Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies perfectly combine the tender crumb of coffee cake with the convenience of a cookie. Soft, cinnamon-spiced, and topped with a buttery streusel, they’re a delightful treat for any time of day.

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 3–4 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. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Step 6: If desired, fold in the chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips into the dough for extra texture and flavor.
- 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 mixture and stir until crumbly.
- Step 8: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 9: Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each cookie dough ball.
- Step 10: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Step 11: Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute with extra chocolate chips or dried fruit.
- Using room temperature butter helps achieve a smooth, creamy batter that bakes up tender.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for additional warm spice notes.
- These cookies freeze well—place cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To refresh, warm the cookies slightly in the microwave or oven before serving to bring back that freshly baked softness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use margarine or another type of fat instead of butter?
Butter provides the best flavor and texture for these cookies, but you can use margarine or a butter substitute in equal amounts. Keep in mind it may slightly affect the taste and texture.
How do I prevent the streusel topping from falling off?
Press the streusel gently onto the tops of the cookie dough balls before baking to help it adhere better. Also, don’t overbake to keep the topping intact and crumbly.
Print
Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies combine the best of coffee cake and cookies into one delightful treat. Soft and tender with a cinnamon-spiced streusel topping, these cookies deliver the comforting flavors of classic coffee cake in an easy-to-make cookie form. Optional chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips add texture and bursts of sweetness, making them perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then stir in the vanilla extract until evenly combined.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid dense cookies.
- Add Nuts and Chocolate Chips: If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips into the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and stir until crumbly to create the streusel topping.
- Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Add Streusel: Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each cookie dough ball for that signature coffee cake crunch and flavor.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft and tender.
- Cool: 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, ensuring they firm up and hold their shape.
Notes
- You can substitute nuts with your favorite variety or omit them for a nut-free version.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help control spreading if desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute butter with vegan butter and ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies, coffee cake cookies, cinnamon streusel cookies, soft cookies, chocolate chip cookies, nut cookies, baking cookies

