Snickerdoodles are a beloved cookie that have been enjoyed for generations. Their name is certainly unique and often brings about questions regarding its origin. Where did this peculiar name come from and how did it become associated with these sweet cinnamon cookies? Here we will explore the fascinating history behind the snickerdoodle and uncover the stories and theories around its distinctive moniker.
What are Snickerdoodles?
First, let’s cover the basics. What exactly is a snickerdoodle cookie? Snickerdoodles are a type of sugar cookie that have a few signature traits that set them apart from regular sugar cookies:
- They are coated in cinnamon sugar before baking which gives them a crunchy cinnamon coating.
- They contain cream of tartar which provides a subtle tangy flavor and also helps them hold their shape.
- They have a soft and cake-like interior texture.
The classic snickerdoodle is round with a creased surface. The dough is rolled into balls then flattened slightly before baking. The cinnamon sugar coating cracks and bakes into the signature rippled appearance. Snickerdoodles are sweet but not overly so. Their taste is a delicate balance of cinnamon, vanilla, and tangy cream of tartar. It’s a warm, comforting cookie that has delighted people for centuries.
Origins and History
The earliest known printed recipes for snickerdoodles appear in the late 19th century, but many believe they were created long before then. Food historians trace their origins back to Colonial New England in the 1600s or 1700s. During this time, creative early colonists experimented with recipes using ingredients they had on hand, like flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Traveling preachers who spread religious teachings across New England also commonly asked for simple sweet treats like cookies. This environment is thought to have given rise to snickerdoodles.
The earliest version was likely not called the snickerdoodle name, however. The theory is that the original version was a simple cinnamon sugar cookie recipe made with ingredients households readily had. It was later published under varying names like snickerdoodles, cinnamon nuts, and crumb buns/sugar tops.
Some of the earliest published recipes include:
- Mrs. Porter’s New Southern Cookery Book, 1871 – “Snickerdoodles”
- The White House Cookbook, 1887 – “Snickerdoodles”
- New England Cook Book, 1891 – “Cream Cookies” using same recipe
- The Everyday Cook Book and Encyclopedia of Practical Recipes, 1894 – “Cinnamon Nuts”
- Farm Journal Cook Book, 1912 – “Crumb Buns”
From these early cookbooks, we can see snickerdoodles being called different names but using the familiar ingredient combination of sugar, butter, flour, cream of tartar, and cinnamon. As the recipes were shared from house to house and area to area, snickerdoodles became a beloved cookie across regions over time. While called different names, they were likely recognizable for their distinct flavor and cinnamon sugar coating.
Where Does the Name Come From?
So how did snickerdoodles get their funny name if originally called something different? There are a few top theories on the origin of the snickerdoodle name:
Funny Sounding Nonsense Word
One of the most popular explanations is that snickerdoodle is simply a made up nonsense word meant to be fun and whimsical. Doodle, in particular, had an extra playful connotation. Back when snickerdoodles emerged, doodle was slang referring to a foolish, confused, or unsophisticated person. So snickerdoodle was likely invented to be a silly, laughable name in line with the cookie’s simple, homespun roots.
“Snickering” Reaction to the Cookie
Another theory suggests that snickerdoodle was a reaction to the cookie’s taste. Snicker means to laugh quietly or mockingly. The idea is that the whimsical name reflected the happy, giggling reaction people had when eating the cookies. The cinnamon sugar coating cracking and crumbling when bitten into made a fun “snickering” noise, eliciting laughter. So snickerdoodles perhaps got their name from the snickering, laughter-inducing effect of eating them.
German Origin – Schneckennudeln
Some hypothesize that snickerdoodle has German origins. In German, Schneckennudeln translates to snail noodles. Some food historians propose that immigrants later adapted schneckennudeln to become snickerdoodle in English. There could be a connection between the round swirled shape of snickerdoodles and escargot-style snails. While an interesting idea, most etymologists have not found strong evidence tying snickerdoodle to specific German words. But it remains a possibility.
How the Name Spread
While the exact origin of the name is uncertain, we do know how snickerdoodles became popularly known by that specific name over time. As recipes spread via word of mouth and community cookbooks in the 1800s, snickerdoodle emerged as the most widely used and recognized name. Even though other names like cinnamon nuts and crumb buns were also used, snickerdoodle appeared the most in regional cookbooks across states. It gained further prominence once national cookbooks and ladies’ magazines picked up the name in the late 1800s. Brands like Aunt Jemima’s promoted snickerdoodles too, cementing its presence across America.
Snickerdoodle Variations
Today, the basic recipe remains the same but snickerdoodle variations have emerged. Some fun adaptations include:
Flavored Snickerdoodles
| Flavor | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Peppermint | Peppermint extract in dough, coating with crushed candy canes |
| Pumpkin | Pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree in dough |
| Eggnog | Eggnog and nutmeg in dough, rum extract |
Texture and Shape Variations
- Cake style – Thicker, cakey cookies made with more baking powder.
- Thin and crispy – Less baking soda/powder for crisp cookies.
- Rolled and cut out – Rolled dough cut into shapes vs. round balls.
- Stuffed – Jam-filled thumbprint cookies.
- Mini – Bite-size cookies.
While adapted over time, most snickerdoodle variations remain true to the classic formula of rolled balls, cinnamon sugar coating, soft interior texture, and sweet tangy flavor.
Snickerdoodles Today
Centuries later, snickerdoodles remain a beloved American cookie. They gained widespread fame over generations as recipes spread regionally and nationally. Today they can be found in cookbooks across the globe and are made everywhere from home kitchens to gourmet bakeries. Food companies like Keebler, Pillsbury, and Nestle Tollhouse now sell ready-to-bake snickerdoodle cookie dough too. Both a classic and a creative canvas, the snickerdoodle continues delighting both longstanding fans and new generations of cookie lovers.
Why “Snickerdoodle”? – Theories Summary
While the exact origin is uncertain, here are the top theories on why snickerdoodle became the name of this cookie:
- The silly, whimsical sound of snickerdoodle matched the cookie’s simple, fun spirit.
- Snickering describes the giggling reaction people had when eating them.
- Possible ties to the German words “Schneckennudeln” meaning snail noodles.
- Regional word of mouth and recipes caused snickerdoodle to become the most widely used name.
Researchers can’t pinpoint the original inspiration for the name. But they agree that in the late 1800s, snickerdoodle gained prominence as the recognized name through regional community cookbooks and later national cookbooks and companies. The cheery, fun-to-say name matched the cookie’s delightful spirit and taste. Now snickerdoodles are beloved from New England to the West Coast and around the world!
Conclusion
Snickerdoodles have captivated audiences for generations with their playful name and charming personality. Tracing the history gives insight into American baking traditions and how recipes spread regionally and nationally over time. Food always tells a story of people, places, and cultures. For snickerdoodles, that story is one of creativity, community, and simple joys that still bring smiles today. The next time you enjoy a snickerdoodle, appreciate the history in each bite and share one with a friend or family member!