Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe

If you are craving a cookie that’s bursting with aromatic warmth and a delightful hint of coffee, these Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles are going to become your new favorite treat. Imagine soft, tender cookies coated in a crackly sugar crust, where the cozy spice of cinnamon mingles perfectly with robust coffee notes. They are quick to whip up, wonderfully satisfying, and the perfect companion to your morning cup or afternoon pick-me-up. Once you try these Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles, you’ll be hooked on their comforting flavor and delightful texture, making them a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles means gathering a few simple yet essential ingredients that create a balanced symphony of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the aromatic cinnamon and vibrant coffee to the sugars that give the cookies their irresistible crackle.

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure and softness to the cookies.
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy warmth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the dough rise just enough to be soft and tender.
• ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor complexity.
• 2 tbsp instant coffee granules: Infuses a rich, deep coffee essence without overpowering the cinnamon.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the aroma and rounds out the taste beautifully.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings moisture and a lush, buttery richness to the batter.
• ¾ cup brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and keeps the cookies tender.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds to the soft texture.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates the first sugary layer for the characteristic crackle.
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (for rolling): Provides a beautiful snowy coating and adds a gentle sweetness.

How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and encourage even baking. Then, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix ensures your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving each cookie a perfect rise and consistent flavor.

Step 2: Dissolve the Coffee in Vanilla

In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in the vanilla extract. This step is key to unlocking the full coffee aroma in the cookies. The vanilla helps smooth out the coffee’s boldness, creating a lovely balance that shines through in every bite.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Combine the melted butter and brown sugar in a large bowl and whisk until smooth and slightly glossy. This mixture provides richness and a subtle sweetness foundation. Beat in the egg, followed by the coffee and vanilla mixture, stirring everything until fully blended and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and avoid overworking the dough. The dough will be slightly sticky and soft, perfect for shaping into balls.

Step 5: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Dough

Form the dough into small, evenly sized balls—about one inch in diameter works well. Roll each ball first in the granulated sugar, which gives the first layer of sweet crunch, then immediately roll in powdered sugar for that iconic crinkly appearance. This double sugar coating not only looks pretty but also enhances the texture contrast between crisp outside and soft inside.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart so they can spread without merging. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies have puffed up and the tops show beautiful cracks dusted with powdered sugar. Let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles

Garnishes

These Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles are stunning on their own, but if you want to add a little extra flair, sprinkle a tiny dash of cinnamon sugar over the top after baking. A light drizzle of melted white chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder can also complement the coffee flavor beautifully, making your cookies look as delightful as they taste.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a creamy latte, spiced chai, or a classic black coffee to enhance their rich coffee notes. They also pair wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist that’s both warm and indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming gift or party platter, arrange your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles in a glass jar layered with a few vanilla pods or cinnamon sticks for extra aroma. Tying a rustic ribbon around the jar adds a personal touch that says you put effort into this homemade treat. Alternatively, stack them on a beautiful plate or tiered tray for an inviting dessert spread that’s sure to wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place your leftover Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay soft and flavorful for up to a week. Storing them properly is key to maintaining that perfect crackly exterior without drying out the tender inside.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either baked or unbaked. For baked cookies, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. For dough, shape the balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag; just bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

When you want to enjoy your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles fresh out of the oven again, gently warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back their fresh-baked softness and warmth, revitalizing all those tempting spices and coffee flavors.

FAQs

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?

Instant coffee granules are preferred because they dissolve easily and do not add liquid, maintaining the dough’s consistency. Using brewed coffee might make the dough too wet, but if you must, reduce some of the liquid in the recipe accordingly.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

To make Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles vegan, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and ensure your sugars are vegan-friendly. The flavor will still shine through beautifully!

Why do the cookies crack during baking?

The crackling on the surface is what makes these cookies so special! It happens because the coated sugars on the surface dry and harden while the interior dough expands, creating those charming fissures that give Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles their signature look.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans or some mini chocolate chips will add texture and richness. Fold them gently into the final dough before shaping and rolling in sugar for a tasty twist.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly, but the flavor of Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles will still be delightful.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles that feels both cozy and a little sophisticated at the same time. The melding of cinnamon’s warmth with that unmistakable coffee kick results in cookies that are as tempting to bake as they are to eat. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share these lovely treats with your loved ones, turning any ordinary day into a comforting celebration of flavor and sweetness.

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