If you love the cozy flavor of coffee cake but want it in cookie form, these Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies are the perfect treat. They capture the classic cinnamon-sugar and buttery streusel topping of coffee cake with a soft, chewy texture that’s ideal for snack time or dessert.
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Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe combines the best of both worlds, coffee cake’s rich cinnamon flavor and buttery crumb topping, delivered in convenient cookie form. The texture is tender and moist inside, with a delightful crispness on the edges from the streusel topping. They are simple to make without complicated techniques, perfect for bakers of all levels. Plus, the vanilla glaze adds a smooth sweetness to balance the cinnamon spice.
Ultimate Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, beat butter, vegetable oil, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until smooth. Stir in cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- For the streusel, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt until crumbly.
- Scoop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Press a small indentation into each cookie and fill with streusel topping.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let set before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!how to make Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies
Ingredients for Coffee Cake Cookies
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Streusel Topping
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (use plant-based milk for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with vegan butter and milk with any plant-based milk in the glaze.
- You can swap vegetable oil for light olive oil or unsweetened applesauce as a healthier fat alternative.
- This recipe is free of pork and alcohol, making it family-friendly and suitable for most diets.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Oven and Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, vegetable oil, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Stir in cinnamon.
Step 2 – Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to form a soft dough.
Step 3 – Make the Streusel Topping
In another bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt until crumbly.
Step 4 – Assemble Cookies
Scoop dough by rounded spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press a gentle indentation into each cookie to hold the streusel. Sprinkle a generous amount of streusel on top.
Step 5 – Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are golden on edges but still soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
Step 6 – Add Vanilla Glaze
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle glaze evenly over warm cookies. Allow glaze to set before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix flour to keep cookies tender.
- Use room temperature butter for easy creaming with sugar.
- Press the streusel firmly on top so it bakes into the cookie without falling off.
- Let cookies cool slightly before glazing to prevent melting the glaze completely off.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
Bring the delicious warmth of Gilmore Girls coffee cake to your kitchen with our simple cookie recipe. Start baking now!
Flavor Variations
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel for extra crunch.
- Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough for a chocolate-cinnamon twist.
- Incorporate orange zest into the glaze for a citrus aroma.
- Use pumpkin pie spice in place of cinnamon for a fall flavor.
- Drizzle with cream cheese frosting instead of vanilla glaze for richer sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these coffee cake cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They are delightful as an afternoon snack, a brunch treat, or a dessert after dinner. Add fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt on the side for a balanced bite.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before glazing and serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 220 | 2g | 32g | 10g | 1g | 120mg |
intense coffee flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the dough.
FAQ About Coffee Cake Cookies
What makes these cookies like coffee cake?
These cookies combine cinnamon-spiced dough with a crumbly streusel topping, classic features of a traditional coffee cake, condensed into a cookie form for easy snacking. The vanilla glaze enhances the typical coffee cake sweetness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure or add it separately.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze unglazed for longer freshness.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely. The cookies are delicious on their own with the streusel topping, but the glaze adds a lovely finishing touch for extra sweetness.
Final Thoughts
These Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies are a warm, nostalgic treat that combines the best flavors of coffee cake in an easy-to-make cookie. Perfect for casual gatherings or cozy evenings, they are sure to become a favorite with family and friends.
For authoritative guidance on healthy eating patterns and balanced nutrition, refer to the official USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, which provide evidence-based recommendations to promote health and prevent diet-related diseases. Learn more at the USDA site and start making informed choices today for a healthier lifestyle.
Additionally, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health offers an excellent Healthy Eating Plate guide designed to help you create balanced meals with the right portions of vegetables, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats. Visit Harvard’s Nutrition Source to explore practical tips and resources to enhance your diet and wellbeing.