If you adore the cozy warmth of cinnamon combined with a gentle hint of coffee in your treats, you are in for a true delight with this Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe. These cookies are a tender, chocolaty hug in every bite, dusted generously with powdered sugar that crackles beautifully on the surface. Perfectly soft in the center with a satisfying crinkle on top, this recipe blends simple pantry staples into an extraordinary snack that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cherished weekend treat, these cinnamon-kissed coffee crinkles are sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the rich flavor, tender crumb, and charming texture that sets these cookies apart.
- All-purpose flour: The fundamental structure of your cookie, providing just the right amount of chewiness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a deep, chocolatey backbone without overpowering the cinnamon and coffee notes.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm, spicy aroma that perfectly complements the coffee.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent responsible for those delightful crinkles and a light texture.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture, crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with a subtle crispness around the edges.
- Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of molasses flavor, enhancing depth.
- Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds tenderness.
- Espresso powder or instant coffee granules: Gives a subtle coffee punch that brightens the cocoa and cinnamon.
- Powdered sugar: The final coating that makes each cookie visually irresistible and adds a gentle sweetness.
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 your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, and baking powder until well blended. This dry mixture will give your crinkles their signature flavor and tender crumb, so making sure it’s mixed thoroughly sets a solid foundation.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, soften your unsalted butter and beat it with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is where magic begins—the sugars start to dissolve in the butter, creating a luscious base that will give the cookies their delicate texture and rich sweetness.
Step 3: Add Egg and Coffee
Beat in one large egg at room temperature along with the espresso powder or instant coffee granules. The egg provides structure and moisture, while the espresso powder dissolves into the mixture, elevating the deep flavors without overwhelming the cinnamon.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined. Be gentle here—overmixing can make your cookies tough. When everything looks just blended, your dough is ready.
Step 5: Shape and Coat in Powdered Sugar
Scoop out portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Then, generously roll each ball in powdered sugar until they are completely coated. This snowy layer will crack beautifully during baking, creating the classic crinkle appearance these cookies are named for.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the sugared dough balls evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the edges look set and crinkly but the centers remain soft and slightly gooey. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are stunning on their own, you can add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon powder or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving to enhance their inviting look and aroma. For an indulgent twist, pair with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a dusting of chopped nuts for texture contrast.
Side Dishes
These crinkles pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte, accentuating both the cinnamon and espresso notes in the cookies. For a decadent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe cookies on a rustic wooden platter with a small bowl of coffee dipping sauce or arrange them in a decorative tin with parchment to gift friends and family. You can also sandwich them with a cinnamon-spiced cream cheese filling for an eye-catching dessert variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe cookies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to a week, making them perfect for nibbling throughout the week without losing their charm.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these crinkles later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When wrapped properly, they can last up to 3 months and retain their delicious flavor and texture.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, gently reheat your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This softens the center and revives that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
FAQs
Can I use decaf coffee powder instead of espresso powder?
Absolutely! Decaf coffee powder is a fine substitute and will still give you the subtle coffee flavor without the caffeine kick, perfect for enjoying these cookies anytime.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
You can omit the cocoa powder if you prefer a purely cinnamon coffee flavor, though it will change the color and richness slightly. For the best result, try to include it as it adds lovely depth to your crinkles.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup for cup in place of regular flour. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the right texture.
Why are my cookies flat and not crinkled?
This usually happens if the dough is too warm or the baking powder is old. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and check that your baking powder is fresh to get those perfect crinkles.
How long will the cookies stay soft?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will remain soft and tender for about 5 to 7 days. If they start to dry out, reheating can bring back some of the softness.
Final Thoughts
If you enjoy cookies bursting with cozy spices and a hint of bold coffee, you just have to try this Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe. It’s a straightforward, satisfying bake that never fails to brighten up your snack time or coffee break. I hope making these becomes as joyful for you as it is for me, and that every batch brings warmth and smiles to your kitchen!
Print
Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles, perfectly soft and fudgy chocolate cookies infused with warm cinnamon and a hint of espresso. Rolled in powdered sugar for a delicate cracked finish, they are an irresistible treat ideal for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts 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
Finishing
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, and baking powder until well blended.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Espresso: Beat in the room temperature egg and espresso powder or instant coffee granules until fully incorporated, adding a subtle coffee flavor to the dough.
- Mix Dry with Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could make the cookies tough.
- Shape and Coat Dough Balls: Scoop the dough into small balls, then roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to cover completely; this creates the signature crinkled appearance after baking.
- Bake Cookies: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies have crinkled tops but remain soft in the center.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them set without breaking.
Notes
- Make sure your egg is at room temperature to avoid curdling the butter mixture.
- Do not overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients to keep cookies tender.
- Rolling the dough balls generously in powdered sugar ensures a beautiful crackled effect on the cookies.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, increase espresso powder to 1 tablespoon.
