Introduction

Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles are soft, chewy cookies with a delightful coffee flavor and a beautiful crinkled appearance. These treats combine warm cinnamon and bold coffee for a perfect pick-me-up with your afternoon tea or coffee.

A white plate with a thin gold rim holds seven round cookies that are light brown with a powdered white sugar coating cracked on top, showing irregular patterns. Next to the plate, there is a white cup filled with black coffee, steaming gently with wisps rising above the surface. All items are placed on a white marbled surface with soft beige and cream patterns. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp instant coffee granules
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
¼ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the instant coffee granules with vanilla extract until dissolved.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the melted butter and brown sugar together until smooth. Add the egg and coffee-vanilla mixture, mixing until fully combined.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 6: Scoop the chilled dough into small balls. Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar to create the crinkle effect.
Step 7: Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for spreading. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until crinkled and set.
Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Chill the dough to make rolling easier and to create deeper crinkles during baking.
Don’t overmix the dough to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
For a striking contrast, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar first, then powdered sugar.
Use fresh, good-quality instant coffee granules for the best flavor.
Space the cookies well on the baking sheet as they will spread while baking.
No instant coffee? Substitute with espresso powder or finely ground coffee.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a spicier twist.
Mix in mini chocolate chips for a mocha-flavored variation.
For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter.
Dough can be chilled for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze rolled dough balls for up to 3 months; thaw slightly before rolling in sugar and baking.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread inside the container. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.

How to Serve

A white plate with a thin gold rim holds a pile of round cookies dusted with white powdered sugar, each cookie showing deep cracks revealing a golden-brown surface beneath. The cookies have a rough, cracked texture with uneven edges and are stacked loosely, some resting on top of others, creating a three-dimensional look. The background is a white marbled surface with subtle grey veins and some scattered powdered sugar around the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?

Instant coffee granules dissolve better in the dough and provide a more concentrated flavor. Using brewed coffee could change the dough’s texture and moisture balance, so it’s best to stick with granules or espresso powder.

Why are my cookies not crinkling properly?

Make sure to chill the dough before baking and roll the dough balls in both granulated and powdered sugar. Also, avoid overmixing the dough to maintain its soft texture that helps form those signature crinkles.