Introduction

These Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies capture the cozy flavors of classic coffee cake in a handheld treat. With a tender, cinnamon-spiced dough, crumbly streusel topping, and a sweet vanilla glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

The image shows a close-up of several golden brown cookies on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a crumbly, textured topping in a light brown color that looks crunchy and uneven. Over the topping, there are smooth, white icing drizzles creating diagonal lines across the cookie surface. The cookie base itself has visible cracks, adding a rough texture. In the foreground, a drop of the white icing is seen near the cookie edge. The background shows more cookies, slightly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup Butter (Provides richness and moisture in the dough)
1/2 cup Vegetable Oil (Adds moisture and a tender texture)
1 cup Brown Sugar (Sweetens and adds a hint of molasses flavor)
1 large Egg (Binds the ingredients together and adds structure)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Enhances the overall flavor)
2 tsp Ground Cinnamon (Gives a warm, aromatic spice)
1/2 tsp Baking Soda (Leavening agent to help the cookies rise)
1/2 tsp Baking Powder (Additional leavening for a soft texture)
1/2 tsp Salt (Balances sweetness and enhances flavor)
2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Provides structure to the cookies)
1/4 cup Butter (Adds richness in the streusel topping)
1/4 cup Brown Sugar (Sweetens and adds moisture)
1/3 to 1/2 cup Flour (Forms the crumbly texture; adjust according to desired consistency)
1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon (Adds flavor to the streusel)
Pinch of Salt (Enhances overall taste)
1/2 cup Powdered Sugar (Sweetens the icing, providing a smooth texture)
1 tbsp Milk (Thins the icing to desired consistency)
Splash Vanilla Extract (Adds flavor to the icing)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, vegetable oil, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until crumbly to create the streusel topping.
Step 4: Scoop portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Use your finger or the back of a spoon to create a small indent in the center of each cookie.
Step 5: Fill each indent with a generous amount of the streusel mixture.
Step 6: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
Step 7: While the cookies cool slightly, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 8: Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies in a zigzag pattern. Allow the icing to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use light brown sugar in the dough and dark brown sugar in the streusel for a deeper molasses flavor.
Adjust the amount of flour in the streusel to achieve a crumbly but not dry texture.
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil and milk with almond milk.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften before serving. The icing may soften or melt when reheated, so enjoy warm or cooled based on preference.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a single cookie resting on a white marbled surface, showing two main layers: the base is a soft, light brown cookie with a rough, cracked texture, and the top layer is a crumbly streusel-like topping of a slightly darker brown color scattered unevenly on the cookie. A drizzle of thick, creamy white icing flows over the crumbly topping in loose, looping lines that shine slightly under the light. In the blurred background, two more cookies of the same kind can be seen, also set on the white marbled surface. 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 streusel topping up to 24 hours in advance. Store both separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze well. Freeze baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.