Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies combine the cozy flavors of cinnamon streusel with a soft, tender cookie base. Perfect for anyone who loves the classic coffee cake taste in a handheld treat, they make an excellent snack or dessert to enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee.

Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Step 6: If desired, fold in the chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips into the dough.
- Step 7: To make the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Drizzle the melted butter over the top and mix until crumbly.
- Step 8: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough and place it on the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Step 9: Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each cookie dough ball.
- Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Step 11: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with extra chocolate chips.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dry ingredients for a deeper warm spice flavor.
- If you prefer a crispier cookie, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes but watch closely to avoid overbaking.
- Use maple sugar or coconut sugar as a substitute for brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
Storage
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to one week. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it back to room temperature slightly if it’s too firm to scoop easily.
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Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful treat combining the soft, cakey texture of coffee cake with the convenience and size of cookies. These cookies feature a tender cinnamon-spiced dough loaded with optional nuts and mini chocolate chips, topped with a sweet, buttery streusel for extra crunch. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, they bring the beloved flavors of classic coffee cake into a handheld form.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is combined evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute all the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which could make the cookies tough.
- Add Nuts and Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips if using, to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Make Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and stir until it forms a crumbly streusel topping.
- Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Add Streusel Topping: Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each cookie dough ball to create a sweet, crunchy topping after baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool Cookies: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely, which helps them set and prevents breakage.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts.
- You can substitute mini chocolate chips with dried cranberries or raisins for a different flavor profile.
- Make sure not to overmix the dough once flour is incorporated to keep the cookies tender.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Using parchment paper or silicone baking mats ensures easy removal and cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: coffee cake cookies, Gilmore Girls recipe, streusel topping cookies, cinnamon cookies, nutty cookies, chocolate chip cookies

