Name: Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles: Your Cozy New Favorite Cookie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 72 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (Ensure it's measured properly to avoid dense cookies.); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (Use fresh ground for the best flavor.); 1 teaspoon baking powder (Make sure it's not expired for optimal leavening.); a pinch salt (Enhances flavor balance.); 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules (Can substitute with espresso powder.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Use pure extract for the best flavor.); 0.5 cups unsalted butter (Can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.); 1 cup brown sugar (Light or dark depending on preference.); 1 large egg (Can be substituted with a flax egg.); 0.5 cups granulated sugar (Creates a sweet crust.); 0.5 cups powdered sugar (Adds sweetness and visual appeal.)

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A lingering aroma of cinnamon and coffee fills the air as I pull these irresistible Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles from the oven, their crinkled tops dusted with powdered sugar. There’s something magical about biting into a cookie that’s both soft and chewy, creating the perfect companion for your morning brew or afternoon tea. These cookies are not only easy to make but are also ideal for sharing with friends or family—no one can resist their cozy charm! Plus, they’re a delightful twist on your standard coffee cookie, elevating your baking game with just a few simple ingredients. Don’t you want to learn how you can whip up a batch of these delightful treats that will have everyone coming back for seconds? Let’s dive into the recipe together!

Why are Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles irresistible?

Soft, Chewy Texture: Each bite offers a delightful softness that melts in your mouth, making them hard to resist.

Warm Spice & Coffee Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and instant coffee creates a cozy, aromatic experience that pairs perfectly with your favorite beverage.

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up without a hitch!

Perfect for Sharing: Bring joy to gatherings as these cookies disappear quickly—everyone will love their delightful crinkled tops!

Customizable Variations: Enhance your baking by adding chocolate chips or experimenting with spices, as seen in my Cinnamon Zucchini Coffee and Coffee Protein Shake recipes!

Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies; ensure it’s measured properly to avoid dense cookies.
• Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and spiciness; use fresh ground for the best flavor.
• Baking powder – Helps the cookies rise; make sure it’s not expired for optimal leavening.
• Salt – Enhances flavor balance; a small pinch is essential for taste.
• Instant coffee granules – Infuses a strong coffee flavor; can substitute with espresso powder for a richer coffee taste.
• Vanilla extract – Adds sweet and aromatic notes; use pure extract for the best flavor.
• Unsalted butter – Provides fat for moisture and richness; can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• Brown sugar – Contributes moisture and a slight caramel flavor; light or dark brown sugar can be used depending on preference.
• Large egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture; can be substituted with a flax egg for a vegan option.

For Rolling
• Granulated sugar – Creates a sweet crust and enhances texture.
• Powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and visual appeal, making your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles irresistible!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This dry mixture will provide the structure and flavor foundation for your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles. Ensure the ingredients are well combined before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Prepare Coffee Mixture
In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules into 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until fully incorporated, creating a rich coffee flavor that will elevate your cookies. This combination will infuse your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles with a delightful, aromatic essence when added to the batter.

Step 3: Beat Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together ½ cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Be sure to blend well for a few minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve thoroughly before adding in 1 large egg and the prepared coffee mixture. This step ensures your wet ingredients are light and fluffy, creating a rich base.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, using a spatula or wooden spoon to mix gently. Combine until just combined; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky, perfect for your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles. Avoid overmixing to maintain that delightful chewy texture these cookies are known for.

Step 5: Chill Dough
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling not only firms up the dough but also enhances the crinkles, helping them achieve their signature look when baked. This step is crucial for making it easier to handle the dough later on.

Step 6: Roll Cookies
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar, creating a beautiful contrast on your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles that adds visual appeal.

Step 7: Bake
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced a couple of inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until they are crinkled and set. Keep an eye on them; they should have a lightly crisp exterior while remaining soft and chewy inside, which is the hallmark of a perfect cookie.

Step 8: Cool
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, use a spatula to transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling time allows the flavors to settle, giving you the ultimate Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles to enjoy with your favorite beverage.

Storage Tips for Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles

Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their soft and chewy texture.

Fridge: For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped to prevent drying out.

Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw slightly before rolling in sugar and baking straight from the freezer.

Reheating: To enjoy your cookies warm, briefly microwave them for 10-15 seconds, bringing back that cozy, fresh-out-of-the-oven feel that makes Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles so irresistible!

