Snickerdoodle

Snickerdoodle

A pile of snickerdoodles

A snickerdoodle is a type of cookie made with butter, sugar, and flour, and rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking. The cookie is characterized by its cracked surface and its distinct cinnamon flavor.

History

The origin of the snickerdoodle is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the late 19th century. Some sources suggest that the name "snickerdoodle" may be of German or Dutch origin, possibly derived from the German word "Schneckennudeln," which refers to a type of sweet, cinnamon-dusted pastry.

Ingredients

The basic ingredients for snickerdoodles include:

• Butter or margarine
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Flour
• Cream of tartar
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon

The dough is typically rolled into balls, coated in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, and then baked until the edges are crisp and the centers are soft.

Preparation

Close-up of snickerdoodles showing the cinnamon-sugar coating

To prepare snickerdoodles, the butter and sugar are creamed together until light and fluffy. Eggs are added one at a time, followed by the dry ingredients, which include flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. The dough is then chilled to make it easier to handle.

Once chilled, the dough is rolled into small balls, each of which is rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. The cookies are placed on a baking sheet and baked in a preheated oven until they are lightly golden and the tops are cracked.

Variations

While the traditional snickerdoodle is flavored with cinnamon, variations exist that incorporate additional flavors or ingredients. Some popular variations include:

• Adding vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor.
• Incorporating chocolate chips or nuts into the dough.
• Using different types of sugar, such as brown sugar, for a richer taste.

Related pages

• Cookie
• Cinnamon
• Baking