If you’re looking to cozy up with a cookie that perfectly balances warm spices and a subtle coffee kick, this Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine biting into a soft, fudgy cookie dusted with powdered sugar that crackles beautifully on the outside while packing a gentle punch of cinnamon and espresso within. It’s the perfect companion for your morning coffee or an indulgent afternoon treat. Once you make these, they’re sure to become a beloved favorite in your cookie rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles are crafted with simple pantry staples, yet each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture and flavor harmony you’ll adore.
- All-purpose flour: The base that provides structure while keeping the cookie tender.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a rich, deep chocolate flavor that complements the cinnamon and coffee notes.
- Ground cinnamon: The warm spice that makes each bite comforting and aromatic.
- Baking powder: Gives just the right lift for a soft but slightly crackled surface.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to cream smoothly with sugar, contributing to richness and moisture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens while helping create the cookie’s delicate crumb.
- Brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and chewiness.
- Egg: Binds everything together and gives the cookie its tender interior.
- Espresso powder or instant coffee granules: Infuses a subtle coffee undertone that enhances the chocolate and cinnamon perfectly.
- Powdered sugar: For rolling, creating that iconic crackled appearance and a sweet finishing touch.
How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, and baking powder in a medium bowl — this ensures all your dry flavors and leavening are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars. Beat them together until the mixture is nice and fluffy, which builds a light, tender crumb and adds that essential sweetness and richness.
Step 3: Add Egg and Coffee
Next, beat in the room-temperature egg along with the espresso powder or instant coffee granules until everything is completely combined. This step brings that subtle coffee depth that enhances the overall flavor profile wonderfully.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined — overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as everything melds into a thick dough.
Step 5: Shape and Coat the Dough
Once your dough is ready, scoop out small portions and roll each into a ball. Then generously roll each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring they’re fully coated. This step is key for the signature crackled look after baking.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving space for spreading, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops crackle and the centers remain soft. Allow them to cool slightly on the sheet before transferring to wire racks to finish cooling. This gentle transition prevents breakage and perfects their delicate texture.
How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, dust your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles with a light sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a fine dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. A swirl of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce also pairs beautifully if you’re feeling a little indulgent.
Side Dishes
These cookies make an incredible companion to a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. They also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small serving of fresh fruit like sliced pears or berries to balance their richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles on a rustic wooden platter for a charming coffee table display, or package them in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with a cinnamon stick for delightful homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cinnamon coffee crinkles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They hold their soft, fudgy texture wonderfully without drying out or becoming stale.
Freezing
If you want to extend their shelf life, freeze your baked and fully cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, or microwave individually for 10-15 seconds. This brings back that freshly baked warmth and melts the powdered sugar glaze beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso powder?
While espresso powder is ideal because it dissolves easily and imparts a strong coffee flavor without moisture, you can substitute it with finely ground instant coffee. Just use a bit less to avoid bitterness or grittiness.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The traditional Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.
Why do we roll the dough in powdered sugar?
The powdered sugar coating creates the beautiful crackled surface when the cookies bake and also adds a sweet, delicate finish. It’s a signature look that makes these crinkles special.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking, which can even deepen the flavors. Just roll and coat the dough balls in powdered sugar right before baking.
What makes these cookies different from regular chocolate crinkles?
These Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles stand out thanks to the warm cinnamon spice and the subtle coffee infusion, which add layers of flavor beyond the rich chocolate, making every bite unique and comforting.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way cinnamon and coffee come together in these delightful crinkle cookies. The Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe is both simple to make and wonderfully satisfying, perfect for sharing or savoring solo with your favorite hot drink. I encourage you to give it a try — I promise these cookies will quickly become one of your most treasured go-to treats!
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Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles are soft, fudgy cookies perfectly spiced with cinnamon and enriched with espresso for a delightful coffee flavor. Rolled in powdered sugar, they develop a beautiful crinkled top and are soft in the center, making them an irresistible treat to enjoy any time of day.
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 Coating
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, and baking powder until fully combined and aerated.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Egg and Espresso: Beat in the large room temperature egg and espresso powder or instant coffee granules to the butter and sugar mixture until evenly combined, enhancing the cookie’s coffee flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Form Dough Balls: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form dough balls and roll each one generously in powdered sugar, ensuring they are fully coated to create the signature crinkled appearance when baked.
- Bake Cookies: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies have a cracked, crinkled surface but remain soft in the center.
- Cooldown: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely to maintain their soft texture.
Notes
- For best results, bring the egg to room temperature before using to help with proper mixing.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added, to keep the cookies tender.
- Ensure cookies are coated well in powdered sugar to get the best crinkle effect.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute espresso powder with finely ground instant coffee granules if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
