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Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

4.6 from 84 reviews

Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar with a soft, cake-like cookie base topped with a sweet streusel and drizzled icing. Perfect for nostalgic fans and anyone seeking a warm, flavorful dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Dough

  • 1/2 cup Butter – Provides richness and moisture in the dough.
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil – Adds moisture and a tender texture; can be substituted with melted coconut oil.
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar – Sweetens and adds a hint of molasses flavor.
  • 1 large Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
  • 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon – Provides warm, aromatic spice.
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda – Leavening agent to help the cookies rise.
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Powder – Additional leavening for a soft texture.
  • 1/2 tsp Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies.

For the Streusel Topping

  • 1/4 cup Butter – Adds richness in the streusel topping.
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar – Sweetens and adds moisture.
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup Flour – Forms the crumbly texture; adjust for desired consistency.
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon – Adds flavor to the streusel.
  • Pinch of Salt – Enhances overall taste.

For the Icing

  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the icing and provides a smooth texture.
  • 1 tbsp Milk – Thins the icing to the desired consistency.
  • Splash Vanilla Extract – Adds flavor to the icing.

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to provide a non-stick surface and ensure even baking.
  2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter, vegetable oil, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually mix in the flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt just until combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
  3. Prepare the Streusel: In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt with a fork or fingers until crumbly and resembling wet sand.
  4. Shape the Cookies: Using a large cookie scoop, portion dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. With your fingers, create a small indent in the center of each cookie to hold the streusel topping.
  5. Fill with Streusel: Generously fill each cookie indent with the prepared streusel mixture, allowing it to slightly overflow for added texture and flavor.
  6. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are golden brown around the edges and slightly soft in the center. Watch closely as oven temperatures may vary.
  7. Finish with Icing: While cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies in a zigzag pattern to add sweetness and a finishing touch.

Notes

  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to retain softness.
  • Refrigerate cookies for up to 2 weeks; allow to come to room temperature before serving.
  • Freeze in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature.
  • Microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh softness before serving.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil in both dough and streusel.
  • To avoid tough cookies, mix dough just until ingredients are combined.
  • Make dough and streusel ahead and refrigerate separately; bake within 24 hours for best results.

Keywords: Gilmore Girls cookies, coffee cake cookies, cinnamon cookies, streusel topping cookies, soft cake-like cookies, easy dessert recipe