugar, these Chocolate Snickerdoodles are the dreamiest twist on the classic cookie. They melt in your mouth with a tender chew and deep cocoa flavor that sets them apart from your everyday snickerdoodle. If you’re craving something nostalgic but with a chocolatey punch, this cookie delivers on all fronts.

Whether you’re prepping for a holiday cookie box or just need a sweet bite after dinner, these cookies are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. They come together in one bowl with simple ingredients, and you don’t need to chill the dough unless you want extra thick cookies. Cinnamon and chocolate are a warm and cozy match, and this cookie brings both in full force.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Snickerdoodles Recipe

This recipe keeps the soft-baked center and slightly crisp edges that make snickerdoodles so addictive, but brings in cocoa to satisfy chocolate lovers. It’s a fun way to shake up your cookie rotation while still feeling familiar. The cinnamon-sugar coating gives each bite a crackly finish that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate center. You get cozy spice and deep cocoa all at once.

What Kind of Cocoa Powder Should I Use?

You can use natural unsweetened cocoa powder for a sharper chocolate flavor or Dutch-process for a smoother, darker taste. Dutch-process will make the cookies slightly richer and darker in color, but both types work wonderfully. Just avoid cocoa mixes that contain sugar or dairy—they’ll throw off the balance.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Snickerdoodles

Chocolate Snickerdoodles call for pantry staples, which means you can likely whip them up without a grocery run. Each ingredient has its own important role in achieving that signature texture and flavor.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and body to the cookies.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: The heart of the chocolate flavor.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies puff slightly and stay soft.
• Cream of tartar: A classic snickerdoodle ingredient that gives the cookies their slight tang and chewy bite.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and keeps the cookies tender.
• Granulated sugar: For sweetness and the crispy edges.
• Eggs: Help bind everything and keep the cookies soft.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate.
• Cinnamon + sugar (for rolling): Gives each cookie that signature snickerdoodle coating.

How To Make the Chocolate Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix your rolling cinnamon and sugar and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine and Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until just combined. The dough will be thick and soft.

Step 5: Roll and Coat

Scoop out dough balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each), roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 9–11 minutes until the edges are set and the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

How to Serve and Store Chocolate Snickerdoodles

These cookies are best served slightly warm, when the centers are soft and the edges just crisp. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk, a hot coffee, or even tucked into a holiday gift box. This recipe makes about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing or stashing away for the week.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies or even the raw dough balls. Just bring to room temp or bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two.

What to Serve With Chocolate Snickerdoodles?

Hot Cocoa

A cup of creamy hot chocolate enhances the deep cocoa notes in the cookies.

Peppermint Mocha

That minty kick is a cozy contrast to the cinnamon and chocolate.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Sandwich these cookies with a scoop for an instant ice cream sandwich.

Fruit Salad

Balance the richness with something light and juicy like a fresh berry mix.

Chai Tea Latte

The spiced tea plays nicely with the cinnamon sugar coating.

Cold Brew Coffee

For an iced treat, pair these with a splash of bold cold brew.

Whipped Cream or Frosting Dip

Serve them party-style with a sweet dip for fun finger food.

Holiday Cocktails

Pair with a creamy eggnog or chocolate liqueur for a festive bite.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Chocolate Snickerdoodles, here are some other crave-worthy bakes to try:

• Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for chewy, no-bake ease.
• Lemon Churro Cookies if you’re craving tangy meets warm spice.
• Dr. Pepper Brownies with a nostalgic soda twist.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls when you need fruity indulgence.
• Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts for a fast shortcut to sweet bliss.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use Dutch-process or natural cocoa? Did you chill the dough for a thicker bite?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Chocolate Snickerdoodles are what happens when nostalgic spice meets cocoa decadence. They’re quick, cozy, and irresistibly good. Whether you bake them for the holidays or a Tuesday treat, they’re bound to become a new favorite in your cookie rotation.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?