These Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies are a treat you won’t want to miss! They are sweet, soft, and packed with warm spices, perfect for coffee lovers or anyone with a sweet tooth.
Every bite feels like a cozy hug, especially while binge-watching your favorite show. They remind me of lazy mornings filled with good coffee and great chats—what’s not to love? ☕️
Plus, they are easy to make, so you can whip up a batch in no time. I like to enjoy mine fresh from the oven, but they taste great later too—if they last that long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is crucial for creating a rich and tender cookie. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter can work, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness. For a deeper flavor, consider using brown sugar instead, which will also add moisture.
Chopped Walnuts: They give a nice crunch and nutty flavor. If you have nut allergies, you can leave them out or substitute with rolled oats or sunflower seeds for crunch without the nuts.
Cinnamon: Essential for that coffee cake vibe! If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you could try nutmeg or even pumpkin spice for a different twist.
How Can You Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
The key to get these cookies just right lies in your mixing and baking methods. Start by creaming the butter and sugar well; this incorporates air, resulting in a fluffy texture.
- Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients. This will keep the cookies tender.
- Check your cookies at the lower end of the baking time. They should look lightly golden but still soft in the center—they’ll firm up as they cool!
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them keep their shape.
These tips should lead you to a warm, comforting batch of cookies perfect for anytime snacking or sharing with friends over coffee. Enjoy your baking!
Delectable Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Streusel Topping:
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, plus some time to cool before drizzling on the glaze. In total, expect about 45 minutes until you can savor these delicious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). To prevent sticking, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the chopped walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until it’s crumbly. Set aside this delicious topping for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until well mixed.
6. Mix Dry Into Wet:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
7. Form Cookies:
Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
8. Top Cookies with Streusel:
Press about a tablespoon of the streusel mixture onto the top of each cookie. It will give them a beautiful texture and flavor!
9. Bake:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops look set. Keep an eye on them!
10. Cool Cookies:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare Glaze:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. You can adjust the milk to reach your desired drizzle consistency.
12. Drizzle Glaze Over Cookies:
Once the cookies are cool, use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the glaze artfully over the top of each cookie.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. These delightful Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies are best enjoyed with a warm cup of coffee or tea!
With their moist cake-like texture and sweet cinnamon-walnut crunch, these cookies are sure to be a favorite. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in this recipe. Just be sure to use a good quality margarine that has a similar consistency to butter for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them, but they may lose some of their softness.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum or ensure to add it as needed!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the sugar in the cookie base by 1/4 cup without compromising the texture too much. Adjust the glaze accordingly for your taste as well!