Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Frosting
There is something about the warm flavor of cinnamon and sugar that instantly feels nostalgic. It brings to mind cozy kitchens, fresh batches of cookies cooling on the counter, and the sweet smell of cinnamon drifting through the house. Snickerdoodles have always been one of those classic cookies that never go out of style, and this Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Frosting captures everything we love about that timeless flavor.
This frosting is smooth, creamy, and packed with the cozy taste of cinnamon cookie dough. It has the texture of a fluffy buttercream with the unmistakable flavor of snickerdoodle cookie dough folded right into every bite. It spreads beautifully over cupcakes, cakes, and even brownies, and it pipes like a dream when decorating treats for a party or celebration.
What makes this frosting extra special is the addition of flour, which gives it an authentic cookie-dough flavor and texture. Since the frosting is not baked, the flour must be heat-treated before use. This quick step ensures the frosting is safe to eat while still delivering the classic cookie dough taste we all love.
If you are a fan of cinnamon desserts, this frosting is one of those recipes you will find yourself making again and again. It is cozy, comforting, and full of that classic snickerdoodle flavor that always feels like home.
What Makes This Frosting Special
Snickerdoodles are known for their signature cinnamon flavor and their soft, slightly chewy texture. This frosting takes those same beloved elements and transforms them into a fluffy, creamy topping perfect for cakes and cupcakes.
The combination of butter and shortening creates a frosting that is both rich and stable. Butter adds flavor while shortening helps the frosting hold its shape, making it ideal for piping decorative swirls and borders. The powdered sugar creates the smooth sweetness we expect from a buttercream, while the milk helps achieve that perfectly spreadable consistency.
But the real magic comes from the flour and cinnamon. The flour gives the frosting a subtle cookie-dough flavor and texture, making it taste just like the inside of a snickerdoodle before it goes into the oven. The cinnamon adds warmth and depth, turning a simple frosting into a bakery favorite.
It is the kind of frosting that makes people stop after the first bite and say, “What is in this?” That familiar snickerdoodle flavor is comforting, nostalgic, and completely irresistible.
Heat Treating Flour for Food Safety
Since this frosting includes flour, which will not be baked, it is important to heat-treat it before using it. Raw flour is considered a raw ingredient and may occasionally contain bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, that can cause infection. Heat-treating the flour eliminates this risk and makes it safe to use in edible cookie dough recipes and frostings.
Heat-treating flour is quick and easy.
Spread the flour in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake it in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. The flour should reach 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat. Once heated, allow the flour to cool completely before adding it to your frosting.
If the flour becomes slightly clumpy after baking, simply sift it before using. This will return it to its soft, powdery texture and help the frosting stay smooth and creamy.
Taking this simple step allows you to enjoy that authentic cookie dough flavor with complete peace of mind.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Frosting
- When making this frosting, starting with properly softened butter makes a big difference. Softened butter blends smoothly with the shortening, creating a fluffy base for the frosting. If the butter is too cold, the frosting may appear lumpy. If it is too warm, the frosting may become too soft.
- Cream the butter and shortening together until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the frosting, creating a smooth, bakery-style texture.
- Add the powdered sugar gradually to prevent a cloud of sugar from covering your kitchen. Mixing it in stages helps the frosting stay smooth and prevents clumping.
- Cinnamon is the star flavor of this frosting, so use a fresh, fragrant cinnamon for the best results. Fresh spices provide a stronger, warmer flavor that really brings out the snickerdoodle character.
- If the frosting feels too thick, add a small splash of milk to loosen it. If it becomes too soft, a little additional powdered sugar will help bring it back to the perfect consistency.
Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup milk
Delicious Ways to Use Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Frosting
This frosting is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many different desserts.
- VANILLA CUPCAKES: One of my favorite ways to use it is on vanilla cupcakes. The simple flavor of vanilla cake allows the cinnamon cookie dough frosting to really shine. It turns an everyday cupcake into something that feels bakery-worthy.
- SPICE CAKE: It is also fantastic on spice cake. The warm spices in the cake complement the cinnamon frosting perfectly, creating a dessert that feels perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy weekends at home.
- SPICY CUPCAKES: Chocolate cupcakes are another delicious pairing. The rich chocolate flavor combined with the cinnamon cookie dough frosting creates a flavor combination that is both unexpected and absolutely delicious.
- BROWNIES: You can even spread this frosting on brownies for a fun twist. The creamy cinnamon topping adds a whole new layer of flavor, making brownies feel extra special.
