Print

Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe

4.5 from 90 reviews

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.

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 cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate this crumble topping for at least 30 minutes to set.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and enhance texture.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Add Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the chilled crumble topping generously over each cookie, ensuring the topping clings well to the softened dough.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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