If you’re searching for a cookie that perfectly balances warm spices and a rich coffee kick, look no further than this Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats bring together the cozy aroma of cinnamon with a delightful espresso twist, all wrapped in a cocoa-infused dough that crimps into charming crinkly tops. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning or need a sweet pick-me-up during a busy afternoon, these cookies offer a little bite of joy with every nibble.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial part in building the cookie’s unique flavor and texture, from the deep chocolate base to the spicy cinnamon warmth and the subtle coffee undertone.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure to hold all those flavors together.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a rich chocolatey depth without overpowering the other spices.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings that warm, inviting spice that makes these crinkles stand out.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Gives the cookies a lovely rise and tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Keeps the cookies soft and buttery, enhancing every bite.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough with a subtle crunch.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a deep caramel note for richness.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds all the ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s soft texture.
- 2 tsp espresso powder or instant coffee granules: Infuses a bold coffee flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and cocoa.
- Powdered sugar (for rolling): Creates the iconic crackled look and adds a delicate sweetness on the outside.
How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly without sticking. This small prep step sets the stage for perfectly baked crinkles with minimal cleanup.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, and baking powder together in a bowl. Mixing these ingredients ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which helps your cookies rise beautifully and develop that tender crumb while keeping the cinnamon and chocolate flavors balanced throughout.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars. This process is key for achieving a light, fluffy dough that bakes into soft, slightly chewy cookies. The brown sugar adds a lovely depth to the sweetness and moisture, making every bite richly satisfying.
Step 4: Add Egg and Espresso Powder
Beat in the egg along with the espresso powder until everything is combined smoothly. The espresso powder may seem like a small addition but it’s the secret ingredient that brings a lively coffee note, heightening the chocolate and cinnamon flavors without overpowering them.
Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as that can make the cookies tough instead of gloriously soft. The dough should come together but still feel tender.
Step 6: Roll the Dough Balls in Powdered Sugar
Scoop out the dough and roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated. This step not only gives your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe its signature crackled appearance but also adds a slight sweetness to the cookie’s exterior for an irresistible first bite.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. They’ll spread and develop those delightful crinkly tops but remain soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks—this helps them set without losing any of their tender texture.
How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, dust your cookies lightly with additional cinnamon or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar just before serving. This heightens the warm spice notes and adds a bit of sparkle that’s perfect for sharing with guests, especially during fall or holiday gatherings.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of black coffee or your favorite latte, making them ideal for breakfast or an afternoon treat. If you want to switch things up, try serving alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert that balances warmth and creaminess delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a few cookies on a beautiful plate lined with parchment paper and tie the stack with a rustic twine ribbon for a charming gift or centerpiece. Or arrange them on a platter with small bowls of whipped cream and chocolate sauce for dipping. Sharing these cookies in creative ways makes the experience as joyful as the eating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This preserves their soft texture and lets their flavor mellow just a bit, making them even more comforting with each day.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough balls before baking by rolling them in powdered sugar, then arranging them on a tray and freezing until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too when stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm your cookies briefly in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to refresh their softness and revive that just-baked aroma. This warms the spices and chocolate beautifully, making it feel like you just pulled them from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?
Absolutely! Instant coffee granules work just as well. Just make sure to use the same amount, and dissolve it fully into the wet ingredients for an even coffee flavor without any grittiness.
What if I don’t like strong coffee flavors?
If you want just a hint of coffee without it being overpowering, reduce the espresso powder to 1 teaspoon or omit it altogether. The cookies will still maintain their delicious cinnamon and chocolate balance.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ideally one that includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep an eye on the dough’s consistency and adjust as needed since gluten-free flours sometimes absorb moisture differently.
Why do the cookies crack on top?
The crackling happens because the dough is rolled in powdered sugar before baking which creates a thin sugary crust that cracks as the dough spreads and rises in the oven. It’s both beautiful and delicious.
How do I get the cookies soft in the middle?
Bake for just 10-12 minutes and avoid overbaking. The centers should still look a bit soft when you pull them out, as they set more as they cool to that perfect chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting about sharing a batch of Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe cookies with friends or family. The delicate dance between cinnamon, coffee, and chocolate makes these cookies feel special but the recipe remains wonderfully simple. Please give this recipe a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your heart might just get a little happier with each bite.
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
These Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles are soft, chewy cookies with a perfect balance of rich cocoa, warm cinnamon, and a subtle espresso kick. Rolled in powdered sugar, they create a beautiful crinkled appearance and a sweet finish, making them an irresistible treat for coffee and spice 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 Coating
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, and baking powder until evenly combined to create your dry mixture.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie.
- Add Egg and Espresso: Beat in the large egg and espresso powder or instant coffee granules to the creamed mixture until everything is well combined, infusing the dough with a lovely coffee flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape and Coat: Scoop the dough into balls and roll each one thoroughly in powdered sugar to achieve the signature crinkled cookie look and a sweet outer coating.
- Bake: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies develop crinkles on the surface 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.
Notes
- Using room temperature eggs helps the ingredients combine more smoothly.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
- Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar for the best crinkle appearance.
- Allow cookies to cool fully for optimal texture and flavor.
- Espresso powder can be substituted with instant coffee granules for a milder coffee taste.
