Did you know that in addition to being a noun, the word snickerdoodle is also a verb?

(According to Urban Dictionary.com. My source of choice for all of my lexicon needs.)


Cue background giggling.

NO that is NOT what it means. Seriously people. Minds. Out. Of. The. Gutter.

To snickerdoodle is to slowly rotate your hips forward while standing upright (think pelvic thrust, but not sexual). It’s a relaxing rocking motion that is triggered (according to scientists) by consumption of a tasty food (i.e. a snickerdoodle – this is etiology in the making). Apparently most tasty foods are “bad” for you (what is“bad”? Seems deep. Too deep for 6:40 AM cookie talk) and this rocking motion somehow aids in digestion. Since we havent gotten to the GI system yet in physiology I can neither confirm nor deny the veracity of that statement. If you have any questions about how this affects your mean arterial pressure or cardiac output. I might be able to give you some insight.
Much more pertinently, though.

Snickerdoodle. Is also the name of one of America’s oldest superheroes. Also called “the powerful pee-wee” (a force to be reckoned with, I’m sure), he arose on the folklore scene in the early 1900s.

His secret weapon? Was it his ability to see in the dark? Leap tall buildings in a single bound? Move at the speed of light?

No. (Although if anyone would like to endow me with any of these abilities. I wouldn’t say no.)

It was his sense of humor.

This, apparently, got him safely through World War I, World War II, and the space age. Talk about the power of laughter.
To be honest, though. I just didn’t see it.

Until I found out about the Peanutmobile. Um yes. That is correct. He drives around in a peanut car (that can also, with the push of a magic button, be transformed into a peanut plane, helicopter or submarine). And anyone who can harness the power of the world’s (my) favorite legume is A-OK in my book.

I mean. Batman and Superman are great. But Snickerdoodle? He is a superhero you can put stock in.

But how does all this relate to Snickerdoodle the cookie? Well, much like Snickerdoodle the superhero, this cookie seems like it’s going to be completely boring and not worth your time. A sugar cookie. Covered in cinnamon. And more sugar. What could be more ordinary?

But one should never. Underestimate. The power of cinnamon. And sugar.

This cookie is buttery. Heavenly. And practically melts in your mouth. A definite case of the whole being far greater than the sum of its parts.

All it needs is a peanut car. And I’m pretty sure it would be right up there with Snickerdoodle-the-superhero and those fighter pilots. Saving the world. One bite at a time.
Snickerdoodles
Makes about 4 dozen (possibly more if I hadn’t eaten a fair amount of dough along the way – quality control, people. Quality control.), adapted from Smitten Kitchen

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
16 tablespoons (2 stick or 8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 3/4 cups sugar, plus more if needed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, plus more if needed
2 large eggs

1. Preheat the oven to 400°, with one rack in top third and one rack in bottom third of oven. Line baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper; set aside.

2. Sift together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl. Add eggs, and beat to combine. Add dry ingredients, and beat to combine. Chill the dough for an hour before scooping it.

3. Once dough has chilled, in a small bowl, combine remaining 1/4 cup sugar and the ground cinnamon. Use a small ice-cream scoop (NOTE – I don’t own an ice cream scoop. Who needs such a thing when you have a spoon? So I just used rounded tbsps.) to form balls of the dough, and roll in cinnamon sugar. Place about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake until the cookies are set in center and begin to crack (they will not brown), about 10 minutes, rotating the baking sheets after five minutes. Transfer the sheets to a wire rack to cool about five minutes before transferring the cookies to the rack.

I am submitting these to Weekend Herb Blogging (umm….cinnamon?) which is being hosted this week by Cinzia of Cindystar.
Also! An announcement. I am taking part in an event called Stir It 28 this Sunday. Basically, I will be cooking along with some fellow New York food bloggers, as well as those from Chicago, LA, and Atlanta as part of a nationwide effort to raise money for Haiti relief. There will be some excellent food, some excellent door prizes, and it will be an excellent way to donate to those in need, while spending time with excellent people of course! See Chou’s site for more info on how you can get involved, either by helping, cooking, or just showing up and eating!

You are reading this post on Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of Eats Well With Others. All rights reserved by Joanne Bruno.
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70 Responses to Snickerdoodles!

  1. I worked in a restaurant/bakery once and snickerdoodles seemed to be the most popular cookie. I did not understand why because we made them out of a frozen dough, shipped in a huge box and the components of the cookies were, to say the least, questionable. I think now it probably had to do with that cinnamon, sugar coating that people go nuts for. I prefer rugelah!

  2. That looks really nice and worth trying soon…Nice clicks joanne

  3. Debbi Smith says:

    Wow, more than I ever knew before about snickerdoodle! I was grocery shopping last night and a kid and his mom walked by and the kid said “mom, what’s a snickerdoodle?”. The answer in my head was “just about the most delicious thing in the world!”. He should read your post, then he would know.