- FILLED COOKIES: Another fun idea is using it as a filling between two soft sugar cookies to create a snickerdoodle sandwich cookie. The creamy center paired with soft cookies makes a treat that disappears quickly at any gathering.
How to Store Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Frosting
Proper storage will keep your frosting fresh and ready whenever you need it.
ROOM TEMPERATURE: If your kitchen is cool, frosted cupcakes or cakes can sit at room temperature for several hours. Because the frosting contains butter, avoid leaving it out in warm environments.
REFRIGERATOR: The frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Before using, allow it to sit at room temperature until softened, then beat it again with a mixer to restore its fluffy texture.
FREEZER: This frosting also freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Freezing is a great option if you like preparing frosting ahead of time for future baking projects.
DEFROSTING: To thaw frozen frosting, move it to the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, allow it to sit at room temperature until softened. Re-whip the frosting with a mixer for a minute or two to restore its smooth, fluffy consistency.
REWHIPPING BEFORE USE: After refrigeration or freezing, always rewhip the frosting briefly before spreading or piping. This helps restore the light texture and makes it easy to work with again.
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A Sweet Cinnamon Treat
Snickerdoodles have always been one of those classic desserts that bring instant comfort, and this frosting captures that same cozy flavor in a creamy, fluffy form. Whether you are frosting cupcakes, decorating a cake, or simply looking for a fun way to bring cinnamon cookie flavor into your desserts, this Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Frosting is a wonderful recipe to keep in your baking collection. It is simple, nostalgic, and full of that warm cinnamon sweetness we all love.
Thanks for spending some time in the kitchen with me today.
Thanks,
Sheryl
Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Frosting
Transform your favorite cookie into a delicious creamy frosting!
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup shortening, softened
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
Flour Heat Treatment:
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Spread the flour evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- The flour should reach 165℉.
- Cool completely before using.
Microwave Method:
- Place flour in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Continue until the flour reaches 165℉.
- Cool completely before using.
A Few Extra Tips:
- Sift the flour after heating if it becomes clumpy.
- Measure after heat treating to see if the flour compacts during heating.
- Do not use eggs in edible cookie dough.
For the Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Frosting:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and sugar (about 3 minutes).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon.
- Alternate dry mixture with milk into the butter mixture.
- When all the ingredients have been added, whip on medium-high for an additional 3 minutes or until light and fluffy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the flour need to be heat-treated for this frosting? Yes. Since the flour in this frosting will not be baked, it should be heat-treated before using. Heating the flour eliminates any potential bacteria and makes it safe for edible cookie dough-style recipes.
- Can I skip the shortening and use only butter? You can, but the texture may be softer. Shortening helps stabilize the frosting and allows it to hold its shape when piping decorations.
- Can this frosting be piped onto cupcakes? Yes. This frosting pipes beautifully and holds detailed swirls, rosettes, and borders very well, thanks to the combination of butter and shortening.
- What desserts pair best with this frosting? Vanilla cupcakes, spice cake, chocolate cupcakes, and brownies are all fantastic choices. It also works wonderfully as a filling for cookie sandwiches.
- Can I make this frosting ahead of time? Yes. The frosting can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
- How do I make the cinnamon flavor stronger? Simply add a little more cinnamon to taste. Cinnamon can vary in strength, so adjusting it slightly is perfectly fine.
- Can this frosting be colored? Yes. Gel food coloring works best and will not change the frosting’s consistency.
- Can I add cinnamon sugar to the frosting? You can sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of the frosted cupcakes for an extra snickerdoodle touch.
- Why does my frosting feel too thick? Add a small amount of milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.
- Can this frosting be used as a filling between cake layers? Absolutely. Its fluffy texture makes it perfect for spreading between cake layers and frosting the outside of a cake.
- Can I double this recipe? Yes. This frosting doubles very easily if you are frosting a larger cake or a large batch of cupcakes.
- Does this frosting taste like real cookie dough? Yes. The combination of cinnamon and heat-treated flour creates that classic cookie dough flavor that makes snickerdoodles so special.
This looks delicious! I love the idea of a frosting that’s less sweet. One question though. On my flour package and “everywhere out there” you now hear don’t eat raw flour. I don’t really understand why…but it’s out there. Do you feel this frosting is safe or do you give it to people with a warning to ingest at your own risk?
To be completely honest Laurie…..I don’t give it a second thought. “They” say all kinds of things and then a year later change their minds.