If you're craving something sweet and indulgent, look no further than the humble snickerdoodle cookie. At 176 calories per 40g cookie, it's the perfect treat for satisfying your sweet tooth without going overboard. But what exactly are snickerdoodle cookies, and what makes them so special? Let's find out!
Snickerdoodle cookies are a type of sugar cookie that are rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking. The result is a cookie with a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior, with just the right amount of spice. The ingredients are simple and wholesome, making them a popular choice for bakers and cookie lovers alike.
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about snickerdoodle cookies, from their history and ingredients to some tasty variations and pairing ideas. So grab a glass of milk and get ready to indulge in some delicious snickerdoodle goodness!
What are Snickerdoodle Cookies?
As mentioned, snickerdoodle cookies are a type of sugar cookie that are rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking. They're believed to have originated in Germany or England, and were brought to America by Dutch settlers in the late 18th century. The name 'snickerdoodle' may have come from a Dutch word meaning 'sugar cookie', or from a type of German pastry called 'schneckennudeln'. Despite their humble origins, the snickerdoodle cookie is now a beloved classic, often enjoyed during the holiday season or as a delicious treat any time of year.
Ingredients of a Snickerdoodle Cookie
To make a batch of snickerdoodle cookies, you'll need the following ingredients: -All-purpose flour
-Baking powder
-Salt
-Unsalted butter
-Granulated sugar
-Eggs
-Cinnamon
-Ground nutmeg The dough is mixed together and then rolled into balls, which are then coated in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. The cookies are then baked until golden brown and delicious!
Calories in a Single Snickerdoodle Cookie
One 40g snickerdoodle cookie contains approximately 176 calories. Of course, this may vary slightly depending on the recipe and the size of the cookie, so it's always a good idea to check the nutritional information if you're watching your calorie intake.
How to Make Snickerdoodle Cookies at Home
Making snickerdoodle cookies at home is easier than you might think! Here's a simple recipe to get you started: -Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
-In a medium bowl, combine 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
-In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 eggs.
-Stir in the dry ingredients until just blended.
-In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon.
-Roll the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
-Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown.
-Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once your snickerdoodle cookies are cooled, you can enjoy them with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage!
Variations of Snickerdoodle Cookies
While classic snickerdoodle cookies are delicious on their own, there are plenty of fun variations to try! -Pumpkin snickerdoodles: add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the dough for a tasty fall treat.
-Chocolate snickerdoodles: add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
-Lemon snickerdoodles: add lemon zest and juice to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
-Oreo snickerdoodles: add crumbled Oreo cookies to the dough for a cookies and cream twist. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to get creative with your snickerdoodle cookies!
Popular Brands of Snickerdoodle Cookies
If you don't feel like making your own snickerdoodle cookies, there are plenty of delicious store-bought options to choose from! -Pepperidge Farm: their snickerdoodle cookies are made with real cinnamon for a classic snickerdoodle taste.
-Tate's Bake Shop: their cookies are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, with just the right amount of cinnamon.
-Pillsbury: their ready-to-bake snickerdoodle cookie dough makes it easy to enjoy fresh-baked cookies at home.
Pairing Ideas for Snickerdoodle Cookies
Snickerdoodle cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of beverages and desserts! -Milk: the classic pairing for any cookie, milk helps balance the sweetness of the snickerdoodle.
-Coffee: the warm spices in snickerdoodle cookies make them the perfect pairing for a cup of coffee, especially if you add a splash of cream.
-Ice cream: sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two snickerdoodle cookies for the ultimate dessert treat. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment with different pairings to find your perfect match!
Storage Tips for Snickerdoodle Cookies
To keep your snickerdoodle cookies fresh and delicious, there are a few things to keep in mind. -Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
-If they start to get stale, you can freshen them up by placing them in a paper bag with a slice of bread for a few hours.
-If you need to store them for a longer period of time, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them thaw completely before enjoying them!
Health Benefits of Snickerdoodle Cookies
While snickerdoodle cookies aren't exactly a health food, they do have a few redeeming qualities. -They're made with simple, wholesome ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter.
-Cinnamon, one of the main ingredients, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
-They're a great treat to share with loved ones or enjoy on special occasions. So go ahead and indulge in a snickerdoodle cookie every now and then- just be sure to balance it out with plenty of healthy foods and exercise!
Famous Recipes Using Snickerdoodle Cookies
Snickerdoodle cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be used in a variety of recipes! -Snickerdoodle blondies: layer snickerdoodle cookie dough with a buttery blondie batter for a decadent dessert.
-Snickerdoodle cake: use snickerdoodle cookies as a topping for a moist, cinnamon-spiced cake.
-Snickerdoodle ice cream: fold chunks of snickerdoodle cookies into your favorite vanilla ice cream for a sweet and spicy treat. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to get creative with your snickerdoodle cookies!
Life is short, eat the cookie.
5 Questions About Snickerdoodle Cookies
1. What is a snickerdoodle cookie?
A snickerdoodle is a type of cookie made with butter or oil, sugar, and flour, and rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking. Traditionally, they are soft and chewy with a slightly crispy exterior.
2. Where did snickerdoodle cookies originate?
The origin of snickerdoodles is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have Dutch or German roots. Some say the name comes from the German word "schneckennudeln," meaning "snail noodle," while others believe it comes from the Dutch word "snekrad," meaning "crinkled cookie."
3. How many calories are in a snickerdoodle cookie?
A typical snickerdoodle cookie weighing 40g contains 176 calories.
4. Are snickerdoodle cookies gluten-free?
Traditional snickerdoodle cookies are not gluten-free as they are made with wheat flour. However, there are gluten-free versions available that use alternative flours such as almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
5. What are some variations of snickerdoodle cookies?
Snickerdoodle cookies can be customized by adding ingredients such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. There are also variations like pumpkin snickerdoodles or gingerbread snickerdoodles, which incorporate different spices and flavors.