Snickerdoodles

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Quick Bite

A soft, chewy cookie made with butter, sugar, and flour, then rolled in cinnamon-sugar before baking. The result is a sweet cookie with a cracked, slightly crunchy surface and a tender center.

History

The snickerdoodle is a classic American cookie known for its soft, chewy texture and signature coating of cinnamon sugar, but its origins are a bit more mysterious than its simple ingredients suggest.

Most food historians trace the snickerdoodle to early European baking traditions, particularly German or Dutch immigrants who settled in New England during the 18th and 19th centuries. Some believe the name may come from the German word “Schneckennudel,” a type of sweet roll, though there is no definitive proof.

What is clear is that the cookie became firmly rooted in American kitchens, especially in the Northeast. Snickerdoodles stand apart from standard sugar cookies because they traditionally include cream of tartar, which gives them a slightly tangy flavor and contributes to their soft, pillowy texture.

By the late 19th century, snickerdoodles were a staple in home baking. They appeared in community cookbooks and were especially beloved for their simplicity, reliability, and whimsical name.

Today, snickerdoodles remain a nostalgic favorite across the United States, often associated with holidays, family kitchens, and old-fashioned comfort baking.

Fun Facts

• The classic crinkled surface happens as the dough expands and the cinnamon-sugar coating separates during baking.
• Cream of tartar gives snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor.
• Modern bakers make pumpkin, chocolate-filled, and ice cream sandwich versions.
• The cinnamon-sugar flavor makes them especially popular in fall and during the holidays.
• Even though they feel seasonal, snickerdoodles are enjoyed year-round.

Where to Try

Cookie39 New Haven, Connecticut

Connecticut Cookie Company Fairfield, Connecticut

Rebel Daughter Cookies Norwalk, Connecticut

Recipe

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Snickerdoodles Makes: About 24 cookies Prep: 20 minutes Bake: 8–10 minutes Difficulty: Easy Style: Classic American Cookie

Ingredients

For the cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, 2 sticks, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

For the coating

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Make the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
7. Make the cinnamon-sugar coating: In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon.
8. Shape and roll: Roll dough into 1–1½ inch balls.
9. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
10. Bake: Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
11. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
12. Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
13. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Baking note: Do not overbake snickerdoodles. They should still look soft in the center when they come out of the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.

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