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Curl up with the ultimate Stars Hollow-inspired treat These coffee cake cookies are everything you love about a classic cinnamon crumb coffee cake packed into an irresistibly cozy dessert that is perfect for Thanksgiving or whenever you want a bit of Lorelai-and-Rory comfort
Ingredients
- Softened butter: Brings richness and keeps the cookies soft Choose high fat European style if you want extra decadence
- Vegetable oil: Adds moisture for a cake texture Use a neutral flavored oil
- Brown sugar: Deepens the caramel notes Opt for dark brown sugar for bolder taste
- Egg: Provides structure and richness Fresh farm eggs make the difference
- Vanilla: Lends warmth and complexity Choose real vanilla extract over imitation
- Cinnamon: This makes the cookie Use fresh cinnamon for more punch
- Baking soda and baking powder: Ensures gentle rise and lightness Replace regularly for best results
- Salt: Balances and sharpens sweetness Kosher salt gives more control
- All purpose flour: Structure for the cookies Sift to avoid lumps use quality flour for softer cookies
- For the streusel
- Softened butter: Crumbly topping magic
- Brown sugar: Extra hit of caramel flavor
- All purpose flour: Binds it all together Add gradually for perfect crumble
- Cinnamon: Again do not skimp
- Pinch of salt: To bring balance
- For the icing
- Powdered sugar: Smooth sweet topping Make sure it is lump free
- Milk: Thins the icing to drizzle
- Vanilla: A hint of flavor
Step by Step Instructions
- Craft the Cinnamon Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl blend softened butter vegetable oil and brown sugar Mix until light and fluffy for about two to three minutes by hand or with an electric mixer This step is key for the tender cookie texture
- Add Egg and Vanilla:
- Crack in the egg and pour in vanilla Beat until the mixture is completely smooth and shiny
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Sift flour baking soda baking powder salt and cinnamon in a separate bowl Add into wet mixture in batches Stir with a spatula just until combined Do not overmix to keep cookies soft
- Prepare Streusel:
- In a small bowl work together softened butter brown sugar flour cinnamon and pinch of salt Use your fingertips for a sandy yet clumping texture Adjust flour one tablespoon at a time to get perfect crumbles
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop dough into large rounds and place them on a lined baking sheet About two inches apart Use your thumb or back of the scoop to make a well in each ball
- Fill with Streusel:
- Pile a generous amount of streusel into the indentation of each dough ball Press lightly so it sticks
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for ten to twelve minutes The cookies should be pale golden and set at the edges Cool on the sheet several minutes
- Make the Icing:
- Whisk together powdered sugar milk and a dash of vanilla until smooth Drizzle over slightly warm or cooled cookies in zigzags for a coffee cake effect
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Storage Tips
Store cookies in an airtight tin at room temperature for up to four days Freeze baked cookies wrapped in parchment for up to a month Just thaw and drizzle with fresh icing when ready to serve
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap vegetable oil for melted coconut oil for a subtle flavor twist If you are out of brown sugar blend white sugar with a teaspoon of molasses for a quick fix Almond extract replaces vanilla for a nutty depth try it in the icing too
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a piping hot mug of coffee or chai for the ultimate Gilmore Girls binge night Stack two cookies with a smear of cream cheese frosting in between for a decadent treat
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A Taste of Stars Hollow
These cookies capture the nostalgic feel of a homemade coffee cake but in the playful spirit of Gilmore Girls and their love for quirky comfort food They are perfect for breakfast dessert or just a cozy pick me up while rewatching favorite episodes
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives these cookies their cinnamon flavor?
The cinnamon flavor comes from both the dough and the streusel topping, where ground cinnamon is blended into the mixture to create warm, aromatic notes throughout.
- → How do I achieve the perfect streusel texture?
Combine butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt until the streusel sticks together yet remains crumbly. Adjust the flour gradually if needed to get the ideal crumbly texture.
- → What is the best way to form the cookies?
Use a large cookie scoop to portion the dough into balls, then make an indent on top using the back of the scoop or your fingers before filling with streusel for a flavorful center.
- → How long should the cookies bake?
Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until they turn golden, ensuring a tender interior with a slightly crisp exterior.
- → How is the icing prepared and applied?
Whip together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and runny. Once the cookies have cooled slightly, drizzle the icing generously over the top for a sweet finish.