Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe

If you love the warm aroma of cinnamon paired with the rich, invigorating essence of coffee, then these Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles are about to become your new favorite treat. Soft, chewy, and adorned with that beautiful crinkled sugar coating, these cookies perfectly balance a subtle coffee kick with cozy cinnamon spice. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon coffee break or a special gathering, Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles deliver delightful flavor and texture in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet carefully chosen ingredients come together to create the perfect blend of flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role—from the cinnamon adding warmth, to the instant coffee granules that bring out that deep mocha note, and the dual sugars that give these cookies their signature crinkle and sweetness.

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for tender, chewy cookies.
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that pairs beautifully with coffee.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and develop those lovely cracks.
• ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• 2 tbsp instant coffee granules: Infuses rich coffee flavor that wakes up the taste buds.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, fragrant undertone.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and tenderness to the dough.
• ¾ cup brown sugar: Deep molasses notes create moistness and chewiness.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together for a perfect cookie texture.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates the initial crunchy coating on each cookie.
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (for rolling): Enhances the classic crinkle look with a delicate sweet finish.

How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures that the cinnamon and leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving your cookies uniform flavor and texture throughout.

Step 2: Dissolve the Coffee

In a small bowl, stir the instant coffee granules with the vanilla extract until fully dissolved. This step layers in that smooth coffee essence, ensuring it melds perfectly into the cookie batter without any graininess.

Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar

Using a mixer or whisk, beat the melted unsalted butter with the brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then add in the egg and coffee-vanilla mixture, beating just until everything is incorporated. This creates a rich, flavorful base that’s moist and tender.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. The dough will be soft and a bit sticky—this is key for achieving tender Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles that melt in your mouth.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling firms it up enough to make rolling easier and helps the cookies hold their shape and crackle beautifully in the oven.

Step 6: Roll & Coat the Dough

Scoop the chilled dough and roll into small balls. For the signature crinkle effect, roll each ball in granulated sugar first, then coat them in powdered sugar. This double coating gives the cookies their striking cracked appearance and sweet finish.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart as they will spread. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until the surface is nicely cracked and the cookies are just set.

Step 8: Cool & Enjoy!

Allow the Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’re equally delightful warm with a cup of coffee or at room temperature as a sweet snack throughout the day.

How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles

Garnishes

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon sugar over the top just before baking for an extra fragrant touch, or dust with an additional light coating of powdered sugar right before serving to enhance their beautiful crackled look. If you want a festive flair, a swirl of melted dark chocolate drizzled over the cooled cookies pairs wonderfully.

Side Dishes

These cookies make a perfect companion to your favorite coffee or espresso drink, naturally. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or alongside a warm chai tea to complement their cinnamon flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, arrange Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles on a rustic wooden tray with sprigs of cinnamon sticks and star anise for a cozy touch. You can also sandwich a dollop of coffee-infused buttercream or cream cheese frosting between two cookies to make little mocha cookie sandwiches that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days, perfect for snacking throughout the week!

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, these cookies freeze beautifully. You can freeze the dough balls before rolling in sugar for up to 3 months—just thaw them slightly before coating and baking. Alternatively, freeze fully baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. You can also microwave a cookie for 10 to 15 seconds for a soft, melty treat, especially lovely with a glass of milk or your favorite cup of coffee.

FAQs

Can I substitute espresso powder for instant coffee granules?

Absolutely! Espresso powder is a fantastic substitute and will give your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles a more intense coffee flavor. Just use the same amount as the instant coffee called for in the recipe.

How do I achieve the perfect crinkle effect on these cookies?

The key is chilling the dough so it’s firm to handle and rolling each ball twice—in granulated sugar first, then powdered sugar. The dual sugar coating cracks beautifully as the cookies bake, creating those trademark crinkles.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, simply swap the unsalted butter for coconut oil in the same quantity. The flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously rich and chewy.

Why do the cookies spread so much during baking?

These cookies have a relatively soft dough, which contributes to their chewy texture. Be sure to space your cookies well on the baking sheet so they have enough room to spread without merging into each other.

Can I add chocolate chips to Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles?

Of course! Mini chocolate chips add a delightful mocha twist to these cookies. Just fold in about ½ cup when combining the wet and dry ingredients for a fun variation.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles that makes them a standout treat to bake and savor. Their soft texture, spiced warmth, and coffee undertones create a cookie that’s hard to resist. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it part of your baking repertoire—your next coffee break just got a whole lot better!

Print