  4. Luigi says:

    Your a goldmine of useful information. lol..

  5. Julie says:

    snickerdoodle. one of my top five favorite food flavors.

    also a nickname i wish i had 😉 sike!

    the cook benefit sounds like an AMAZING experience and that’s so awesome that you’re participating! come back with good talk about it!

  6. Luciana says:

    Hello this snickerdoodles are wonderful and greedy…and you are very good and nice…I sign this recipe…a kiss Luciana

  7. My sister always loved snickerdoodles… maybe I’ll make your recipe for her when she comes to visit this weekend!

  8. Mmmm, Snickerdoodle is a particular weakness – yours look delicious!

  9. Bob says:

    Huh, I didn’t know that snickerdoodle was a superhero. Learn something new. Heh. The cookies look awesome, snickerdoodles are one of my favorites. I like to only cook them 3/4 of the way, that way they are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. 😀

  10. Elra says:

    Snickerdoodles is a favorite cookies for young and adults.

  11. Mo Diva says:

    me likey! me likey a lot!

  12. Mari says:

    Did I not get the snickerdoodle memo? you are the second blog that I read today that is featuring them lol. I have never tried these but now I am craving them lol

  13. That’s a great adult cookie… Loved to make these soon

  14. I absolutely love snickerdoodle as a verb! I probably snickerdoodle pretty often, even though I’ve never actually eaten a snickerdoodle.

  15. Forgive me, Joanne, but I still don’t see how you downplayed the sexual part. “…slowly rotate your hips forward while standing upright” – you say relaxing, I say… 😉

    Now the question is, do I have some fun and tell Haley about Snickerdoodle the superhero, or subject myself to potential whining because she cannot actually meet him?

  16. Amy says:

    oops, sorry darlin – forgot to change my profile before posting. Ack.

  17. Kris says:

    Oh my, I want these!

    I’ll email you the instructors schedule. he teaches at NYSC’s all over the city. I couldn’t find your email on here…

    [email protected]

  18. ruchikacooks says:

    They look so good with a hint of cinnamon on top. Good luck with the cooking Jo, and many wishes for you all who are involved in this thoughtful step.

  19. Juliette says:

    I’ve never heard of them before – perhaps they never made it to the UK. Look good though!

  20. Superheroes n peanutmobiles…..aww….cute and u know i love cute……

    And i love love love snickerdoodle doo too ,that too baked ’em only once in my life…..last thanksgiving….

    Urs have turned perfect and look like they have crisped well and i love a good crunh ,as muc as this recipe specially if it come with a stamp of being tried and tested in the real rocking EATS WELL WITH OTHERS KITCHEN……..

  21. Oh, yum! Those snickerdoodles would be so perfect after my spicy lunch right now! Love the cinnamon!

  22. Pam says:

    Funny with the definition! Haven’t made these in years and yours look absolutely great!

  23. Barbara says:

    I’m quite certain that Snickerdoodles do something to our digestive systems that makes them addictive. Perhaps you can look into that!

  24. Catherine says:

    These look so delicious Joanne…such a great post!

  25. Andreas says:

    Tasting sugar and cinnamon or an upside-down kiss from Kirsten Dunst.

    Hm, that’s a tough one..
    🙂

  26. Yum! I want two, with vanilla ice cream mashed in between them. Please.

  27. Pam says:

    Love those cookies…look great!

    Hey Joanne,

    Come visit me….I have a “Sunshine Blog Award” for you!

    xoxo

  28. I love these cookies! How many yummy cookies

  29. My day is just not complete without your marvelous and hilarious chronicles. 🙂 I adore snickerdoodles and haven’t had them in ages! It’s time to get back to baking cookies. Next week. 🙂

  30. I love snickerdoodle cookies! Didn’t know that it means something else in the urban dictionary.

  31. Snickerdoodle the super hero in a peanut mobile? How cute! You are so right about underestimating them – they are heavenly!

  32. Debbie says:

    I want one of these and I want one NOW!!! They look delicious….I amd going to try your recipe.

  33. Michelle says:

    Never made a snickerdoodle but I sure have seen many over the years. Just one of those cookies, I’ve never gotten around to making. It’s now on the ToDo list.

  34. katy says:

    gorgeous! they look perfect — snickerdoodles are my husband’s absolute favorite, they are impossible to resist!

  35. msmeanie says:

    You are too funny! Thanks for the word/history lessons. I had know idea the snickerdoodle had so many meanings. Honestly, you are right — to me the snickerdoodle sounded a bit boring at first, but your photos and description are going to make me try this recipe VERY VERY SOON! Yum!!

  36. Mimi says:

    Wow! snickerdoodle lore. You are awesome! Your cookies don’t look bad either!

  37. Kim says:

    This was a very cute post Joanne! Do you know that I have never made a snickerdoodle and I’m not even sure if I’ve ever had one before? I really need to rectify that situation. They look addictive!
    Have a wonderful time cooking for Haiti relief this weekend. It sounds like a lot of fun and a great cause at the same time.

