Name: Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491264H38M2S
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
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); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

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Introduction

These Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies bring the warm, cinnamon-spiced flavors of classic coffee cake into a soft, chewy cookie form. Perfect for pairing with your morning coffee or as an anytime treat, they combine a tender crumb with a crunchy streusel topping.

A white round plate filled with seven golden brown cookies stacked closely together. Each cookie has a rough, crinkled surface with a slightly darker brown cinnamon swirl mixed in. They are topped with small pieces of chopped nuts scattered across the tops, adding a crunchy texture. The warm colors of the cookies contrast softly against the smooth, white marbled surface underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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. 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 the dough.
Step 6: If using, fold in the chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips gently into the dough.
Step 7: To make the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, and 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 dough balls 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 centers remain soft.
Step 11: Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For extra warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the dry ingredients.
Swap the nuts for dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.
Use different chocolate chips like dark or white chocolate to vary the flavor.
Make the cookies dairy-free by substituting butter with a plant-based alternative.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes to regain their fresh-baked texture.

How to Serve

A white plate holds seven round cookies stacked and slightly overlapping. Each cookie has a golden brown base with a textured surface, sprinkled generously with broken white nut pieces and a light dusting of sugar, creating a slightly rough top layer. The cookies show a slightly darker, cinnamon-like swirl pattern across the golden surface, adding depth and contrast. The plate is set on a white marbled texture surface with a corner of a soft brown cloth visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.

What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?

You can use regular-sized chocolate chips, chopped chocolate, or omit chocolate altogether. The cookies are delicious either way!