Expert Tips for Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles

**Chill Dough: ** Make sure to chill your dough for at least 30 minutes; this helps achieve the signature crinkles and makes rolling easier.
Avoid Overmixing: To keep your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles soft and chewy, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Quality Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients, especially ground cinnamon and instant coffee, to elevate the flavor of your cookies significantly.
Proper Measuring: Measure your flour accurately to avoid dense cookies. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure the right amount every time.
Storage Tips: Once baked, store cookies in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to a week—if they last that long!

Make Ahead Options

Busy home cooks will love that these Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours to save valuable time during your busy week. Simply chill the covered dough as per the instructions, and when you’re ready to bake, roll it into balls, coat in sugar, and pop them in the oven. Alternatively, you can roll the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw the dough slightly before rolling in sugar and baking, ensuring they bake up just as delicious and chewy. This way, you’ll always have a fresh batch ready to delight your family or guests with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles

Indulging in a batch of these delightful cookies creates the perfect opportunity to build a warm and charming meal experience for family and friends.

Freshly Brewed Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee in your cookies pair wonderfully with a soothing cup of coffee, enhancing the overall experience.
Chai Tea: With its exotic spices, a cup of chai tea brings an aromatic twist that complements the cinnamon notes in the cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream creates a luscious contrast to the soft, chewy cookies, perfect for dessert lovers.
Warm Milk: A comforting glass of warm milk makes for a nostalgic pairing that invites you back to childhood treats—ideal for cozy evenings.
Apple Slices with Caramel Dip: Fresh, crisp apples offer a refreshing balance, while caramel dip adds a sweet touch that enhances the experience.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Their fruity freshness and rich chocolate create a lovely blend with the coffee flavor, making them exquisite companions to your cookies.
Nutty Trail Mix: A handful of nutty trail mix adds a delightful crunch, offering a satisfying textural contrast to the soft cookies.
Homemade Hot Chocolate: Rich, velvety hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows, pairs beautifully, inviting indulgence and warmth in every sip!

Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles, turning each batch into something uniquely delightful!

Espresso Powder: Substitute instant coffee with espresso powder for an intensified coffee flavor. This switch will amplify the rich essence of your cookies, making them even more aromatic.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth. A little spice can elevate the cozy experience, wrapping you in a delightful hug of flavors.
Mocha Delight: Introduce mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey mocha twist. They’ll melt slightly while baking, creating pockets of sweet chocolate that contrast beautifully with the spicy cookie base.
Coconut Oil: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version that still remains rich and moist. The subtle coconut flavor adds a tropical twist that might just whisk you away!
Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. Walnuts or pecans work splendidly, providing a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft cookie texture.
Sweet Glaze: Drizzle a simple coffee glaze over the cooled cookies for an added sweet touch. A mix of powdered sugar and brewed coffee makes for a dreamy finish.
Flavor Infusion: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a sweeter and nuttier essence. This alteration adds complexity that your friends and family will adore.

Discover how these variations can enhance your baking, and for more yummy ideas, check out my recipes for Cinnamon Zucchini Coffee and Coffee Protein Shake that each have their own delightful twists!

Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe FAQs

What kind of flour should I use for my Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles?
Absolutely! I recommend using all-purpose flour for the best structure. Make sure to measure it properly; spooning and leveling off in a measuring cup will help you avoid dense cookies.

How should I store my Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles?
To keep these cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks; just be sure they’re wrapped tightly to avoid drying out.

Can I freeze the dough for my Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! Roll it into balls and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw slightly, roll in sugar, and bake straight from the freezer—no need to worry about defrosting!

What can I do if my Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles don’t crinkle?
No worries! Occasionally, if the dough isn’t chilled long enough or if it’s overmixed, the cookies may not crinkle as expected. Ensure you chill the dough for at least 30 minutes and mix until just combined for that perfect crinkle. If they still don’t crinkle, they will still taste delicious, so enjoy them anyway!

Are these Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles suitable for those with allergies?
If you’re concerned about allergies, there are plenty of substitutions. For a dairy-free option, simply use coconut oil instead of butter, and a flax egg can replace the large egg for a vegan version. Always check ingredient labels to ensure all your components meet dietary requirements!

How can I enhance the flavor of my Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles?
The more the merrier! You can amp up the flavors by substituting instant coffee with espresso powder or adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom. For an indulgent twist, throw in some mini chocolate chips for a mocha variation!