Air Fryer Snickerdoodles
Why this recipe works
- Fast cookie baking: The air fryer bakes small batches quickly, giving the cookies set edges while keeping the centres soft.
- Classic cinnamon-sugar finish: Rolling the dough balls before cooking creates the recognisable spiced sugar coating on every cookie.
- Simple dough method: The dough comes together in one bowl with familiar baking ingredients and only needs a short chill before rolling.
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Timing notes
- Chill before rolling: A short chill firms the soft dough enough to shape neatly and helps the cookies hold their form in the air fryer.
- Let them finish setting: The cookies should cool on the tray for a few minutes after air frying; the centres will continue to set as they rest.
- Best texture: Serve once just cooled for the softest centres and most fragrant cinnamon-sugar coating.
Texture tips
- Keep the centres soft: Remove the cookies when the edges look set but the middle still seems slightly soft; they firm up as they cool.
- For neater cookies: If the dough feels too sticky to roll, chill it a little longer rather than adding extra flour.
- Leave space between cookies: Air fry in small batches so hot air can circulate and the cookies bake evenly instead of steaming.
Common mistakes
- Watch hot-running air fryers: Air fryers vary, so start checking early if yours tends to cook aggressively; the cookies should not brown heavily.
- Do not pack the basket: Crowding the basket can cause uneven baking and misshapen cookies, especially as the dough spreads slightly.
- Do not lift too soon: Freshly cooked snickerdoodles are delicate, so let them cool briefly on the tray before moving them.
Make-ahead tips
- Freeze baked cookies: Store cooled cookies in a sealed container in the freezer, then defrost at room temperature when needed.
- Refresh before serving: Warm defrosted cookies briefly in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) to bring back a freshly baked texture.
- Mix the coating ahead: The cinnamon sugar can be mixed in advance and kept covered until you are ready to roll the dough.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the unsalted butter and 130 g of the caster sugar until pale and creamy. Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the plain flour, baking powder and fine sea salt, then fold until no dry patches remain; the dough will be soft. Put the bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up slightly for rolling.
- Meanwhile, mix the remaining caster sugar with the ground cinnamon on a plate. Heat the air fryer to 180°C (355°F) for 3 minutes, and line the air fryer basket with a small baking tray if you have one that fits.
- Roll the dough into 18 balls, then roll each one in the cinnamon sugar until coated. Arrange in the basket with space between them and air fry in batches for 7 to 8 minutes until puffed and set at the edges but still soft in the centre.
- Leave the cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes so the centres finish setting, then lift off carefully. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.
Recipe notes
Tips
- If your air fryer runs hot, start checking at 6 minutes; they should look just set with a slight wobble in the middle.
- For even baking, keep the dough balls the same size and cook in small batches so the air can circulate.
- Food safety: if serving to young children, older adults, pregnant people, or anyone immunocompromised, use eggs that are produced to be eaten lightly cooked.
Substitutions
- Replace Vanilla extract with Vanilla bean paste for a more pronounced vanilla flavour.
- Replace Caster sugar with Light brown sugar in the dough for a slightly deeper caramel note (the cookies will spread a little more).
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months; defrost at room temperature, then warm for 1 to 2 minutes in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) to refresh.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 18 pieces
- Total time: 30min (18min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
-
Allergens:
Eggs Gluten Milk Wheat
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