There’s something magical about the connection between coffee, cookies, and good company, especially when inspired by the beloved series “Gilmore Girls.” These Coffee Cake Cookies not only encapsulate the cozy vibes of Stars Hollow but also bring a delightful flavor combination that’ll have you reminiscing about capturing moments over coffee. As I baked my first batch, the aroma of cinnamon and sugar enveloped my kitchen, instantly transporting me to Lorelai and Rory’s coffee shop escapades.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

Soft, chewy cookies with a hint of cinnamon a classic favorite!
The optional glaze adds a sweet finish, perfect for an afternoon treat.
Easy to whip up, making it a great choice for both seasoned bakers and newbies.

Ingredients

1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (220 g) brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup (100 g) chopped nuts (optional)
1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Smart Swaps

Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Use dark brown sugar instead of light brown for a richer flavor.
Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend if you’re avoiding gluten.

Sourcing Tips

For the best flavor, use fresh spices. Ground cinnamon loses its potency over time.
Choose unsalted butter to control the salt content in your dough better.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts for added texture.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and flatten slightly to create disks.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. They should look set but slightly soft in the center.
Let cookies cool on a wire rack to harden slightly, about 5-10 minutes.
For the glaze, mix together powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then drizzle over cooled cookies with a spoon or piping bag.

Pro Tips

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
Transport: Pack cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh on the go.
Re-crisping: If cookies lose their softness, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

Variations

Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a classic twist.
Maple Glaze: Replace the milk in the glaze with maple syrup for a richer flavor.
Spiced Apple: Mix in 1 cup of chopped dried apples and a bit more cinnamon for a fall-inspired treat.

Serving and Storage

These cookies are perfect for a cozy coffee afternoon or a sweet treat at gatherings. Serve them warm alongside a cup of your favorite brew or hot cocoa. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to reheat, simply pop them back in the oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the bake time.

2. How can I make these cookies nut-free?
Simply omit the nuts or replace them with chocolate chips or dried fruits.

3. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can try reducing the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup, but keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly, making them less chewy.

Enjoy baking these delightful Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies, and let the warm flavors whisk you away to a coffee-filled adventure!

Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies

Print Recipe

Soft, chewy cookies with a hint of cinnamon, inspired by ‘Gilmore Girls’, perfect for coffee afternoons.

Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (220 g) brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup (100 g) chopped nuts (optional)
1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts for added texture.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and flatten slightly to create disks.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. They should look set but slightly soft in the center.
Let cookies cool on a wire rack to harden slightly, about 5-10 minutes.
For the glaze, mix together powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then drizzle over cooled cookies.

Notes

Make the dough ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days. These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Author: soukaina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian