You love cinnamon, you love coffee, and you love cookies—so these Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles are a dream come true! These soft, chewy cookies have a rich coffee flavor with a warm cinnamon spice kick, all wrapped in a beautiful crinkled sugar coating. They’re perfect for the holidays, but honestly, they’re so good you’ll want to make them year-round. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee or as an afternoon treat, they’re guaranteed to be a favorite!
What is “Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles”
Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles are delightful soft cookies that combine the richness of coffee with the warming spice of cinnamon, creating an irresistible treat. These cookies are known for their unique crinkled appearance, which is achieved through a combination of baking powder, sugar, and a bit of oil, resulting in a soft, chewy texture. The subtle flavor of coffee enhances the warmth of cinnamon, making them perfect for coffee lovers and those seeking a cozy dessert option. These cookies are not only great for a midday snack but can also shine at gatherings, serving as a comforting addition to any dessert table.
What You’ll Need
To make Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles, you will need the following ingredients:
1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
3. 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
4. 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
5. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
6. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
7. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
8. 1/4 teaspoon salt
9. 1/3 cup vegetable oil
10. 1 tablespoon brewed coffee (cooled)
11. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12. Powdered sugar, for rolling
Pro Tips
1. Ensure your coffee is brewed and allowed to cool before adding it to the mixture to avoid cooking the dough.
2. For a stronger cinnamon flavor, consider adding an extra pinch or using cinnamon sticks for infusing the taste in the dough.
3. Allow the cookie dough to rest for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator; this helps achieve a better texture and enhances the flavors.
4. Use a cookie scoop to drop even portions of dough on the baking sheet, ensuring uniformity in size and baking time.
5. After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes to avoid breakage.
Tools You’ll Need
1. Mixing bowls
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Whisk or electric mixer
4. Rubber spatula
5. Cookie sheet
6. Parchment paper (optional for easy cleanup)
7. Cooling rack
Substitutions & Variations
– For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
– You can replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or unsalted butter for a different flavor profile.
– Feel free to use decaf coffee or even espresso for a more intense coffee flavor without the caffeine kick.
– If you want an extra crunch, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough.
– For a chocolaty twist, incorporate chocolate chips into the dough.
Health Benefits
Cinnamon not only adds a delightful flavor but also boasts numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and improved insulin sensitivity. Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which can contribute to better heart health, and its caffeine content may enhance mental alertness. While these cookies do contain sugar and fat, they also provide energy and a comforting treat when enjoyed in moderation.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles make a perfect pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Serve these cookies at brunch gatherings, festive celebrations, or enjoy them on cozy evenings at home. For a decorative touch, consider dusting them with extra powdered sugar before serving or creating a simple dessert platter that includes seasonal fruits and nuts. These cookies also make for delightful gifts when packaged in a decorative box or jar.
Step By Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering all the ingredients listed, and measure them accurately. This ensures smooth mixing and consistent results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot enough when you’re ready to bake. Use a whisk to combine dry ingredients; this helps aerate them, which is essential for achieving the perfect cookie texture. Meanwhile, brew your coffee and let it cool to room temperature. Have your mixing bowls, measuring cups, and mixing tools like a whisk or electric mixer ready for use.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed, which helps develop the flavors throughout the cookie batter. Properly blended dry ingredients are crucial for achieving uniform flavor and texture in your final cookies. Once mixed, set this bowl aside as you will mix the wet ingredients next.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, combine the vegetable oil, cooled brewed coffee, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined. This step is vital as it introduces moisture into the dry mix, forming the cookie dough. It’s important that the coffee is cooled to prevent curdling any wet ingredients. After this mixture is ready, proceed to fold it into your dry ingredient bowl, making sure there are no dry patches left.
Step 4: Form the Cookie Dough
Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, gently mix until a thick cookie dough forms. If you are adding nuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the dough at this stage. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Cooling the dough allows it to firm up, making it easier to scoop and shape while also improving the flavors.
Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies
After the dough has chilled, use a cookie scoop or your hands to portion out equal sizes of dough. Roll each piece into a ball, then roll the balls in powdered sugar to coat them generously. Place the coated cookie dough balls onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they have puffed up and cracked across the top. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows them to set and makes them easier to transfer to a cooling rack. Use a spatula to move the cookies onto the rack and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust them with additional powdered sugar if desired and serve with your favorite coffee or tea. Enjoy the delightful flavors of your freshly baked Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles!
Leftovers & Storage
Store any leftover Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag with layers separated by parchment paper. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, you can substitute instant coffee granules for brewed coffee; just dissolve about 1 tablespoon in a small amount of hot water.
Can I make these cookies without cocoa powder?
Absolutely! You can skip the cocoa powder for a pure cinnamon flavor, making them cinnamon crinkles instead.
What other spices can I add?
Feel free to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger to enhance the flavor profile of your cookies.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, you can replace granulated sugar with brown sugar, but it may yield a chewier texture and a richer flavor.
How will I know when the cookies are done?
Bake until the tops are cracked, and the edges look set, but the centers will still feel soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I add frosting to Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles?
While these cookies are delightful on their own, you can add a coffee glaze or cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist.
Final Thought
Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles are a delicious fusion of flavors, sure to delight coffee enthusiasts and cookie lovers alike. The combination of warm cinnamon and rich coffee creates a comforting and satisfying treat, perfect for any occasion. Their unique crinkled appearance also adds charm to any dessert platter. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe, these cookies can be prepared quickly for unexpected guests or as a sweet indulgence during a cozy evening at home. Each bite offers a soft, chewy texture that will have you reaching for another, making these cookies a staple in your baking collection. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or share them with loved ones; they are sure to please!