Snickerdoodles – those sweet cinnamon-sugar cookies that crinkle as you bite into their crackly tops – have been an American classic for nearly 200 years. Yet most people don’t realize there are actually different types of cookies of these irresistible treats. Well butter my biscuits and call me a snickerdoodle, are you ready to become a cookie connoisseur?
From your traditional old-fashioned snickerdoodle to more unique recipes with mix-ins and twists, there’s a whole world of snickerdoodle possibilities out there.
In this post, we’ll explore the core varieties so you can wow your friends with your newfound snickerdoodle smarts. But fair warning – don’t be surprised if you suddenly start craving these cookies something fierce!
Table of Contents
An Introduction to Snickerdoodle Cookies
Before we dive into the types, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what defines a snickerdoodle. Essentially, these cookies get their name from the crinkly tops that resemble traditional German snickelfritz cookies. “Snickerdoodle” is just the Americanized version of that name.
What makes a snickerdoodle a snickerdoodle comes down to five key characteristics:
• Chewy and cake-like texture
• Cinnamon sugar coating
• Slightly tangy flavor from cream of tartar
• Crinkly top
• Round cookie shape design
Now that you could spot a snickerdoodle in your sleep, let’s explore why they’re so dang lovable in the first place.
Why Are Snickerdoodles So Delicious?
C’mon, have you tasted one of these sweet crumbs of heaven?? Warm snickerdoodles fresh from the oven, with that sugary crunch yielding to a soft, doughy center…it’s enough to make angels weep with joy!
But why are they so doggone tasty? A few reasons:
• The cinnamon-sugar coating caramelizes as it bakes, forming that signature craggly top. It also lends festive flavor.
• That mild tang comes from a touch of cream of tartar. It cuts through the sweetness and gives snickerdoodles a more complex, almost exotic flair.
• They have a simple ingredient list. It’s just butter, sugar, eggs, cream of tartar, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla. When you start with quality basics and nail the technique, magic happens!
• The dough texture walks the line between dry/crispy cookies and chewy cake-like ones. Best of both worlds!
Now let’s explore the wonderous species in the snickerdoodle kingdom!
Types of Snickerdoodle Cookies
Brace yourself…this section gets highly educational. From how much sugar they contain to mix-ins to preparation methods, snickerdoodles actually come in quite a few forms.
We’ll cover the most important ones here with plenty of sassy commentary because learning is more fun when you laugh!
Traditional Snickerdoodles
This is the OG snickerdoodle in all its glory. The basic recipe has less than 10 ingredients and couldn’t be much simpler:
- Cream the butter and sugar
- Beat in eggs, cream of tartar, and vanilla
- Whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt)
- Add the dry mix to the wet ingredients and stir to form dough
- Chill dough
- Scoop balls of dough, roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture
- Bake 8-10 minutes
That’s it! You’ve got yourself a classic batch of old-fashioned snickerdoodles with that nostalgic taste to transport you back to childhood. Bless your heart!
Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles
For folks with gluten sensitivities who still crave a good snickerdoodle, these are a total godsend. They swap wheat flour for a blend of almond and/or coconut flour.
The result is a cookie with a dense, almost cake-like texture. They spread more than wheat flour versions. But one bite will have you raising your glasses to this gluten-free innovation.
Vegan Snickerdoodles
Our vegan friends deserve snickerdoodles too! Egg substitutions like flax eggs, apple sauce, and banana provide the binding action. Margarine stands in for butter, and non-dairy milk replaces heavy cream.
While the taste and texture isn’t exactly the same as traditional snickerdoodles, they’ve still got that cinnamon sweetness to satisfy a craving.
Low-Fat Snickerdoodles
You can lighten up classic snickerdoodles for a “healthier” take (hey, they’ve still got sugar!) by using low-fat ingredients. Think egg whites instead of whole eggs, low-fat milk or Greek yogurt for heavy cream, and butter alternatives like applesauce.
Just accept you’ll sacrifice some richness and moisture. But if you’re crunched for time to whip up cookies for a school bake sale, they get the job done!
Chewy Snickerdoodles
Some folks prefer chewier snickerdoodles while others like them more cakely. It all comes down to how long they bake. Going just shy of the normal baking time leaves the inside underbaked for a fudgy texture. But we recommend pulling these sooner than you think – they firm as they cool. We learned that lesson when Aunt Edna broke her dentures!
Cake Mix Snickerdoodles
When you need cookies stat, boxed cake mix hacks are a lifesaver! Yellow or white cake mixes have the perfect ratios of flour, sugar, leavening agents and fat. Just add eggs, tossed in cream of tartar, shape those dough balls, and you’ve upgraded basic cake mix to extra festive snickerdoodles. Shhhh…we won’t tell if you won’t!
Key Characteristics of Snickerdoodle Types
Now that your head is spinning with snickerdoodle knowledge, let’s compare their characteristics:
| Type | Fat Source | Sugar Level | Density | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Butter | High | Medium | Classic flavor and texture |
| Gluten-Free | Butter | High | Dense, cakelike | Nutty whole grain flours |
| Vegan | Margarine or oil | High | Cakey | Egg & dairy subs change texture |
| Low-Fat | Applesauce or oil | Lower | Dryer, crisper | Less fat = less rich |
| Chewy | Butter | High | Soft, fudgy | Underbaked centers |
| Cake Mix | Butter + boxed mix fat | High | Medium | Super quick & easy |
As you can see, ingredient tweaks change the style significantly – but they’re all still tasty!
Pros and Cons of Different Types
We covered positive qualities already, but let’s balance that with constructive criticism because every cookie has room for improvement.
Traditional Snickerdoodles
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Iconic flavor and texture | Not suitable for restricted diets |
| Simple classic recipe | High in calories and sugar |
| Budget-friendly ingredients | Easy to eat too many! |
| Kid-approved treat |
Gluten-Free
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inclusive for those with dietary needs | Tricky recipe to perfect |
| Often made with nutrient-dense whole | Dense and cake-like— not everyone’s preference |
| grain flours | Expensive ingredients |
Low-Fat / “Healthy”
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Less caloric intake guilt | Ingredients impact taste and texture |
| Uses better-for-you subs | Still contain sugar and carbs |
| Deprives you of chewy goodness! |
Cake Mix Hack
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super fast and easy | Artificial cake mix flavors come through |
| Uses pantry staple ingredients | Purists scoff at shortcut |
| Still high in sugar content |
Get the idea? It all comes down to priorities and personal preferences!
When to Enjoy Different Types of Snickerdoodles
Now that you’re a budding snickerdoodle expert, let’s explore when and why you’d opt for certain varieties over others. You’ll be able to recommend the perfect type for any occasion!
- Classic Traditional: Obviously anytime you want that old-school flavor for gatherings, bake sales, homemade gifts, or just because. The nostalgia factor can’t be beat.
- Gluten-Free: Birthdays, play dates, or events with gluten sensitive guests. Make them feel included! Also nice to have on hand for after school snacks.
- Vegan: When inviting your out-of-town vegan cousin for Thanksgiving or hosting your daughter’s new hipster boyfriend for dinner. He’ll be grateful for the effort.
- Low-Fat: Volunteer appreciation day at your kid’s school, family barbeques, or sharing treats with a neighbor who’s watching their weight. Still delicious with some dietary tweaks!
- Chewy: Make these especially for your grandmother or anyone who has difficulty chewing harder textures. Serve them with coffee or tea for an extra comforting dessert. The soft centers are easy to gobble.
- Cake Mix Hack: Last-minute bake sales, slumber parties, impromptu office birthday celebrations. Ideal when needing to throw something together on short notice since you likely have the ingredients on hand!
Putting Your Snickerdoodle Smarts to Use
Armed with snickerdoodle knowledge, you’re ready to wow doubters and spread sweet cinnamon joy wherever you go. Will you embrace your power for good? For evil? Only you can decide (no pressure!).
Here are a few ideas:
- Educate the ignorant masses on snickerdoodle diversity through viral listicles. Pop culture needs you!
- Launch an award-winning TikTok channel of you reviewing niche snickerdoodle varieties. You’ll give Gordon Ramsay a run for his money with your hot takes!
- Perfect the ultimate gluten-free paleo spinach artichoke snickerdoodle cupcakes with vegan cream cheese frosting. The world needs your genius!
- Hand-write beautifully personalized snickerdoodle recipes in calligraphy as housewarming or hostess gifts. Classy af.
- Throw an inclusive snickerdoodle potluck with tables labeled by dietary restriction. Revel in your role as social organizer extraordinaire!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this whistle stop tour through snickerdoodle land. May your newfound wisdom serve you well on all of your cookie-baking adventures ahead! Now if you’ll excuse me, these cookie puns have me craving the real thing…
