Snickerdoodles have always held a special place in my heart. Their soft, chewy texture combined with that unmistakable cinnamon-sugar coating makes them irresistible. But what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy that classic flavor without even turning on your oven? Enter snickerdoodle cookie dough recipes, a delightful twist that lets you savor the dough in all its raw, delicious glory.
This no-bake treat is perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to wait for cookies to bake. Plus, it’s a hit at parties and a fun activity to make with kids. Whether you prefer to eat it by the spoonful or roll it into bite-sized balls, snickerdoodle cookie dough is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
Let’s gather everything we need for this delicious no-bake snickerdoodle cookie dough.
For Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Equipment
To create this delightful no-bake snickerdoodle cookie dough, having the right equipment is essential. Here is a list of all the tools you’ll need:
Mixing Bowls
You’ll need at least two mixing bowls: one large for the main dough mixture and a smaller one for the cinnamon-sugar coating.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are key. Use a set of measuring cups and spoons for your dry and wet ingredients.
Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer
A hand-held electric mixer or stand mixer will help you cream the butter and sugars together uniformly, ensuring your dough is smooth and well-blended.
Rubber Spatula
A rubber spatula will be useful for scraping down the sides of the bowls and folding ingredients together gently.
Baking Sheet
While this is a no-bake recipe, a baking sheet can still be handy for placing the portioned dough balls to chill in the refrigerator.
Wax Paper or Parchment Paper
Wax or parchment paper will keep the dough from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easier.
Refrigerator
Chilling the dough sets the flavors and firms up the texture, so a refrigerator is essential for this recipe.
- Prepare Your Mixing Bowls: Ensure your mixing bowls are clean and dry. The large one will be for combining your main ingredients, and the small one will hold your cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use your measuring cups and spoons to measure the flour, sugar, butter, and other ingredients precisely.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Use an electric mixer to cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in the large mixing bowl. Mix until the texture is light and fluffy.
- Mix and Fold: Fold other ingredients into your dough using the rubber spatula to ensure everything is well-incorporated.
- Portion and Chill: Use the baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper to portion out and chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator.
Getting these pieces of equipment ready beforehand will make the process of making your no-bake snickerdoodle cookie dough seamless and enjoyable.
Directions
Follow these steps to make delectable no-bake snickerdoodle cookie dough. The process includes prepping the ingredients and equipment, making the cookie dough, heat treating the flour, and coating the cookie dough balls.
Prep
- Gather all ingredients and equipment detailed in the previous section.
- Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper.
- Measure all ingredients accurately and set them aside.
- Ensure your mixing bowls are clean and dry.
Make Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) and 1 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually mix in 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Start on low speed to avoid flour flying out of the bowl.
- Mix in 1/4 cup light brown sugar and 2 tablespoons milk until fully incorporated.
- Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Heat Treat Flour
- Spread 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour on a baking sheet.
- Bake the flour at 350°F for 5 minutes to eliminate any potential bacteria.
- Let the flour cool completely before using it in your cookie dough recipe.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.
- Scoop out 1-inch balls of cookie dough and roll each ball in your hands until smooth.
- Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until entirely coated.
- Place coated cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your no-bake snickerdoodle cookie dough straight from the refrigerator or let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes for a softer texture.
Tips For Success
To get the best results from your no-bake snickerdoodle cookie dough, here are some expert tips I’ve learned through my experience.
Use High-Quality Butter
The flavor of your cookie dough heavily depends on the butter you use. I recommend using unsalted, high-quality butter. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature to easily cream with sugar.
Measure Flour Precisely
Flour measurement is critical. Too much can make the cookie dough dry; too little can make it too sticky. I always use a kitchen scale for accuracy. If you don’t have one, use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour.
Heat Treating The Flour
Heat treating the flour is essential for safety. Spread your flour evenly on a baking sheet and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Let it cool completely before incorporating it into the dough. This step eliminates any potential bacteria.
Chill The Dough
Chilling the dough ensures that it’s firm enough to hold its shape when you roll it into balls. I recommend chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes. If the dough is still too sticky, chill it for an additional 15 minutes.
Consistent Cookie Dough Balls
To make the snickerdoodle cookie dough balls consistent in size, use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon. This helps them to chill evenly and makes for a more uniform presentation.
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
For that classic snickerdoodle flair, thoroughly coat each cookie dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Roll them firmly but gently to ensure the coating sticks. You can add a bit more cinnamon for a spicier kick if you prefer.
Enjoy At Optimal Temperature
You can enjoy the snickerdoodle cookie dough chilled from the refrigerator for a firm bite or allow it to sit at room temperature for a softer texture. Experiment to find your preferred way of enjoying this delightful treat.
Variations and Substitutions
Alternative Flavors
For those who love experimenting with flavors, snickerdoodle cookie dough provides a versatile base. You can replace the cinnamon with other spices like nutmeg or allspice for a different taste profile. Additionally, adding a pinch of cardamom can give the cookie dough an exotic twist.
Vegan Substitution
Creating a vegan version of snickerdoodle cookie dough is straightforward. Substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter or coconut oil. Replace the milk with almond milk or any plant-based milk. Ensure all other ingredients, like sugar, are also vegan.
Gluten-Free Option
To make the snickerdoodle cookie dough gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour. Verify that other ingredients, like baking powder, are gluten-free as well. Heat-treat the gluten-free flour similarly to ensure safety.
Add-Ins for Extra Texture
For added texture and flavor, mix-ins can be incorporated into the dough. Consider adding mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or toffee bits. Make sure to fold these in gently to maintain the smooth consistency of the dough.
Sugar Substitutes
If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, you can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia. Be aware that this may alter the texture slightly, so you might need to adjust other ingredients accordingly.
Spiced Coating Variations
Instead of the traditional cinnamon sugar coating, try rolling the cookie dough balls in a mix of cocoa powder and powdered sugar for a chocolate snickerdoodle twist. Alternatively, you can use pumpkin spice for a seasonal flavor.
Dairy-Free Option
For a dairy-free snickerdoodle cookie dough, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Use a dairy-free milk alternative, such as soy milk or oat milk, to keep the dough creamy without compromising flavor.
By experimenting with these variations and substitutions, you can personalize the snickerdoodle cookie dough to your taste preferences or dietary requirements. Each adjustment can bring a unique flavor or texture to this classic treat, allowing for endless creativity in your kitchen adventures.
Storage
Proper storage of snickerdoodle cookie dough ensures its freshness and convenience. Here are the best methods for storing your dough:
How to Store Leftover Cookie Dough
To store leftover snickerdoodle cookie dough, follow these steps:
- Refrigeration: Place the cookie dough in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to one week.
- Temperature: Ensure the refrigerator is set to 40°F (4°C) or below to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
- Labeling: Label the container with the date it was made to keep track of its freshness.
- Portioning: Scoop the dough into individual balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Pre-Freeze: Freeze the dough balls for about one hour or until they are firm. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Storage: Transfer the frozen dough balls into a freezer-safe ziplock bag or airtight container. Label and date the bag.
- Shelf Life: The dough can be frozen for up to three months.
- Thawing: When ready to use, thaw the dough balls in the refrigerator overnight before coating with cinnamon-sugar and enjoying.
Conclusion
Snickerdoodle cookie dough offers a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With its no-bake convenience and customizable options, it’s a treat that fits any occasion. Whether you’re following the recipe to the letter or experimenting with variations, you’re sure to enjoy every bite. Plus, knowing how to store it properly ensures you can savor this delicious dough anytime. Give it a try and discover why snickerdoodle cookie dough is a must-have in your dessert repertoire.