Description
Indulge in the perfect cozy treat with these Coffee Cake Cookies, inspired by the beloved Gilmore Girls. Featuring a rich browned butter cookie base, a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping, and a sweet vanilla glaze, these cookies bring the comforting flavors of coffee cake into a delightful handheld form. Perfect paired with your favorite cup of coffee for a warming snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Base:
- 1 stick butter, browned
- 160g all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp Morton’s Kosher salt
- 75g granulated sugar
- 85g packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Streusel Topping:
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 60g all-purpose flour
- 100g brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Vanilla Glaze:
- 115g confectioner’s sugar
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: In a light-colored pan over medium heat, melt the cubed butter and stir continuously with a wooden or rubber spoon. Allow it to foam and sizzle, then cook for another 5-8 minutes until the butter turns golden brown and emits a toasty, nutty aroma. Remove immediately from heat and transfer to a heat-proof container to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Preheat the oven to 375ºF. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. In a medium bowl, beat the browned butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and mix until just combined. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, scraping down the sides to ensure an even mix.
- Form and Chill Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Freeze the dough balls for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Make the Streusel: Combine nutmeg, cinnamon, brown sugar, flour, and salt in a bowl. Add melted butter and mix with a fork until the mixture resembles wet sand with clumps.
- Assemble Cookies: Remove dough balls from freezer and using a floured metal spoon, press the back of the spoon into each ball to create a small crater. Spoon the streusel topping into each crater, gently pressing the topping onto the dough.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until just set. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: Whisk confectioner’s sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the cooled cookies. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use a light-colored pan to better monitor the browning of the butter to prevent burning.
- Freezing the dough balls before baking helps maintain shape and improves texture.
- The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and milk with almond or oat milk.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
