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Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe

Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe

5 from 23 reviews

These Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies combine the delightful flavors of a classic coffee cake with the convenience of a cookie, featuring a crumbly cinnamon-nutmeg topping and an optional sweet glaze. Perfect for a cozy treat inspired by the beloved TV show, these cookies blend soft, tender dough with a crunchy topping and a subtle hint of almond for extra depth.

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 the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in the cold butter cubes using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate the topping for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. 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 just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  4. Add Sour Cream: Gently fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until the dough is smooth and cohesive. Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid even baking.
  6. Portion Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of the chilled cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately to allow for spreading. Gently flatten each ball slightly with your fingers for even baking.
  7. Add Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the chilled crumble topping generously over the top of each cookie, pressing lightly to adhere.
  8. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender.
  9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps the crumbs and cookies set properly.
  10. Prepare Glaze (Optional): While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or brewed coffee, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the liquid quantity to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
  11. Glaze Cookies: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies evenly using a spoon or a piping bag. Let the glaze set completely before serving to add a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

  • For a stronger coffee flavor in the glaze, use brewed espresso or strong coffee instead of milk.
  • Almond extract is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor; omit it if you prefer a more traditional coffee cake taste.
  • Chilling the dough and crumble topping enhances texture and flavor by allowing butter to firm up, preventing spread during baking.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • If Greek yogurt is used instead of sour cream, opt for plain full-fat to maintain moisture and tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Gilmore Girls, coffee cake cookies, crumble topping, cinnamon nutmeg cookies, soft cookies, sweet glaze