Whether or not snickerdoodles are the most delicious cookie is a matter of opinion, but they do definitely win the crown for being the cookie with the silliest name. The funniest part is that no one is even entirely sure where the name comes from or what it means, if anything. But suffice it to say, the word "snickerdoodle" doesn't really reveal anything about the cookie itself.
Snickerdoodles are similar to sugar cookies, in that the body of the cookie itself is flavored simply by sugar, butter, and vanilla, but the difference is that they're rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mix on the outside. Sometimes, a bit of cinnamon is added to the dough as well, depending on the recipe. It's a slightly spicier take on the classic, plain sugar cookie, perfect for cold weather but enjoyable at any time of year.
If you're a fan of the warm, cinnamon-sugar flavor combination in the form of cinnamon buns or cinnamon toast (or even Cinnamon Toast Crunch), you're probably going to love snickerdoodle cookies.
Because snickerdoodle cookies are rolled in a cinnamon-sugar blend before they bake, something almost like a crust forms on the very exterior of the cookie, giving it not exactly a crunch, but a bit of a toothsome texture. According to some, what really sets a snickerdoodle cookie apart from sugar cookies and other similar cookies is its unique texture: crunchy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside.
Most snickerdoodle recipes call for a mix of baking soda and cream of tartar to help the cookies rise. In addition to working as a leavening agent when combined with baking soda, the cream of tartar prevents the sugar in the dough from crystallizing, so the cookies remain soft and pillowy, as opposed to crunchy or crispy.
The inclusion of cream of tartar has another effect, as well — it creates a tangy flavor,adding a whole other element to the cookie's flavor profile, albeit a subtle one. For a relatively simple cookie recipe with a modest number of ingredients, a good snickerdoodle can really pack in some rich, layered flavor. If you find plain sugar cookies to be a little boring, snickerdoodles might be a game-changer for your cookie repertoire.
What The Word Snickerdoodle Means
If you didn't know what snickerdoodles are supposed to taste like, the name doesn't give you much helpful information. The origin of the "snickerdoodle" name has seemingly been lost to time, but one theory is that they're the creation of 19th-century Dutch-German immigrants to the U.S., and that the name is based on the German word "schneckennudel." This translates literally to "snail noodles," which probably sounds vile to most, but the word actually refers to cinnamon rolls, presumably named after snails for their swirly shape. The cutesy German term, some believe, eventually evolved into the Anglicized "snickerdoodle."
Another viable theory states that "snickerdoodle" is just a made-up word that doesn't mean anything. Some food historians point out that New Englanders have the habit of giving their baked goods intentionally silly-sounding names, evidently just for the fun of it (think whoopie pies, for instance). However the cookies actually got their name, all you need to remember is this one thing: Snickerdoodles are full of cinnamon-sugary goodness.
A classic snickerdoodle tastes like a sugar cookie generously flavored with cinnamon. And if the recipe uses cream of tartar, the cookie also tastes a little sour and tangy.
A snickerdoodle is a type of cookie made with flour, fat, sugar, and salt, and rolled in cinnamon sugar. Eggs may also sometimes be used as an ingredient, with cream of tartar and baking soda added to leaven the dough.
The Joy of Cooking claims that “snickerdoodle” comes from “Schneckennudel,” a German word that literally means “snail noodles.” Schneckennudels don't have anything to do with snails or noodles, though—they're actually delicious-looking German cinnamon rolls.
1931s Joy of Cooking claims the term snickerdoodle is based off the German word Schneckennudel—a German pastry whose name literally translates as 'snail noodle'. A Schneckennudel is a yeast dough roll that more closely resembles a cinnamon bun, not a snickerdoodle cookie.
Good snickerdoodles are light and pillowy, with a sweet tangy overall flavor, and a glistening cinnamon crust. They are easy to make, require few ingredients, and require no chilling time in the fridge.
Why do snickerdoodles taste metallic? If your cookies have a metallic taste, it could be due to overuse or the use of expired baking soda. You can also opt for aluminum-free baking soda if you are sensitive to detecting a metallic flavor in baked goods.
Cream of tartar is what gives snickerdoodles that tanginess. I've found that a lot of people are very sensitive to the tangy flavor of cream of tartar and the bitter, metallic flavor baking soda can have.
Across the world, cookies are now known by several names. The word originally came from the Dutch word keojke, which means "little cakes." The Scottish now know them as sweet buns, and the English call them biscuits.
Why are my snickerdoodles flat? Snickerdoodles can come out flat if 1) the leaveners you used (for this recipe, it's both the baking soda and the cream of tartar) are on the old side and no longer work, and 2) if you baked them at a lower temperature.
It's a slightly spicier take on the classic, plain sugar cookie, perfect for cold weather but enjoyable at any time of year. If you're a fan of the warm, cinnamon-sugar flavor combination in the form of cinnamon buns or cinnamon toast (or even Cinnamon Toast Crunch), you're probably going to love snickerdoodle cookies.
A few cookbooks explain that snickerdoodles are German in origin. They state that the cookie's name comes from the German word shneckennudel (which is a kind of cinnamon bun). Others trace its origin to New England's tradition of whimsical cookie names.
Snickerdoodles might turn out hard if they are overbaked or if the dough is too dry. Be sure to keep an eye on them as they bake – when the edges are set but the centers are still soft and puffy, they are done. Also, make sure you're not adding too much flour.
Snickerdoodle cookies have a unique flavor profile due to the addition of cream of tartar and cinnamon, which gives them a slightly tangy and spicy taste. In contrast, sugar cookies have a more neutral, buttery flavor with a hint of vanilla.
The taste is understated, but it works so, so well. The cinnamon isn't too strong or overpowering, but it's there, and the sugar crystals in the creme center are slightly crunchy just like a snickerdoodle. They've also got this subtle tart flavor, too, almost like a carrot cake.
If your cookie tastes tough and bready, you might have over mix your dough. Once you add flour into your cookie dough, you want to mix that dough as little as possible. This is because flour contains glutens. that basically firm up the more they're mixed.
Introduction: My name is Aracelis Kilback, I am a nice, gentle, agreeable, joyous, attractive, combative, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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