If you’re in the mood to bake something that feels like a cozy hug in cookie form, you’ll fall in love with Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles. These delightful treats combine the warmth of cinnamon, the richness of cocoa, and a subtle coffee kick, all wrapped up in a pretty, powdered sugar-dusted exterior. Every bite is soft, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet, making them a perfect companion for your afternoon coffee or an easy crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles is a breeze, and each one brings something special to the table. These humble pantry staples work magic together, creating depth of flavor and that irresistible crinkled look.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tender bite to these cookies.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a deep, chocolatey richness that pairs beautifully with coffee.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice, it infuses the cookies with warmth and a hint of intrigue.
- Baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift, helping them puff and crackle as they bake.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Makes for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture while letting the other flavors shine.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve that classic cookie crumb.
- Brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the overall taste.
- Large egg (room temperature): Binds everything together for a soft, cohesive dough.
- Espresso powder or instant coffee granules: Boosts the chocolate and cinnamon, bringing a café-inspired twist.
- Powdered sugar (for rolling): Coats the cookies, creating that signature crinkled finish and a sweet first bite.
How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only keeps the cookies from sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Getting this set up first means you’re ready to bake as soon as your dough is mixed.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, and baking powder. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed, so every cookie gets an equal punch of chocolatey, spicy goodness.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars. Beat for a couple of minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale—this step is key for cookies with tender centers and crisp edges.
Step 4: Add Egg and Coffee
Crack in the egg and sprinkle in the espresso powder (or instant coffee granules). Beat until everything is thoroughly combined. The coffee intensifies the chocolate and cinnamon flavors without overwhelming them—think of it as a flavor amplifier!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to come together but stay tender. Stop as soon as no dry streaks remain.
Step 6: Shape and Coat
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Drop each one into a bowl of powdered sugar and roll until every bit is covered. This generous coating is what creates those magical crinkles as the cookies bake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies are crinkled on top but still soft in the center. Let them cool for a few minutes on the tray before moving to a wire rack to cool completely—the aroma alone will bring everyone into the kitchen!
How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, dust your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles with a bit more powdered sugar right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of grated chocolate on top looks lovely and hints at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
These cookies are delightful all on their own, but they’re even better alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai, or cocoa. For a dessert platter, try pairing them with slices of fresh orange or berries—the fruit balances the cookie’s richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles in a tall glass jar for a charming edible gift, or arrange them in a neat circle on a platter for a festive centerpiece. For a fun party twist, serve them with little cups of espresso or spiced hot chocolate for dunking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days—if they last that long! Be sure to separate layers with wax paper to keep them looking pretty and prevent sticking.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Place fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls (without powdered sugar), then roll and bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Reheating
If you want that just-baked warmth, pop a few Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. They’ll taste like they’re fresh from the oven, with gooey centers and a waft of cinnamon-coffee aroma.
FAQs
Can I use decaf coffee or omit the coffee entirely?
Absolutely! Decaf espresso powder works just as well, and if you prefer, you can skip the coffee altogether—the cookies will still be delicious, just with a bit less depth in flavor.
Why do my cookies sometimes not crinkle?
This usually happens if the dough is too warm or not enough powdered sugar is used. Make sure your dough is cool (chill for 10 minutes if needed) and roll generously in powdered sugar for the best Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles look.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully. Just make sure to mix the dough in a large enough bowl, and you may want to bake in batches to avoid crowding the oven.
What’s the best way to get evenly sized cookies?
A small cookie scoop or measuring tablespoon works wonders for portioning the dough. Even sizes mean even baking and a prettier cookie plate!
Can I make Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute a good quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The cookies may be a touch more delicate, but the flavor and those signature crinkles will still shine through.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles enough—they’re the kind of treat that turns a regular afternoon into a special occasion. Give them a try, share them with friends, or keep a secret stash just for yourself. However you enjoy them, you’re in for a deliciously cozy bite every time!
Print
Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles are soft and chewy chocolate cookies with a warm cinnamon and espresso kick, perfectly dusted with powdered sugar for a delightful crackled appearance. These cookies combine rich cocoa, aromatic cinnamon, and bold coffee flavors, making them an ideal treat for coffee lovers and chocolate 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
For Rolling
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat 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 until fully combined and uniform.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which will help achieve a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Espresso: Beat the room temperature egg and espresso powder or instant coffee granules into the butter and sugar mixture until well incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Shape and Coat Dough Balls: Scoop the cookie dough using a spoon or cookie scoop and roll each portion into a ball. Then, roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar until they are fully coated to create the signature crinkled effect after baking.
- Bake and Cool: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies form crinkles on the surface but remain soft in the center. Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure the egg is at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to avoid tough cookies.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the espresso powder to 3 teaspoons if desired.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
