These Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat! With a soft, chewy texture and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, they are perfect for any sweet tooth.
Enjoy them with your favorite cup of coffee, just like Lorelai and Rory would! 😄 I love making these on lazy afternoons—they’re easy to whip up and simply irresistible!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the cookie dough. You can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend if you’re looking to avoid gluten. I’ve found some brands work really well without compromising taste!
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key for the texture. If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute it with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. They both work nicely!
Sour Cream: It adds moisture and richness to the cookies. For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt. It gives a slight tang that complements the spices well.
Nuts: I love using pecans, but walnuts are great too! If you’re nut-free, just skip them or use a mix of seeds like sunflower seeds for that crunch.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and flavor. If you don’t have nutmeg, you can just use a little extra cinnamon in its place.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
The key to soft and chewy cookies is to bake them just until they start to set but remain soft in the center. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven well and keep an eye on the baking time. Start checking at the lower limit.
- Use an ice cream scoop for uniform size which helps them bake evenly.
- Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up just a little.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as too much mixing can lead to tougher cookies.
These tips will help you achieve that perfect chewy texture reminiscent of a delicious coffee cake! Enjoy baking!
Delectable Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, divided
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus about 10-12 minutes of baking. After baking, allow time for cooling and glazing, so total time on your hands will be about 45-60 minutes. Perfect for a cozy afternoon bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to get it nice and warm so your cookies bake perfectly! Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Easy cleanup is a bonus!
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps mix the dry ingredients evenly, so set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Then, stir in the sour cream until everything is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—this could make your cookies tough!
5. Fold in the Nuts:
Gently fold in 1/2 cup of the chopped pecans or walnuts. If you’re a nut fan, don’t be shy to add a bit more!
6. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix together the 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This sweet coating will give your cookies a delicious flavor boost!
7. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop out the dough by rounded tablespoons. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated evenly. This adds a lovely texture and flavor to the cookies.
8. Bake:
Place the rolled dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly set but the centers still look soft. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
9. Prepare the Glaze:
While the cookies are cooling, go ahead and make the glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk as needed to get your desired glaze consistency—thicker or thinner, you choose!
10. Drizzle the Glaze:
Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the tops and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped nuts on top for a lovely garnish. They’ll look as delightful as they taste!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before diving into these delicious cookies. Perfect with a warm cup of tea or coffee, just like the Gilmore Girls would enjoy!
This recipe blends the cozy flavors of classic coffee cake into sweet cookies, making them a fan favorite for anyone craving that warm, comforting bite. Happy baking!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar?
Absolutely! You can use all granulated sugar or substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it might slightly alter the texture and sweetness.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I Make These Cookies Without Nuts?
Yes, you can easily make these cookies nut-free! Just omit the nuts from the recipe or substitute them with chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even seeds for added texture.
Why Are My Cookies Flat?
Flat cookies could indicate that your butter was too warm when mixed or that the dough was overmixed. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and mix until just combined to keep them fluffy!