Introduction

These Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies combine the tender, cinnamon-spiced crumble of a classic coffee cake with the ease and fun of a cookie. They are perfect for an indulgent snack or a sweet treat to share with friends and family.

A stack of three thick, soft-looking brown cookies sits in the center of a white plate, each cookie showing cracked, crumbly texture. The top cookie is drizzled lightly with white icing and sprinkled with coarse brown sugar crystals that sparkle. Around the base of the stack, some crumb bits and two dark roasted coffee beans lay scattered. The background shows a blurred white marbled surface with hints of a pale green cup and some more baked goods. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk or strong brewed coffee
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the crumble topping by whisking together 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Cut in the cold butter cubes with a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and almond extract if using.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt until incorporated. Cover and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 5: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Gently flatten each cookie with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Sprinkle the chilled crumble topping generously over each cookie.
Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown and centers are set. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: To make the optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk or coffee and vanilla until smooth. Add more liquid if needed to reach desired consistency. Drizzle over cooled cookies and allow to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper coffee flavor, use brewed espresso in the glaze instead of milk or regular coffee.
Chilling the dough and crumble topping helps maintain the cookie shape and creates a better texture.
If you prefer, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slight tang and added moisture.
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble for extra crunch.
To make these gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—thaw at room temperature before glazing. Reheat cookies gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh their softness.

How to Serve

A stack of two thick brown cookies with a rough, cracked surface sits on a white speckled plate placed on a white marbled texture. The top cookie is decorated with white icing drizzles that drip down the sides, with small white and light brown sugar crystals sprinkled in the center, adding texture and shine. The second cookie beneath it has the same cracked appearance and icing drips, giving a sense of gooey richness. In the blurry background, more cookies with similar icing and sugar crystals are visible, along with a soft green cup, completing a cozy dessert scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the crumble topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crumble topping and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using. This makes assembling the cookies quicker.

Is the almond extract necessary?

No, the almond extract is optional. It adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the spices, but you can omit it if you prefer or don’t have it on hand.