The Best Snickerdoodle Scones

If you love the light, sweet crunch of a snickerdoodle but the ease of a scone, this is the perfect recipe for you! Best of all, this one comes together in minutes and requires very few ingredients. 

Where does the name Snickerdoodle come from? 

The exact origin of the name “snickerdoodle” is not really known. However, there are several theories. 

One of the most popular theories suggests that the name “snickerdoodle” is of German or Dutch origin. Some folks believe the name might be a variation of the German word “Schneckennudeln,” which refers to a type of sweet roll or pastry. 

Another theory suggests that the name may have been derived from the Dutch word “snikkerdoodle,” which is a similar type of sweet treat.

Regardless of its exact origin, the snickerdoodle cookie is a popular and beloved dessert characterized by its soft, chewy texture and distinctive flavor, often featuring cinnamon and sugar.

Is it a cake or is it a cookie? 

Both. . .and neither! A scone is light and tender, much like cake. But it’s easy to handle, just like a cookie. The addition of the baking soda gives it a “lift,” but you won’t need a fork for this one! 

This particular recipe is particularly light and not overly sweet. You can control the level of sweetness by the amount of sugar you sprinkle on top. 

Where Did I Find this Recipe?

You can find similar recipes all over the internet. And, to be honest, it’s a little bit like my Snickerdoodle cookie bars, with only a couple of exceptions. 

But I happened upon this particular recipe at Sugar Spun Run (what a fun name!) and decided to make it for one simple reason: I happened to have all of the ingredients on hand. (Hey, about half of the things I bake are based on what I have handy in my kitchen.) 

What really sets these apart is the addition of baking soda and cream of tartar. Both of those ingredients turn this from a simple bar to a true Snickerdoodle scone. 

Snickerdoodle Scone Ingredients

You will find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here’s a look at what you’ll need. These are incredibly simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. 

Scones

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup white (granulated) sugar
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

How to Make these Delicious Scones: 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. 

Make your topping: combine the cinnamon, sugar, and cream. Set aside.

Prepare a workspace with a light dusting of flour. 

Place all of the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon) into a food processor or bowl of stand mixer. Mix well. 

Add the cold butter and mix until it reaches the crumble stage. 

Add the milk and vanilla. Mix well. 

Remove dough from the bowl and place onto floured surface. You want to work it with your hands until it sticks together. Press down and then flip over. Form into a circle, about an inch high. 

Spread the topping on the circle and gently work it “almost” to the edges. 

Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the scones. I made a total of eight but the original recipe recommended six. 

Gently lift scones and place them onto a parchment lined cookie sheet, leaving space between them. 

Place in preheated oven and bake for 15 – 17 minutes or until lightly golden brown. 

Remove from oven and place on wire rack to cool. 

Serve and enjoy! 

Store leftover scones at room temperature in an airtight container or tightly covered in plastic wrap. They should stay good for 4-5 days. 

What to Expect from this Recipe

If you love Snickerdoodles, you’ll love this simple recipe! It comes together in minutes and is so much easier than the cookie version. 

This has a light, tender crumb. It’s not as heavy as my Snickerdoodle cookies (or even my Snickerdoodle bars). But neither is it as light as my Cinnamon Roll Poke cake.

I loved the ease, the flavor, and the texture. And now that I know I can pull this off, I can make this recipe in a hurry for any fun events. (These would be great for a high tea or a bridal shower.) 

Variations to this Recipe

I love to change up recipes and I’m already thinking up ways to do that! 

Sprinkle the topping on. The original recipe called for brushing the tops of the scones with heavy cream and then sprinkling on the cinnamon-sugar mixture. I wanted a crunchier topping, which is why my version calls for the liquid to be added to the cinnamon-sugar before spreading it on. But if you want a traditional-looking Snickerdoodle scone you can certainly sprinkle it on top of the cream. 

Chopped pecans: I think this recipe would be delicious with pecans lightly pressed on top (or even into the dough). Yum! 

Brown sugar: If I made them with pecans next time, I might use brown sugar in place of white. My bars recipe calls for brown and it’s delicious! 

Fall flavors: If you are making these in the fall, add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice to the cinnamon sugar mixture. That nutmeg and ginger will be perfect for fall. 

Drizzled caramel: I mean….c’mon. Caramel on top of cinnamon and sugar? Yes, please! 

Other Cinnamon Favorites from Out of the Box Baking

We love our cinnamon treats and have plenty to offer. Here are some fan favorites: 

The Ultimate Cinnamon Palmiers: If you love a crisp pie-crust cinnamon roll, then you’re going to flip over these simple palmiers, (also known as Elephant Ears)! They start with a roll of pre-made puff pastry but they don’t end there! 

Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Knots: If you love cinnamon, sugar, and buttery biscuits, have I got a treat for you! In this post I’m going to show you how to make this simple but delicious recipe! 

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: If you’ve been on the prowl for a great cinnamon roll recipe, one that’s light and fluffy but loaded with rich cinnamon sugar flavor, have I got a treat for you! This recipe is absolutely mouth-watering. Best of all, it’s easy and quick!

That’s it for this post, friends! I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe. 

If you make this recipe and love it, don’t forget to leave a review and a comment below. And while you’re at it, go ahead and pin some photos to your Pinterest boards!

See this recipe at  

• Full Plate Thursday 
• Weekend Potluck
• The Lazy Gastronome
• Busy Monday 

About the Author

Janice Thompson is an author, baker, and all-around mischief maker! She has overcome a host of baking catastrophes, including a toppled wedding cake, to learn more about the baking process. Janice has published over 165 books for the Christian market but particularly enjoys writing recipes and baking devotions. To learn more about Janice or to drop her a note, visit her About the Author page.