Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies combine the best of coffee cake and cookies into one delightful treat. With a cinnamon-spiced dough, a crunchy streusel topping, and optional chocolate chips or nuts, these cookies are perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon snacks.

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.
- 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: Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each cookie dough ball.
- Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 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 to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Try adding a handful of dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture and extra flavor.
- Use a mixture of half white and half brown sugar to enhance the depth of sweetness.
- If you prefer a richer streusel, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the topping mixture.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave or oven to restore their softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help deepen the flavors and make the cookies even better.
PrintGilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies combine the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon streusel coffee cake with the convenience of soft, chewy cookies. These buttery, cinnamon-infused treats are topped with a crunchy streusel made from brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the perfect balance of textures and sweetness. Ideal for breakfast or a delightful snack, they feature optional chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips for added richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 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, about 3-4 minutes. This process incorporates air for tender cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully combine them. Stir in the vanilla extract until incorporated for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 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 mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Optional Add-ins: If desired, fold in the chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
- Make Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Drizzle the melted butter over and stir until the mixture is crumbly, creating the classic streusel texture.
- Scoop Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Add Streusel Topping: Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each cookie dough ball, covering them for extra crunch and cinnamon flavor.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden but centers remain soft and chewy for perfect texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts.
- Mini chocolate chips add a delightful sweetness but can be left out for a traditional coffee cake flavor.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
Keywords: coffee cake cookies, cinnamon streusel cookies, Gilmore Girls cookies, soft cookies, baking cinnamon cookies, coffee cake inspired dessert

