Snickerdoodles: A Classic Sweet Cinnamon-Sugar Treat
A warm, soft cookie dusted with sugar and cinnamon has an enticingly cozy quality. A traditional American cookie that works well for any occasion is the Snickerdoodle. It’s no surprise that Snickerdoodles have been a beloved delicacy for generations due to its soft texture and the wonderful blend of sugar and cinnamon.
We’ll go over all you need to know about Snickerdoodles in this blog, including their history, the best recipe, and how to make them consistently delicious.
Snickerdoodle: What is it?
A Snickerdoodle is essentially a soft, buttery cookie that has been rolled in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon before baking. The addition of cream of tartar gives Snickerdoodles a distinctly acidic flavor, in contrast to sugar cookies, which can be crisp and occasionally plain. This essential component distinguishes the cookies from other sugar cookies by giving them their distinctive soft, chewy texture and delicate tanginess.
Because of the way the cream of tartar and baking soda interact in the dough, the cookies usually have a somewhat cracked surface and are thick and chewy. Snickerdoodles’ exterior, which is covered in sugar and cinnamon, adds a delightful sweetness and coziness that makes them ideal for dipping into milk or sipping hot tea.
Snickerdoodles Recipe Card
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| All-purpose flour | 2 3/4 cups |
| Cream of tartar | 2 tsp |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
For Rolling:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tsp |
Instructions:
| Step | Directions |
|---|---|
| 1. Preheat the Oven | Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. |
| 2. Prepare the Dough | In a large bowl, cream together butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. |
| 3. Combine Dry Ingredients | In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined. |
| 4. Roll the Dough | In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. |
| 5. Bake | Place dough balls on baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden and cookies are soft in the center. |
| 6. Cool | Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. |
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- To freeze, place cooled cookies in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.
Optional Variations:
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a unique twist.
- Experiment with adding pumpkin pie spice to the dough for a fall-inspired flavor.
Enjoy your Snickerdoodles! 🍪
Snickerdoodles’ History
Although it’s unclear exactly where they came from, Snickerdoodles are a classic American cookie. A German word for a particular kind of cookie, “Schneckennudeln,” which means “snail noodles” (perhaps referring to the twisted shape of early German biscuits), is most likely where the name “Snickerdoodle” originates. The name evolved into the modern, whimsical, and humorous “Snickerdoodle” over time.
Despite having German origins, the Snickerdoodle gained its distinctively American identity in the early 1800s when it was first mentioned in American cookbooks. Throughout the 1800s, the cookie gained popularity in the United States and became a popular delicacy, especially in the Midwest and New England.
The simplicity and adaptability of Snickerdoodles are what give them their lasting appeal. Snickerdoodles are a favorite among home bakers, particularly around the holidays, because they are simple to create with basic ingredients, unlike many other sweets that call for fancy ingredients or intricate procedures.
Peanut Butter Blossoms
A popular delicacy that has become a mainstay in many homes’ holiday baking customs are peanut butter blossoms. Unquestionably enticing, these cookies have the ideal ratio of chewy texture, salty peanut butter, and a delectable Hershey’s Kiss in the middle.
Recipe for Snickerdoodle Cookies
It’s easy to make Snickerdoodles at home. In less than an hour, you can prepare a batch of these traditional delights with only a few ingredients. This is a detailed recipe for the ideal Snickerdoodles:
Substances:
Regarding the cookie dough:
One cup of softened unsalted butter
One and a half cups of granulated sugar
Two huge eggs
Two and a half cups of all-purpose flour
Two teaspoons of cream of tartar
One teaspoon of baking soda
1/4 teaspoon of salt
One teaspoon of vanilla extract
To roll:
Two tablespoons of granulated sugar
Two teaspoons of ground cinnamon
Directives:
- Get the oven ready: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). To keep two baking sheets from sticking, line them with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
- Get the dough ready: Cream 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar and softened butter in a large mixing mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, this typically takes three to four minutes.
- Include the eggs and vanilla: One by one, add the eggs, thoroughly mixing each time. Add the vanilla extract and stir.
- Mix the dry ingredients together: Mix the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt in a another basin. Add the dry mixture to the wet components gradually, stirring just until incorporated.
- Roll out the dough: For the rolling mixture, put the two tablespoons of sugar and the two teaspoons of cinnamon in a small bowl. After forming the dough into 1-inch balls, coat each ball completely with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Prepare the cookies by baking: Arrange the dough balls approximately 2 inches apart on the baking sheets that have been prepared. The cookies should be baked for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the middle is still soft but has a hint of golden color. Take care not to overbake the cookies because they will continue to solidify as they cool.
- Nice: After five minutes of cooling on the baking pans, move the cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Snickerdoodle Perfection Tips
Even though making Snickerdoodles is easy, there are a few tricks to make sure they always turn out correctly.
1. The Cream of Tartar Should Not Be Ignored:
Both flavor and texture depend on the cream of tartar. It combines with the baking soda to give the cookies their distinctive taste and aid in their rising. It’s what really sets a Snickerdoodle apart from a typical sugar cookie, so don’t omit it or replace it with anything else.
2. (Optional) Chill the Dough:
Although it is not required, chilling the dough can help make the cookies thicker and puffier by preventing them from spreading too much while baking. Before forming the dough into balls, let it cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes if you have the time.
3. Avoid Overbaking:
Snickerdoodles are supposed to be chewy and soft. Watch them while they bake to achieve that ideal texture. When you take them out of the oven, they should be soft in the middle yet with a hint of golden around the edges.
4. Try Using Cinnamon:
Traditional Snickerdoodles are coated with ground cinnamon, but for a different twist, try using other warm spices like nutmeg or cardamom. For fall and holiday baking, adding a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the dough will help give it a festive look.
5. Create Two Batches:
Snickerdoodles are so popular that they usually sell out fast. If you’re baking for a large group of people or would like to have leftovers for the following day, think about doubling the recipe. Additionally, they freeze well, so you can keep them for up to 3 months in a freezer bag or airtight container.
The Reasons We Adore Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles are still one of the most popular cookies in America for a reason: they’re tasty, cozy, and easy to prepare. It’s difficult to resist this cookie because of its soft, chewy texture and the combination of sugar and cinnamon.
Snickerdoodles are always a hit, whether you’re baking them for a family get-together, the holidays, or just because. They are an even more significant addition to your baking arsenal because they are a nostalgic delight that many people connect with fond recollections of home and family.
The “simple is best” baking attitude is well embodied by these cookies. You can make a batch of cookies that will make everyone happy with just a few basic ingredients and little work.
Have You Prepared Snickerdoodles?
We would love to know how this traditional dish turned out if you have attempted it! Do you have any advice or unique takes on Snickerdoodles to share? Happy baking, and please leave a remark below!
