These Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful treat! They combine the softness of cookies with the flavors of coffee cake, topped with a yummy cinnamon streusel.
Perfect with a cup of coffee, these cookies will make you feel like you’re in Luke’s Diner. I love baking a batch and enjoying them while watching my favorite episodes! ☕🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the cookies their structure. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work too.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal as it allows you to control the salt. If you’re in a pinch, stick margarine can be used, or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free option.
Sour Cream: It adds moisture and tanginess. Plain Greek yogurt is a great swap. For a dairy-free version, try coconut or almond yogurt.
Cinnamon: This spice is key for flavor. If you want a twist, consider using pumpkin spice or chai spice for a different taste.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch, but you can easily omit them for nut-free cookies or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
A big part of perfect coffee cake cookies is achieving that soft and chewy texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough.
- Don’t overbake: Take them out of the oven when they’re slightly golden at the edges, even if they’re soft in the middle. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Chill your dough (optional): If time allows, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help the flavors develop and prevent spreading.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have deliciously soft cookies each time!
Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating and Streusel:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes for preparation and 12-15 minutes for baking. Allow an additional 5-10 minutes to cool before drizzling with glaze. Altogether, set aside about 1 hour for baking and enjoying these delightful cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it will be hot and ready when your cookies are assembled. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This sweet mixture will coat your cookies for that classic cinnamon flavor. Set it aside for later.
3. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until it resembles crumbly sand. This will be your delicious streusel topping.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the remaining cinnamon. This mixture provides the perfect base for your cookies.
5. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes and makes your cookies soft and tasty.
6. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
One at a time, beat in the eggs. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until fully blended.
7. Incorporate the Sour Cream:
Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth and combined. This ingredient keeps the cookies moist.
8. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix! If you want to add nuts, fold them in now.
9. Form the Cookies:
Using a scoop or your hands, take about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar coating until completely covered.
10. Place on Baking Sheet:
Arrange these dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, making sure they are about 2 inches apart.
11. Add the Streusel Topping:
Generously sprinkle the streusel mixture on top of each cookie ball, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
12. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The edges should be golden and the centers soft but set. Take care not to overbake to keep your cookies chewy!
13. Cool:
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
14. Prepare the Glaze:
While your cookies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until it’s smooth and drizzle-able. You can add more milk for a thinner glaze if needed.
15. Drizzle Glaze:
Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over the cookies using a spoon or a piping bag for that beautiful finishing touch.
16. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy these delightful Gilmore Girls coffee cake cookies! Perfect for a cozy night in or sharing with friends.
These cookies bring the classic flavors of coffee cake into every bite, packed with warmth and love just like in Stars Hollow!
Can I Make These Coffee Cake Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend or almond flour. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.
What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut yogurt or any plant-based yogurt.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add in chocolate chips, dried fruit, or shredded coconut for extra flavor. Just be mindful of the total volume of mix-ins so they don’t affect the dough consistency.
