Cinnamon Coffee Crinkle Cookies

Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles are the ultimate cookie for anyone who loves that cozy blend of sweet spice and rich coffee. These cookies come out soft in the center with the prettiest crinkled sugar coating. Every time I bake a batch, my house fills with the most irresistible aroma and I always wish I doubled the recipe.

The first time I made these cookies it was a chilly weekend morning and I wanted a treat to pair with my coffee. They were such a hit that my friends asked me to share the recipe and now I make a double batch every time.

Gather Your Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: gives the cookies their structure. I always look for unbleached flour for best texture
• Ground cinnamon: brings the signature warmth. Try to use fresh and fragrant cinnamon for boldest flavor
• Baking powder: helps the cookies puff up and crinkle perfectly
• Salt: balances out the sweetness and brightens the flavors. Use fine sea salt for even seasoning
• Instant coffee granules: provide a deep coffee taste. Pick a robust blend just for baking
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavors. Pure vanilla gives the best aroma
• Unsalted butter, melted: adds moisture and richness. High quality butter really shines here
• Brown sugar: keeps the cookies soft and chewy with a hint of caramel
• Egg: binds everything together. Use large and fresh eggs for consistency
• Granulated sugar, for rolling: creates sparkle and a subtle crunch
• Powdered sugar, for rolling: makes that classic crinkle finish. Sift before using for the smoothest coating

How to Make It

Combine the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the flour cinnamon baking powder and salt until well combined. This makes sure your leavening and spices are evenly dispersed for a consistent result

Dissolve the Coffee:

Mix the instant coffee granules with vanilla extract in a small bowl. Stir until the coffee dissolves completely. This step intensifies the coffee flavor and infuses it throughout the dough

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl beat melted butter with brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Mix in the egg and dissolved coffee mixture. Make sure everything is well blended for a uniform texture in the cookies

Mix and Form the Dough:

Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Scrape down the sides of the bowl so nothing is left out. The dough will be soft but thick

Chill the Dough:

Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for about thirty minutes or up to twenty-four hours. Chilling prevents spreading and helps the crinkles form beautifully during baking

Roll and Coat the Dough:

Once the dough is firm scoop into small balls using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop. Roll each ball first in granulated sugar and then in powdered sugar to create the best crinkle effect

Bake the Cookies:

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet spacing them about two inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for ten to twelve minutes until they are puffed crinkled and set at the edges

Cool and Enjoy:

Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or savor them warm with a fresh cup of coffee

My favorite part is always rolling the soft dough in sugar and seeing the magic happen as they bake up beautifully cracked and fragrant. Cinnamon is a flavor that always makes me think of baking with my grandmother on cold afternoons and these cookies bring all that nostalgia right back.

Flavor Boosters

Swap instant coffee for espresso powder for a stronger flavor or use finely ground coffee in a pinch. For a dairy-free version use melted coconut oil instead of butter. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom if you like a little spice kick.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are wonderful in the morning with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They are just as popular at bake sales or holiday gatherings. I love sharing them on a cookie tray with other spiced treats and seeing them disappear first.

Creative Twists

Cinnamon coffees and spiced cookies are beloved in many cultures as a cozy treat for cold weather. For autumn swap half the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice. In the winter try adding crushed peppermint on top after baking for a holiday touch.

If you love warming treats and crave something to go with your coffee these crinkles will become your new favorite. Enjoy every last cozy bite and do not forget to share with a fellow coffee lover

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do I achieve the best crinkle effect?

For pronounced crinkles, chill the dough before rolling, then coat each ball first in granulated sugar and again in powdered sugar. This double coating creates a striking contrast after baking.

→ Can I use regular coffee instead of instant granules?

It's best to use instant coffee or espresso powder so the flavor blends evenly into the dough. Finely ground coffee can also work, though the texture might be slightly different.

→ How should these cookies be stored?

Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.

→ Are there any variations I can try?

Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra spice, or mix in mini chocolate chips for a mocha flavor. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut oil for butter.

→ Why is it important to chill the dough?

Chilling helps firm the dough, making it easier to roll and enhances the crinkle pattern during baking for a soft, chewy result.