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If you’re searching for a delightfully cozy treat to brighten your day, the Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies marry the warming spice of cinnamon with the rich depth of espresso and a luscious cocoa undertone, resulting in chewy, tender bites topped with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. They’re the perfect companion for a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up, offering a stunning contrast of textures with a crinkled, crackled surface and a soft center that melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become your go-to comfort cookie for every season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe comes from a handful of simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and creating that coveted crinkly texture—the cinnamon adds a fragrant warmth, the espresso powder amps up the cocoa’s richness, and the mix of sugars ensures a perfect chewiness and slight caramelized crisp.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your cookie, ensuring a perfect chew without being too dense.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a deep chocolatey flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and coffee notes.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Offers a comforting, warm spice that perfumes each bite.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Gives the cookie a light rise and helps create the signature crinkles.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture, helping create a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Contributes sweetness and helps with the cookie’s slightly crisp edges.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a touch of molasses flavor and added chewiness.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Acts as a binder and adds moisture for a perfect texture.
- 2 tsp espresso powder or instant coffee granules: Intensifies the chocolate flavor with a subtle coffee kick that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Powdered sugar (for rolling): Creates the classic cracked-white-topped look and adds a gentle sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your dough is mixed. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help your cookies bake evenly with beautiful bottoms.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and baking powder. This blend creates the foundation of flavor and texture, ensuring each bite gets that perfect balance of spice and chocolate depth throughout.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step introduces air and incorporates sweetness evenly, which is crucial for cookies that are soft inside but have a slight crunch on the exterior.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Espresso
Beat in the egg and espresso powder or instant coffee granules until fully combined. The espresso works wonders here, boosting the chocolate flavor while providing a subtle and sophisticated coffee note.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies might turn out dense instead of tender and chewy.
Step 6: Roll and Coat the Dough Balls
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough, then roll each into a ball. Next, generously coat each ball in powdered sugar, which will give the cookies their signature cracked surface and a sweet, delicate coating that’s simply irresistible.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll notice the crinkled tops form while the centers stay soft and tender—just the way you want them. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to amp up the presentation, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon powder or cocoa over your serving plate for a pretty, aromatic touch. A small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate these cookies for a cozy dessert spread.
Side Dishes
The Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or chai latte, enhancing the spices and coffee notes in the cookies. For a brunch or snack time, serve alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt to balance out the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies in a rustic mason jar or arranging them on a wooden board with cinnamon sticks and coffee beans around for a charming coffee table display. You could also sandwich a bit of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an indulgent treat that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure the container seals well to preserve their chewy texture and prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
These cookies freeze exceptionally well. Simply place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature to savor their fresh-baked goodness all over again.
Reheating
If you like your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles with a little warmth, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back that soft, gooey center and slightly crisp edges, making each bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use decaf coffee or omit coffee entirely?
Absolutely! While espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor, you can substitute with decaf instant coffee or leave it out. The cookies will still be delicious, with the cinnamon and cocoa standing strong as the stars of the show.
Why do the cookies have cracks on the surface?
The characteristic crinkles form because the cookie dough is rolled in powdered sugar before baking and expands during baking. The dough spreads and cracks, revealing those beautiful white fissures, indicating a soft crumb inside.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends that include xanthan gum. Be aware texture might slightly differ, but the flavor will still shine with the cinnamon and coffee notes.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
If you only have salted butter on hand, go ahead and use it but reduce any added salt in the recipe or just omit salt completely if the recipe calls for it elsewhere. The cookies may taste a touch saltier, which can sometimes enhance the flavors nicely.
How thick should I roll the dough balls?
Rolling the dough into about 1-inch balls works best for even, consistent baking. If your cookies are smaller or larger, adjust the baking time accordingly to avoid over or underbaking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Whether you’re an avid baker or just looking for a tasty treat to enjoy with your daily coffee, these cookies deliver the perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and rich chocolate-coffee flavor. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and share with friends—you’ll find that these crinkled delights disappear faster than you can say cinnamon!
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Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles are soft, chewy cookies with a delightful blend of cocoa, cinnamon, and espresso flavors. Rolled in powdered sugar, they develop a signature cracked surface after baking, making them perfect for coffee lovers looking for a sweet, spiced treat.
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
Coating
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets 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 to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Egg and Espresso: Beat in the room temperature egg and espresso powder or instant coffee granules until fully incorporated, adding a rich coffee flavor to the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape and Coat Dough: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls and roll each one generously in powdered sugar to create the classic crinkle appearance.
- Bake Cookies: Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the surfaces are crinkled but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely and set.
Notes
- Ensure the egg is at room temperature to help the dough combine smoothly.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients to prevent tough cookies.
- Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar thickly is key to achieving the classic crinkle effect.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the espresso powder by 1 tsp.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well—freeze dough balls before rolling in powdered sugar and bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to baking time.
