This Snickerdoodle Cherry Cobbler is the best of two desserts in one! It combines the sweet, juicy cherry filling of a classic fruit cobbler with a buttery cinnamon-sugar snickerdoodle topping. Warm, cozy, and full of flavor, this easy dessert is perfect served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
What Is Snickerdoodle Cherry Cobbler?
Snickerdoodle Cherry Cobbler is a fruit dessert made with juicy cherries and a soft, cinnamon-sugar topping inspired by the classic snickerdoodle cookie. Instead of a traditional biscuit topping, this cobbler uses a buttery cookie-style dough that bakes into sweet, tender pieces over the cherry filling.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Sweet Cherries: Fresh or frozen sweet cherries work well in this cobbler. If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain any excess liquid first. Adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of your cherries.
- Granulated Sugar: Sugar sweetens both the cherry filling and the snickerdoodle topping. You can adjust the amount of filling according to the size of your cherries.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the cherry flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds warmth and enhances the cherry and cinnamon flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour thickens the cherry filling and helps create the soft, cookie-like topping.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon gives this cobbler its classic snickerdoodle flavor. It is added to the cherry filling, mixed into the topping, and sprinkled over the top with turbinado sugar.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter gives the topping a rich, buttery texture. Salted butter can be used if that is what you have on hand.
- Turbinado Sugar: Turbinado sugar adds a little crunch and sparkle to the cinnamon sugar topping. Regular granulated sugar can be used instead.
Tips for the Best Snickerdoodle Cherry Cobbler
- Thaw and drain frozen cherries. If using frozen cherries, drain any extra liquid after thawing to help keep the filling from becoming too watery.
- Taste your cherries before adding sugar. Cherry sweetness can vary, so adjust the sugar in the filling according to the sweetness of your cherries.
- Do not worry if the topping looks different from a traditional cobbler. The snickerdoodle topping starts out like a soft cookie dough and bakes into sweet, buttery pieces over the cherries.
- Let the cobbler cool before serving. The cherry filling will thicken as it cools, making it easier to scoop and serve.
- Serve it warm. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a little whipped cream on top makes this cobbler extra delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes! I used frozen cherries for this cobbler, and they work beautifully. Thaw the cherries first and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the filling. This helps keep the cobbler from becoming too watery.
Can I use a different type of cherry?
Yes. Sweet cherries are recommended, but you can use other varieties if you prefer. Keep in mind that tart cherries may need additional sugar to balance the flavor.
Is the topping supposed to be like a cookie?
Yes! The snickerdoodle-style topping is meant to be softer and more cookie-like than a traditional biscuit cobbler topping. It bakes into sweet, buttery pieces with plenty of cinnamon flavor.
Can I make Snickerdoodle Cherry Cobbler ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the cobbler a few hours ahead and bake it when ready. You can also bake it ahead and gently reheat it before serving.
How to Store Snickerdoodle Cherry Cobbler
Store leftover cherry cobbler covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or heat the cobbler in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
You can also freeze cherry cobbler. Once cooled completely, cover tightly or transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Snickerdoodle Cherry Cobbler
Ingredients
Cherry Filling
- 5 to 6 cups sweet cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, depending on how sweet the cherries are
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Snickerdoodle-Style Topping
- â…” cup (133 g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Serving
- Vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish or similar 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Cherry Filling
- In a large bowl, gently toss together the cherries, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, flour, and cinnamon until evenly coated. Taste the cherries and adjust the sugar if needed.
- Pour the cherry mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
Snickerdoodle Topping
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and melted butter until a soft dough forms. The mixture will look like a cross between a crumb topping and snickerdoodle cookie dough.
- Pinch off pieces of the topping and place them evenly over the cherries. Gently press the pieces to flatten them slightly.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- Mix together the turbinado sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle generously over the topping.
- Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent the cobbler with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before serving. The cherry filling will thicken as it cools.
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