These Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies are a sweet treat that combines soft cookies with a crunchy topping. Perfect for enjoying with a warm cup of coffee or tea!
These cookies remind me of cozy chats over coffee, just like Lorelai and Rory would have. I love to bake a batch and share them—trust me, your friends will ask for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness of the cookies. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine, but I find that butter adds a richer flavor.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a great crunchy texture. If you prefer a nut-free version or have allergies, feel free to omit them or substitute with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
Sour Cream: This ingredient keeps the cookies moist. If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great substitute and will work just as well without altering the flavor too much.
Glaze: The glaze adds a nice finishing touch. You can replace milk with plant-based milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just remember to adjust the amount for consistency!
How Do You Get the Best Texture for These Cookies?
The texture of your coffee cake cookies is crucial for that perfect bite! Start by properly creaming the butter and sugars together. This aerates the mixture, making your cookies light and fluffy.
- Beat the butter and sugars until the mixture is pale and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
- Don’t over-mix after adding the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined for soft, tender cookies.
- Pressing additional nuts on top not only enhances flavor but also gives an appealing finish!
Delectable Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, plus extra for topping
- 1 cup sour cream
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 15 minutes for preparation and about 12-15 minutes to bake, along with extra cooling time. So overall, you can have delicious cookies ready in about an hour if you factor in the cooling time for the glaze!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The fluffier the mix, the better your cookies will be!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they mix in well. After that, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely aroma and flavor to your cookies.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Combining these separately ensures everything blends together smoothly when you combine the wet and dry ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your cookies tender!
6. Add Sour Cream and Nuts:
Fold in the sour cream along with the chopped nuts. This will make your cookies moist and give them that delightful crunch.
7. Scoop the Dough:
Scoop tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each mound. They will spread a little, so give them some room!
8. Add Toppings:
Gently press some extra chopped nuts onto the tops of each cookie mound for that added crunch and visual appeal.
9. Bake:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the tops are set but still soft. They will continue to cook a bit as they cool, so don’t overdo it!
10. Cool Down:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes. After that, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare the Glaze:
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
12. Drizzle the Glaze:
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over them using a spoon or a piping bag for more control.
13. Let It Set:
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving so it hardens slightly.
Enjoy these soft and flavorful coffee cake cookies with your favorite cup of coffee or tea—just like the Gilmore Girls would!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture and taste slightly. To ensure better results, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in freezer bags.
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What is the Best Way to Drizzle the Glaze?
The easiest way to drizzle the glaze is to use a spoon, but for more precision, a piping bag or a squeeze bottle can give you a nice, clean look. If you don’t have either, you can simply cut a small corner off a zip-top bag and use that instead!
