Snickerdoodles

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Quick Bite

A type of soft, chewy cookie, typically made with butter, sugar, and flour, and rolled in cinnamon-sugar before baking, resulting in a cracked, crunchy surface. Originating in the late 19th century, the name likely stems from German-American roots (perhaps Schneckennudel or"snail noodle") or simply New Englanders giving whimsical, nonsensical names to baked goods.

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’s 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. This ingredient became widely available in the U.S. in the 1800s, helping popularize the recipe.

By the late 19th century, snickerdoodles were a staple in home baking. They appeared in community cookbooks and were especially beloved for their simplicity and reliability. Their whimsical name also fits a broader tradition of playful cookie names from that era.

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 when the dough expands and the cinnamon-sugar coating separates during baking, giving them that iconic look.

• Modern bakers love putting spins on the classic. Think pumpkin snickerdoodles, chocolate-filled versions, or even ice cream sandwiches.

• The simple combo of cinnamon and sugar has made snickerdoodles a fall and holiday favorite, even though they’re enjoyed year-round.

Where to Try

Cookie39 - New Haven, Connecticut 

Connecticut Cookie Company - Fairfield, Connecticut 

Rebel Daughter Cookies - Norwalk, Connecticut 

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Recipe

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, 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

Preparation & Cooking Instructions

• Preheat oven
  Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Make the dough

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.

  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

• Make the cinnamon-sugar coating
  In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon.

• Shape and roll
  Roll dough into 1–1½ inch balls, then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

• Bake
  Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

• Cool
  Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.