Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
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.
- Author: Isla
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or strong brewed coffee
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dough until just combined to add moisture and tenderness.
- 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.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Add Crumble Topping: Generously sprinkle the chilled crumble topping over the top of each flattened cookie to create that signature coffee cake texture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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