Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe
Introduction
These Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies capture the cozy flavors of a classic coffee cake in a delightful cookie form. They combine a tender, flavorful dough with a cinnamon-spiced crumble topping and an optional sweet glaze for an irresistible treat.

Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or strong brewed coffee
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the crumble topping by whisking together 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Cut in the cold butter cubes until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate while you prepare the dough.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and almond extract if using.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Step 4: Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until just incorporated. Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 6: Drop rounded tablespoons of chilled cookie dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them apart. Gently flatten each cookie with your hand or the back of a spoon.
- Step 7: Generously sprinkle the chilled crumble topping over each cookie.
- Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 10: To make the optional glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more liquid as needed.
- Step 11: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use strong brewed coffee instead of milk in the glaze.
- Chilling the dough thoroughly helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the texture.
- Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to soften before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the crumble topping ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crumble topping a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to use. This makes assembling the cookies quicker.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream, providing similar moisture and tanginess in the dough.
PrintGilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe
These Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies combine the best of two classic treats: the tender, cinnamon-spiced crumble topping of a coffee cake paired with the soft, flavorful cookie base. With a hint of almond extract and an optional sweet glaze, these cookies offer the perfect balance of buttery, sweet, and subtly spiced flavors. Ideal for a cozy snack or a casual dessert inspired by the beloved TV show.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or strong brewed coffee
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- 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 cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate this crumble topping for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract and almond extract if using for added flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Then, fold in sour cream or Greek yogurt until the dough comes together smoothly.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and enhance texture.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for spreading. Gently flatten each mound of dough slightly with the back of a spoon or fingers.
- Add Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the chilled crumble topping generously over each cookie, ensuring the topping clings well to the softened dough.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges develop a golden brown color and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Glaze (Optional): While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or strong brewed coffee, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and pourable. Adjust the liquid amount to reach your preferred glaze consistency.
- Glaze the Cookies: Drizzle the prepared glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Allow the glaze to set before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with margarine and use dairy-free yogurt.
- The almond extract is optional but adds a lovely complementary flavor to the vanilla.
- Using strong brewed coffee in the glaze adds a subtle coffee flavor for an extra touch of richness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Ensure the crumble topping is well chilled before sprinkling to help it maintain its texture while baking.
Keywords: Gilmore Girls, Coffee Cake Cookies, crumble topping, cinnamon cookies, homemade cookies, glazed cookies, dessert, American cookies