  38. Julie says:

    I think snickerdoodle would be my hero of choice. Think he’d bring me some cookies like this?

  39. theUngourmet says:

    Snickerdoodle is my kind of super hero. I’m dying for one of your cookies!

    Your new photo is so cute! 🙂

  40. PJ says:

    i love snickerdoodles.. Your pics are so very tempting me to make some!

  41. Megan says:

    I’m going to have to check urbandictionary.com for all my linguistic needs –

    But in the meantime, could you pass an extra cookie my way?

  42. katecooks says:

    i always underestimate snickerdoodles myself. i am more of a chocolate cookie girl but my roommate would always whip up some snickerdoodles and i would have them with her and always be pleasantly surprised at how good they can be!!

  43. Debinhawaii says:

    My Mom makes an excellent Snickerdoodle–they are a great cookie.

    What are you cooking for the Stir-it 28 event?

  44. Fimère says:

    c’est excellent je note cette belle recette
    bonne journée

  45. Joanne says:

    One of my favorite cookies.

    I like the Urban dictionary, taken with a grain of salt. As for the definition of snickerdoodle used as a verb, that is very handy. I think I will “snickerdoodle” first thing in the morning while making my breakfast. I don’t know what Ted will think, I’m sure he’ll find it quite amusing -could have used another word but we aren’t thinking sexual, right?! 😉

  46. Erica says:

    I made snickerdoodles for christmas for the first time , but I used cookie mix 😉 They were delicious!

  47. Shannon says:

    Mmm, snickerdoodles. a childhood favorite i haven’t had in too long. might have to remedy that! were you baking cookies before 7am?? lol, wouldn’t put it past you 🙂 hey, i’ve probably done it before, too!

  48. Karen says:

    I never heard of the great Snickerdoodle! He may be someone my grandmother knew 😉 Will have to google him. Snickerdoodles are timeless… a great cookie!

  49. Mary says:

    I want to go on record having said he deserves his own car. I’m always surprised by how good these cookies are. I must be a food snob. If it’s easy to make and is delicious I should be delighted, not surprised. These are a personal all time favorite of mine. Love your recipe. Have a great day. Blessings…Mary

  50. I’ve never had a snickerdoodle, but looking at your pictures, this must be corrected this weekend! YUMM-O!

  51. teresa says:

    i suddenly love snickerdoodle even more now! these look so good and your post was awesome!

  52. ARUNA says:

    Looks so delicious, i’m gonna try it soon!

  53. I love snickerdoodle (and the verb explanation was funny). Nice pics and a great post! Thanks for the lovely read Joanne!

  54. biz319 says:

    Snickerdoodles = best.cookie.ever! Thanks for sharing your recipe and have fun on Sunday!

  55. Simple cookies are always my favorites, these looks yummy! Heading over to check out Stir It 28 now. Have a great weekend Joanne! 🙂

  56. Bridgett says:

    Mmmm. I adore a good snickerdoodle and these look heavenly!

  57. Pam says:

    These are my very favorite cookies – they look perfect.

  58. I love the pictures of your baking process.

    What a great event you are taking part in. I so wish I lived closer because I would so be there!

  59. Azita says:

    i love the combination of sugar and cinnamon. these cookies look so delicious!

  60. sra says:

    don’t think I’ve ever had this but I love urban dictionary too! It’s a lot of fun!

  61. snickerdoodle… i love the way it sounds haha… sadly, i’ve never had it yet but i like the cinnamon taste of it!

  62. Katy ~ says:

    A delightful and delicious post. I LOOOOOVE snickerdoodles!!

  63. Jen says:

    wow, they look yummy and nice pictures. I have heard of these but never tasted one. you always make interesting stuff.
    and can I tell you how much I love the urban dictionary? LOVE IT!

  64. Memória says:

    What a FANTASTIC post!! I have learned more about the word “snickerdoodle” than I’d ever imagined haha. As a linguist, I was excited to learn about the etymology of this word.

    I love snickerdoodles; I’m sure I could eat all of the ones you made. Any left for me? haha

  65. These are my childhood favorite cookie (I still think it’s the cinnamon) that always evokes a smile and cherished memory of grams.

  66. Marisa says:

    I’ve never tried snickerdoodles and after reading your post I think that’s definitely gotta change! They look so yummy!

  67. Only you could teach me something random yet interesting, make me laugh out loud, and hunger for your food all at once. These are one of my favorite cookies!

  68. Graziana says:

    I thought you were joking so I google it: I can’t believe, Snickerdoodle is REAL! I think I fell in love with him… like I always loved cinnamon cookies

  69. Cindystar says:

    they look pretty nice and tempring!
    joanne…I ‘m flying to get some from your kitchen…on a peanut plane!!!
    thanks again for participating!

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