If you’ve been searching for a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that pairs perfectly with your morning cup or afternoon pick-me-up, then this Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are delightfully soft with a beautiful crinkled surface dusted in powdered sugar, featuring the warm embrace of cinnamon and a subtle coffee kick that makes them utterly addictive. They’re simple to make but deliver that rich, comforting flavor combo you won’t want to share (though you’ll probably want to anyway).
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential — each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of taste, texture, and appearance. From the aromatic cinnamon to the rich cocoa powder, every component combines to create a cookie that’s as delicious as it is visually inviting.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and tenderness.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate depth without overpowering.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice to the cookie’s flavor profile.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and achieve that perfect crinkle.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness and moistness for a luscious bite.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances out the spices and coffee.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds the dough and adds moisture for softness.
- 2 tsp espresso powder or instant coffee granules: Elevates the flavor with a delightful coffee note.
- Powdered sugar (for rolling): Creates that signature powdered coating and crinkled look.
How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, line your baking sheets with parchment paper for a smooth, non-stick surface that makes removing the cookies a breeze. This initial setup ensures your cookies bake evenly with that perfect texture.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, and baking powder. This mix is crucial as it evenly distributes the flavors and leavening agents, setting the foundation for flavorful and well-risen cookies.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars. This process aerates the mixture, making it light and fluffy, which is key to achieving that tender crumb and subtle chewiness.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Coffee
Beat in the egg along with the espresso powder or instant coffee granules until smooth and fully incorporated. The coffee adds a gorgeous depth without overpowering, blending beautifully with the cinnamon and cocoa to create a complex, aromatic flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix — this step is about gently bringing everything together so your cookies stay tender instead of turning dense.
Step 6: Shape and Coat the Dough
Scoop the dough by tablespoonfuls and roll each into a ball. Then, generously roll those dough balls in powdered sugar until fully coated. This coating not only creates the iconic crinkle look but also adds a touch of sweetness with each bite.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the coated dough balls on your parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies are crinkled on top but soft in the center. Let them cool slightly on the sheet before transferring to wire racks to finish cooling.
How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies shine on their own, but you can really elevate them by dusting with a little extra cinnamon powder or a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate. A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts also adds a satisfying crunch and an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the coffee notes.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles with a rich latte, a frothy cappuccino, or even a cold glass of milk for the ultimate cookie experience. These cookies also work beautifully alongside a simple fresh fruit plate, like sliced apples or berries, bringing a fresh contrast to the spiced sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Arrange the crinkles in a rustic basket lined with a linen cloth or stack them in a glass jar with ribbons for a charming homemade gift. For a cozy gathering, serve them warm alongside a pot of coffee on a wooden board with small bowls of cinnamon sticks and sugar cubes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles in an airtight container at room temperature. They remain soft and flavorful for up to five days, making them perfect to enjoy throughout the week or share with friends and family.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies fresh longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled, uncoated cookie dough balls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive the tender softness of your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their texture beautifully, especially if they’ve been stored for a few days or thawed from the freezer.
FAQs
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of espresso powder?
While brewed coffee won’t provide the same intensity, you can substitute about 1 tablespoon of concentrated brewed coffee or espresso for the powder to add a mild coffee flavor. Just reduce any additional liquid in the dough accordingly to maintain texture.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The classic Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free by default. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends that measure cup-for-cup to make a version suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
You can adapt the recipe by swapping the butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil and using a flax egg or other egg replacer. Keep in mind texture and flavor might vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
Why do the cookies crack on top?
The powdered sugar coating reacts with the dough as it bakes, creating the signature crinkled surface. This happens because the outside dries faster than the inside, causing cracks to form — it’s exactly what you want for that gorgeous look!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans complement the cinnamon and coffee notes well. Mini chocolate chips also add wonderful bursts of sweetness. Just fold them in gently in step 5 before shaping the dough.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the way these Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe cookies come together—simple ingredients transforming into a cozy treat that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends, these cookies promise to bring a spark of joy and comfort to any day. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aromas of cinnamon and coffee!
Print
Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles, a perfect blend of rich cocoa, aromatic cinnamon, and a hint of espresso. These soft, fudgy cookies are rolled in powdered sugar for a beautiful crinkled finish, making them an irresistible treat for coffee and chocolate lovers alike.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 tsp espresso powder or instant coffee granules
For Rolling
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, and baking powder until evenly combined.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Add egg and espresso: Incorporate the room temperature egg and espresso powder or instant coffee granules into the creamed mixture, beating until fully combined and the batter is smooth.
- Combine dry and wet mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Form and coat dough balls: Scoop dough portions and roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to create the signature crinkled look after baking.
- Bake the cookies: Arrange the powdered sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies develop crinkled tops but remain soft in the center.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, preventing breakage and ensuring the perfect texture.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter and egg.
- Rolling the dough thoroughly in powdered sugar is key to achieving the classic crinkle effect.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
