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Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

4.5 from 102 reviews

Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful hybrid treat combining the crumbly, cinnamon-spiced topping of a classic coffee cake with the soft, chewy texture of a cookie. These cookies feature a rich buttery dough complemented by a crumbly topping and an optional sweet glaze, perfect for a cozy snack with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

Scale

Crumble Topping

  • 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

Cookie Dough

  • 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

Glaze (Optional)

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons milk or strong brewed coffee
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in the cold butter cubes using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently just until combined.
  4. Add Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dough until just combined to add moisture and tenderness.
  5. Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up and develop flavor.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  7. Form and Assemble Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of the chilled cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately to allow spreading. Gently flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
  8. Add Crumble Topping: Generously sprinkle the chilled crumble topping over the top of each flattened cookie to create that signature coffee cake texture.
  9. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown, and the centers look set but still soft.
  10. Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and ensures even cooling.
  11. Make the Glaze (Optional): While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or brewed coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the liquid amount to achieve your desired drizzle consistency.
  12. Glaze the Cookies: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set completely before serving, adding an extra touch of sweetness and moisture.

Notes

  • You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to make the dough a little lighter.
  • If you don’t have almond extract, you can omit it or use an additional 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract instead.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • For stronger coffee flavor, use espresso or strongly brewed coffee in the glaze.
  • Make sure the crumble topping stays cold before baking to maintain its crumbly texture during baking.

Keywords: coffee cake cookies, Gilmore Girls inspired, crumb topping cookies, cinnamon nutmeg cookies, coffee hour treats