These Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect with a cup of coffee! They are packed with flavor and have a delightful cinnamon swirl that will remind you of cozy mornings in Stars Hollow.
Baking these cookies feels like a warm hug from your favorite show. I love popping a few in the oven, and the smell makes my whole house feel like home! Enjoy them fresh or save some for later, if you can resist! ☕🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of the cookies. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if you’re avoiding gluten, but make sure it’s a blend designed for baking.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter for better control of the cookie’s sweetness. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Cinnamon: Essential for that cozy flavor! If you’re not a fan, nutmeg can provide a nice alternative, or you can reduce the amount for a subtler taste.
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a deep flavor. For a healthier option, use coconut sugar or even maple syrup, reducing the liquid in the recipe slightly.
Sour Cream: It gives richness and moisture. Greek yogurt works well as a substitute, or you can use dairy-free yogurt.
What’s the Best Way to Make the Cinnamon Crumble Topping?
The cinnamon crumble topping is what makes these cookies extra special! To get it right:
- Mix the dry ingredients together first to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed.
- When cutting in the butter, it should resemble coarse crumbs—don’t overmix! Small chunks of butter give the crumble a delightful texture.
- Chill the topping briefly before using to help it stay crunchy when baked.
How Can I Make Sure My Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
To keep those cookies soft and chewy, follow these tips:
- Don’t over-bake! Pull them out when they’re just set in the middle.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them. This helps them finish cooking without becoming hard.
- Mist or cover with a kitchen towel after they cool to help trap in moisture.
Enjoy this delightful treat with your coffee, and bring a little Stars Hollow into your kitchen! 🍪💖
How to Make Delectable Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (1 tsp for dough, 1 tbsp for crumble)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Cinnamon Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
For the Sweet Glaze Drizzle:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 11-13 minutes to bake. Additionally, allow 5 minutes for cooling on the baking sheet and another 10-15 minutes for the cookies to cool completely before glazing. You’ll have delicious cookies ready in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cinnamon Crumble Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Use a fork or pastry cutter to cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will create that perfect crunchy topping! Set aside in the fridge while you prepare the cookies.
2. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier!
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This ensures the dry ingredients are well blended before mixing into the wet ingredients.
4. Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars (brown and granulated) until creamy and smooth, which will take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and sour cream. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. If you’d like a nutty flavor, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts at this stage!
7. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop rounded tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball.
8. Add the Crumble Topping:
Sprinkle a generous helping of the cinnamon crumble topping over each cookie dough ball, pressing it down slightly so it sticks.
9. Bake:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still soft. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake!
10. Cool the Cookies:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare the Glaze:
While the cookies are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more sugar for a thicker one.
12. Drizzle the Glaze:
Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or a piping bag. Let the glaze set before serving.
Enjoy your delectable Gilmore Girls coffee cake cookies with your favorite cup of coffee for the perfect cozy treat. They’re best shared with friends or enjoyed on your own while watching reruns of the show! ☕🍪
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the cookies may be denser. Consider using a mix of both for a lighter texture while still adding some whole grain goodness!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Omit the Nuts?
Absolutely! If you prefer nut-free cookies, simply leave out the chopped pecans or walnuts. The cookies will still be delicious and soft without them!
What If I Don’t Have Sour Cream?
No worries! You can substitute the sour cream with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or even buttermilk. Both options add moisture and a slight tang, maintaining the cookie’s deliciousness!
