Why Are Snickerdoodles Called “snickerdoodles”?
The snickerdoodle cookie is most commonly thought to have originated in Germany, and its name is derived from the German word “schneckennudeln,” which means “snail dumpling.” A schneckennudeln is a German cookie that is crunchy and sprinkled with cinnamon.
Another popular theory surrounding the origin of the snickerdoodle cookie is that it is named after “Snickerdoodle the Superhero,” a folk hero who appeared in a variety of storybooks. The mystery as to whether the character was named after the cookie or the cookie was named after the character has yet to be solved.
Snickerdoodle cookies are made with eggs, butter, sugar, cream of tartar and flour. Prior to baking, the snickerdoodle dough is rolled in cinnamon sugar. Snickerdoodles are typically baked until crispy, but they can be baked at lower heat for a softer cookie.
Snickerdoodles are also commonly referred to as sugar cookies, but there are slight differences between the two. Snickerdoodles are sprinkled with cinnamon and are thick with a crunchy texture, while sugar cookies are sprinkled with white sugar and are typically thin and soft in texture. The cinnamon in the snickerdoodle is balanced with cream of tartar, resulting in a flavor that is both sweet and spicy.
