If you adore cookies that perfectly blend warm spices, a hint of coffee, and that irresistible crinkled look, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe. These cookies offer a delightful balance of rich cocoa and fragrant cinnamon, enhanced by a subtle espresso kick that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming. With their soft centers and powdered sugar coating creating that classic crackled pattern, these treats quickly become a favorite for cozy afternoons or sharing with friends. Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe shines because it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work harmoniously to create incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the cocoa adding depth, to the cinnamon and espresso powder bringing aromatic warmth and complexity.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookie, giving it structure and chewiness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the dough.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy spice that defines the cookie’s warm personality.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that soft, crinkled texture.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a tender crumb and buttery richness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the cookie’s slight crisp edges.
- Brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel complexity.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients together and helps with that soft center.
- Espresso powder or instant coffee granules: Elevates the cocoa with a subtle coffee note, intensifying the chocolate taste.
- Powdered sugar: For rolling the dough balls to create the signature crackled, snowy finish.
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. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and baking powder. This mix will form your dry base, ensuring the spices and cocoa are evenly distributed and the cookies bake up beautifully.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for achieving the perfect cookie texture—fluffy on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside.
Step 3: Add Egg and Espresso Powder
Beat in the egg and espresso powder or instant coffee granules until everything is fully combined. The espresso powder may sound like an unusual cookie ingredient, but it truly enhances the chocolate’s richness and adds a delightful depth to every bite.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as too much stirring can make your cookies tough rather than tender and soft.
Step 5: Roll Dough and Coat with Powdered Sugar
Scoop the dough into small balls, then roll each ball generously in powdered sugar so they are fully coated. This powdered sugar coating is what creates the beautiful crinkles as the cookies bake and spread in the oven.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Crinkled
Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—they should look crinkled and slightly set on the edges but remain soft in the center. Once baked, allow them to cool slightly on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are perfect on their own, you can add a touch of elegance by sprinkling some extra powdered cinnamon or dusting lightly with cocoa powder just before serving. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a pinch of flaky sea salt can also balance the sweet and enhance the cinnamon-coffee flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pairing these Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles with a rich cup of coffee or hot chocolate elevates the experience, allowing the coffee notes in the cookie to truly shine. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a chilled glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stack the cookies and tie them up with a rustic ribbon for a charming homemade gift. You can also sandwich a bit of mascarpone cheese or cinnamon-spiced cream in between two cookies for an irresistible dessert bite that adds texture and richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay wonderfully soft and flavorful for up to 5 days, making them a great make-ahead treat that’s ready whenever a craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to save these cookies for longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough balls rolled in powdered sugar for easy fresh baking later; just thaw them slightly before baking as directed.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, reheat gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This will revive the soft centers and melt the powdered sugar coating slightly, giving you that just-baked sensation again.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso powder in the Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe?
Espresso powder is preferred because it dissolves easily and provides a concentrated flavor without adding liquid. Regular brewed coffee can make the dough too wet and alter the texture. If using coffee, use it sparingly or reduce other liquids accordingly.
Why do the cookies crackle when baking?
The crackled appearance comes from rolling the dough balls generously in powdered sugar before baking. As the cookies expand and spread, the powdered sugar dries and cracks apart, creating the signature crinkle effect.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, preferably one that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add some for structure and a similar texture.
How do I make the cookies softer or chewier?
Using brown sugar contributes to softness and chew, so be sure to measure accurately. Also, slightly underbaking the cookies and letting them cool on the baking sheet helps retain their soft centers.
Are espresso powder and instant coffee granules interchangeable?
Yes, both work well in this recipe. Espresso powder is more concentrated and finely ground, but instant coffee granules will still provide that delightful coffee flavor when dissolved into the dough.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe feels like a warm hug in cookie form—a perfect blend of spice, chocolate, and coffee all wrapped into one soft, crinkled delight. It’s an easy recipe that delivers impressive flavor and looks stunning on any dessert plate. Give it a try soon, and I promise these cookies will become your go-to for sharing joy and a little bit of sweetness, anytime!
Print
Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings (about 16 cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles are soft, chewy cookies with a rich chocolate and cinnamon flavor, enhanced by a hint of espresso. Perfect for coffee lovers, they feature a delightful crinkled surface dusted with powdered sugar, baked to perfection for a tender bite.
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 Rolling
- 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.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, and baking powder until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Espresso: Beat in the large room temperature egg and espresso powder or instant coffee granules into the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
- Prepare Dough Balls: Scoop portions of the dough using a cookie scoop or spoon, then roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated for that classic crinkle appearance.
- Bake Cookies: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced apart, and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should develop a crinkled surface but remain soft in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheets, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs help to create a smoother, more uniform dough.
- Do not overmix the dough once dry ingredients are added to ensure tender cookies.
- Rolling dough balls generously in powdered sugar is key for the signature crinkle look.
- Espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor but can be omitted if desired.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
