Name: Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 120g unsalted butter, at room temperature; 80ml sunflower oil; 170g light brown sugar; 1 large, free range egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1 tsp baking powder; 350g plain flour; 50g unsalted butter, at room temperature; 40g light brown sugar; 75g plain flour; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 100g icing sugar; 1 tsp water (adjust as needed for consistency)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re a fan of cozy, cinnamon-spiced treats that feel like a warm hug straight from Stars Hollow, then these Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies are your new best friend. Picture all the nostalgic flavors of a classic coffee cake rolled into perfectly portioned cookie form — tender, buttery dough with a crunchy cinnamon-ginger streusel topping and a sweet vanilla glaze to finish. These delightful cookies capture everything that makes Gilmore Girls so lovable and are perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or sharing with friends during a fun binge session.

Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the ingredient list fool you; these Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies come together with simple pantry staples that bring delicious depth to the flavor and texture. Each component plays a role in making the cookies tender, flavorful, and full of that irresistible coffee cake charm.

Unsalted butter (120g and 50g): Makes the dough rich and the streusel crumbly with a buttery finish.
Sunflower oil (80ml): Adds moistness and soft texture to keep the cookies tender.
Light brown sugar (170g and 40g): Brings caramel-like sweetness and moisture to both dough and streusel.
Large, free range egg (1): Binds ingredients together and adds a subtle richness.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances sweetness and adds warmth to the dough.
Cinnamon (2 tsp and 1/2 tsp): A classic spice that gives these cookies their iconic coffee cake flavor.
Ground ginger (1 tsp and 1/2 tsp): Adds a gentle, spicy kick that perfectly complements cinnamon.
Nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Rounds out the spice blend with a hint of earthiness.
Baking powder (1 tsp): Gives the cookies a light, slightly puffy rise.
Plain flour (350g and 75g): The foundation for both the cookie dough and streusel, balancing structure and tenderness.
Icing sugar (100g): For the sweet vanilla drizzle that ties everything together.
Water (1 tsp): Used to achieve the perfect consistency for the icing drizzle.

How to Make Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 175C and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prep ensures even baking and easy cleanup, setting you up for success right from the beginning.

Step 2: Cream Together the Base Ingredients

In your stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, and sunflower oil. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this creates the perfect base for your cookie dough with great texture and sweetness. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined to keep that lovely tender crumb.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients and Chill

Whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg. Gradually add this spiced flour mix to your wet ingredients and stir until just combined. To help the dough hold up during baking and enhance those cozy flavors, chill the dough in the fridge for one hour while you prepare the streusel topping.

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

Combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, plain flour, and spices in a bowl. Use your fingers to rub the ingredients together until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs that clump easily when pressed. If it feels too wet, add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the perfect crumbly texture is achieved—this topping will add that signature crunch and spice burst on every cookie.

Step 5: Shape and Fill Your Cookies

Remove the dough from the fridge and scoop generous mounds onto the prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop—or roll golf ball-sized pieces by hand. Make sure to leave about 2 inches between each cookie so they have space to spread. Using the back of a small spoon, press a shallow indent in the center of each dough mound and generously fill it with the streusel topping. Don’t be shy here; the streusel will spread as the cookies bake, creating that delightful coffee cake effect.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the trays in the oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges with a soft center. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes so they firm up slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is essential for handling and glazing.

Step 7: Add the Glaze Finishing Touch

Mix the icing sugar with water in a small bowl until you get a smooth, drizzling consistency—adjust with a little more icing sugar or water as needed. Using a teaspoon, drizzle the glaze artistically over each cookie. Let the glaze set fully before enjoying, so you get that perfect sweet finish every time.

How to Serve Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies

Garnishes

Though the glaze already adds a lovely shine and sweetness, you can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for an added touch of spice. Toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar work beautifully too if you want to elevate presentation with a simple flourish.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a frothy chai latte to channel that classic Gilmore Girls café vibe perfectly. For a little something special, serve with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream on the side—ideal for a cozy brunch or afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering these coffee cake cookies with vanilla bean ice cream to create an indulgent ice cream sandwich, or crumble them over yogurt or even baked apples for a delightful crunch. They also make charming edible gifts when wrapped in cellophane tied with a ribbon—perfect for friends who love all things Gilmore Girls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keep the container out of direct sunlight to prevent the glaze from melting or becoming sticky. They stay soft and flavorful, ready whenever you want a nostalgic treat.

Freezing

If you want to make these Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies ahead of time, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container once firm. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy them like freshly baked.

Reheating

To revive the warm, freshly-baked feel, pop frozen or stored cookies in a 160C oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This brings back their tender texture and intensifies the spices beautifully—just like Lorelai would want!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of oil instead of sunflower oil?

Absolutely! Vegetable or canola oil works well as a substitute since they have neutral flavors that won’t overpower the spices and sweetness in the cookies.

How do I prevent the streusel topping from sinking into the cookie?

Chilling the dough before baking and making sure the streusel is crumbly and not too wet helps keep it on top for a beautiful crunch after baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Be aware that texture might vary slightly but the flavors will still shine.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Too warm butter or too much oil can cause excess spreading. Make sure the butter is at room temperature but not melted, and chill the dough before baking to keep the cookies thick and soft.

Can I omit the glaze?

Definitely! The cookies are delicious on their own with the streusel topping. The glaze adds extra sweetness and visual appeal but it’s not essential for great flavor.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies combine everything you love about coffee cake into a fun, handheld treat that’s perfect for everyday indulgence or special Gilmore-inspired moments. Give this recipe a try next time you want to feel cozy, comforted, and just a little bit spoiled — you’ll be hooked on their cinnamon-spiced magic before you know it!

Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 24 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful blend of soft, spiced cookie dough topped with a buttery streusel and a sweet icing drizzle. Inspired by the cozy flavors of classic coffee cake, this recipe delivers a perfect treat for any coffee lover or fan of the beloved TV show. With warm cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, these cookies bring comforting, nostalgic flavors in every bite.

Instructions

Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside to ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
Cream the wet ingredients: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand whisk, cream together the 120g butter, light brown sugar, and sunflower oil until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Add dry ingredients to dough: In a separate bowl, combine the plain flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.
Prepare the streusel topping: In a bowl, combine the 50g butter, light brown sugar, plain flour, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Rub the butter into the dry ingredients with your fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. It should be crumbly but hold together when pressed. If too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time to reach the right consistency.
Portion the cookie dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form golf ball-sized portions and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Add streusel to each cookie: With a small spoon, make a shallow indent in the center of each dough ball. Generously fill each indent with the streusel mixture, as the cookies will spread during baking.
Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the icing drizzle: In a small bowl, mix the icing sugar with water until you achieve a smooth drizzle consistency. Adjust by adding more icing sugar if too thin, or more water if too thick.
Drizzle icing over cooled cookies: Using a small spoon, drizzle the icing over the completely cooled cookies. Allow the icing to set before serving.

Notes

Chilling the dough is important to prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Adjust the spices according to your preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
For a richer flavor, you can substitute sunflower oil with melted coconut oil or light olive oil.
Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before drizzling icing to prevent melting.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American