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Cobbler is a timeless dessert that has graced dinner tables for centuries, often celebrated for its warmth, comfort, and rustic charm. But what if you could take this classic dessert and elevate it with the beloved flavors of snickerdoodles? Enter Snickerdoodle Cobbler, a dessert that combines the soft, buttery texture of cobbler with the sweet, cinnamon-sugar flavor of snickerdoodle cookies. This dessert is the perfect fusion of two classics, sure to delight your taste buds with every spoonful.
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Introduction to Snickerdoodle Cobbler
Snickerdoodles are known for their soft, chewy texture, enhanced by a signature coating of cinnamon-sugar. Their popularity can be traced back to the 19th century, and they remain a favorite treat today, often baked during the holiday season. Meanwhile, cobblers are a beloved dessert characterized by a biscuit-like topping that is often paired with fruits like peaches, berries, or apples.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Filling
To begin, you’ll need to prepare the fruit filling. Start by peeling and slicing your fruit into evenly sized pieces. For Snickerdoodle Cobbler, apples are a fantastic choice, but feel free to experiment with other fruits like peaches, plums, or mixed berries.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the fruit, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and salt. Stir everything together until the fruit is evenly coated.
- Transfer the fruit mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that the filling is distributed uniformly.
Step 2: Make the Snickerdoodle Biscuit Topping
Now, you’re ready to make the snickerdoodle biscuit topping, which will form the signature “cookie” crust over the cobbler.
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- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the granulated sugar and stir to combine.
- Cut the softened butter into small pieces and add it to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk (or heavy cream) to the mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until the dough comes together. It should be slightly sticky, but not too wet. If it feels too dry, add a bit more milk until it reaches the right consistency.
Step 3: Spoon the Biscuit Topping Over the Fruit
Once your snickerdoodle biscuit dough is ready, use a spoon or a cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the dough over the prepared fruit filling. The dough doesn’t need to cover the entire surface, as it will spread out while baking. It’s fine if some of the fruit peeks through.
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the biscuit dough. This will help create a beautiful cinnamon-sugar crust that’s signature to snickerdoodles.
Step 5: Bake the Cobbler
Place your cobbler in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through, and the fruit is bubbling.
- To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the biscuit topping. If it comes out clean, your cobbler is ready.
- Keep an eye on the cobbler as it bakes. If the biscuit topping begins to brown too quickly, cover the cobbler loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
Step 6: Let the Cobbler Cool Slightly
Once your Snickerdoodle Cobbler is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Tips for Perfect Snickerdoodle Cobbler
- Choosing the Right Fruit: If using apples, opt for a tart variety like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweetness of the cobbler. For peaches, look for ripe, but not overripe, fruit. This will prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
- Adjusting the Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your fruit, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling. Taste a piece of fruit before mixing, and if it’s particularly tart, consider adding a little extra sugar.
- Milk vs. Cream: For a richer biscuit topping, you can substitute heavy cream for milk. This will give the cobbler a slightly denser, more decadent texture.
- Butter Quality: Using high-quality unsalted butter is key to ensuring the perfect flavor in the topping. Be sure to cut the butter into the dry ingredients thoroughly for a crumbly, cookie-like texture.
- Spices: The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg brings out the warm, cozy flavor of snickerdoodles. If you like a stronger spice profile, feel free to add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves.
Customizations & Variations
- Different Fruits: As mentioned, you can swap the apples for other fruits. Peaches, pears, cherries, or a mixed berry blend are fantastic alternatives. You can also create a combination of fruits for added complexity in flavor.
- Vegan Snickerdoodle Cobbler: To make this dessert vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set aside for 5 minutes).
- Gluten-Free Option: If you prefer a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
- Caramelized Pecans or Walnuts: For added crunch and flavor, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the biscuit topping before baking. The nuts will caramelize as the cobbler bakes, adding an extra layer of texture.
Serving Suggestions
Snickerdoodle Cobbler is delicious on its own, but there are plenty of ways to make it even more indulgent:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream perfectly complements the warm, cinnamon-spiced cobbler.
- Whipped Cream: For a lighter, fluffier topping, serve with freshly whipped cream, lightly sweetened with a bit of vanilla and powdered sugar.
- Cinnamon Cream Cheese Drizzle: For a decadent twist, make a quick cinnamon cream cheese drizzle by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of milk until smooth, and drizzle it over the cobbler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cobbler up to a day in advance. Simply assemble the fruit filling and biscuit topping, but don’t bake it. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just remove the cobbler from the fridge and bake it as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Can I freeze Snickerdoodle Cobbler?
Yes! You can freeze the cobbler before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble the cobbler and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, simply transfer the frozen cobbler to the oven and bake at 375°F for about 50-60 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. If freezing after baking, let the cobbler cool completely, then wrap it and freeze. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Conclusion
Snickerdoodle Cobbler is a delightful dessert that perfectly combines the comforting elements of both snickerdoodle cookies and cobbler. The blend of warm cinnamon-spiced fruit and soft, biscuit-like topping creates a dessert that feels both nostalgic and new. Whether served with ice cream, whipped cream, or just on its own, this cobbler is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Cobbler:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for sprinkling on top)
- For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or butter a 9×9-inch baking dish. - Make the Cobbler Batter:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
In another bowl, mix together the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Pour this batter into the prepared baking dish. - Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cobbler batter. - Add Butter:
Dot the top of the cobbler with the cubed butter. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even—this will melt as it bakes and create a deliciously gooey topping. - Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cobbler should be slightly bubbling around the edges. - Serve:
Let the cobbler cool for about 10 minutes before serving. It’s best served warm, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream would make it extra special.
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