Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe

If there’s ever been a cookie destined to win hearts and perk up your afternoon, it’s these Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles. They bring together warm cinnamon spice, the satisfying buzz of coffee, and a melt-in-your-mouth, crinkled exterior dusted with snowy sugar—truly, a cookie that’s as cozy as your favorite café on a rainy day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles comes from a handful of classic pantry staples—each one playing a starring role. Here’s why these ingredients matter and how they make these cookies so special.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone for tender, chewy cookies—nothing fancy needed.
• Ground cinnamon: Warms up the dough with spice, giving that signature cozy aroma.
• Baking powder: Provides just enough lift for the crinkle effect without making the cookies cakey.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the depth of all the flavors.
• Instant coffee granules: The secret ingredient for true coffee flavor—easy to find and no brewing required.
• Vanilla extract: Adds softness and rounds out the spice and coffee notes.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Creates a moist, slightly fudgy texture and helps the crinkles form as they bake.
• Brown sugar: Adds rich caramel undertones and keeps the cookies soft.
• Egg: Binds everything together and gives structure to each dreamy bite.
• Granulated sugar: The first layer for rolling, helping create a classic crackled finish.
• Powdered sugar: The second, snowy layer for extra sweet crinkles and picture-perfect looks.

Variations

Part of the fun of baking Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles is making them your own—whether you’re catering to a dietary preference or just feeling creative. Here are some easy twists that’ll keep things fresh every time you bake.

• Mocha Crinkles: Stir in half a cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent mocha version.
• Spiced Chai Crinkles: Replace half the cinnamon with ground ginger and cardamom for a chai-inspired twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies accessible for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Extra Crunch: Add a handful of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the dough for a nutty bite.

How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This step evenly distributes the leavening and spice, making sure every cookie bakes up with that perfect crinkle and warm flavor.

Step 2: Dissolve the Coffee

In a small bowl, combine the instant coffee granules and the vanilla extract, stirring until the coffee has dissolved. This intensifies the coffee flavor, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the dough and giving the Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles their bold, unmistakable character.

Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the melted unsalted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and shiny. Then, add in the egg and your freshly mixed coffee-vanilla blend, stirring until everything looks luscious and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently just until you no longer see dry flour. The dough will look soft and feel a bit sticky—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want for tender crinkles.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and let your dough chill out in the fridge for 30 minutes. This quick chill firms things up, making the cookies easier to roll and helping the crackly top develop in the oven.

Step 6: Roll & Coat the Dough

Using a small scoop or spoon, shape the chilled dough into bite-sized balls. Roll each one first in granulated sugar, then in a generous coating of powdered sugar. The double-rolling is what gives Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles their iconic, snowy crinkle effect.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Arrange your sugar-rolled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart to let them spread. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, just until the cookies are puffed and gorgeously crinkled.

Step 8: Cool & Enjoy!

Let the Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes—this helps them set—then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy while still warm, or let them cool fully for perfect pairing with your favorite mug.

How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles

Garnishes

While these Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles are plenty eye-catching on their own, a little garnish can make them extra special! Try a light dusting of additional powdered sugar just before serving, or add a tiny pinch of cinnamon on top for a pop of color and warmth.

Side Dishes

There’s no wrong companion for a cookie, but a cup of hot coffee (naturally!) or spicy chai makes Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles shine. For a cozy dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn snack time into something more decadent.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, tuck these cookies into a patterned tin lined with parchment and tie up with a ribbon—they always impress! Or, arrange them on a rustic wooden board with coffee beans and cinnamon sticks scattered for a striking, seasonal centerpiece at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, store your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly soft for up to four days—if you don’t eat them all first!

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies, layered between parchment sheets, for up to two months. If you prefer, freeze the dough balls (before rolling in sugar) and thaw just before rolling and baking for fresh cookies any time the craving hits.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or gently warm a few in a low oven. The center turns ultra-soft and the aroma is practically irresistible.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so comforting (and a little bit magical) about Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles. I hope you treat yourself to a batch soon—whether you share them with loved ones or keep them all to yourself, every bite is a little celebration of cozy afternoons and the pure joy of homemade cookies. Happy baking!

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