If you’re looking to bake something that’s equal parts cozy and bold, Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles might just become your next favorite treat. Imagine a soft, chewy cookie infused with the inviting warmth of cinnamon and the deep aroma of coffee, finished with a dazzling crinkly sugar coating. The contrast of sweet, spicy, and aromatic flavors is simply irresistible, and every bite has a gorgeous, crackled finish that looks as delightful as it tastes. Let’s gather your ingredients and get baking — these Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles are about to steal the spotlight at your coffee breaks and gatherings!

Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples plus a couple of fun extras to make these cookies truly shine. Each ingredient was chosen for a reason, and the little details here really make the Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles unforgettable.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our cookies, providing structure and that signature soft bite.
Ground cinnamon: Delivers that cozy, spicy warmth every bite of Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles promises.
Baking powder: Gives just enough lift so your cookies puff up beautifully and get that lovely crinkled top.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in balance.
Instant coffee granules: Infuses the dough with a bold, aromatic coffee kick – using the best you have really pays off!
Vanilla extract: Ties together the flavors and adds a gentle sweetness.
Unsalted butter, melted: Keeps the cookies moist and rich, making for a delightfully chewy bite.
Brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and helps keep the cookies extra soft.
Large egg: Binds all the ingredients and gives structure so your cookies hold together.
Granulated sugar (for rolling): The first coating adds sparkle and helps create that signature crinkle.
Powdered sugar (for rolling): Gives each Cinnamon Coffee Crinkle its iconic, snowy finish for both beauty and extra sweetness.

How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles

Step 1: Mix The Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. By making sure these are well combined, you’ll get even flavor and perfect texture in every cookie. Don’t forget the cinnamon — it’s what makes these crinkles so fragrant and inviting!

Step 2: Dissolve The Coffee

In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in one teaspoon of hot water. This helps release the coffee’s bold aroma and makes it blend smoothly into your dough. Use fresh granules for the richest flavor — this little step is a game changer for punchy, aromatic Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is glossy and smooth. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and your dissolved coffee, and stir until everything is combined. This is where the base of all that wonderful flavor begins!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky — that’s perfect! Don’t overmix, as this is key to keeping your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles irresistibly tender and chewy.

Step 5: Chill The Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Chilling lets the flavors deepen and makes the dough easier to handle, helping you form perfectly round cookies and encouraging those dramatic, bakery-style crinkles as they bake.

Step 6: Preheat and Prep

Once you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. Set out your bowls of granulated sugar and powdered sugar so you’re ready for the most satisfying step: rolling!

Step 7: Shape and Double Roll

Scoop a tablespoon of chilled dough, roll it into a ball, then first coat in granulated sugar, followed by a roll in powdered sugar. The double rolling technique is the secret to those striking Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles — the two sugars give a dramatic, crackled finish that looks as good as it tastes.

Step 8: Bake

Place the coated dough balls a few inches apart on your prepared sheets (they spread, so give them space!). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed and just set but still soft in the center. Let them cool on the pan for a couple of minutes before moving to a wire rack. Prepare for some serious cookie aroma to fill your kitchen!

How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles

Garnishes

For that extra touch of magic, lightly sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or even a dusting of espresso powder over the still-warm cookies. You could also dip half of each crinkle in melted dark chocolate for a decadent flair, or add a few chocolate shavings on top. These little finishing touches make your Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles prettier and even more tempting.

Side Dishes

These cookies play beautifully with a steaming mug of freshly brewed coffee, a tall glass of milk, or even a hot cocoa topped with whipped cream. For a full spread, serve with fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a crowd-pleasing dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few crinkles and tying with bakery twine as edible gifts for friends. Arrange on a cake stand with a swirl of powdered sugar for a dessert buffet centerpiece. Or tuck them into mini treat bags for party favors — Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles are guaranteed to bring cheer wherever they’re shared!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’ll keep their soft and chewy texture, and the flavor just develops more overnight thanks to those cozy spices.

Freezing

Both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough freeze beautifully. If freezing dough, roll into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag (don’t coat with sugar until ready to bake). Frozen crinkle cookies can be kept up to 2 months — just thaw at room temp and give them a fresh dusting of powdered sugar if needed.

Reheating

If your cookies lose a bit of their softness, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave will bring back their just-baked texture. Warm cookies also make the flavors pop, especially the cinnamon-coffee aroma. For a crowd, you can heat several on a low oven setting for a few minutes.

FAQs

How do I get the best crinkle effect on my cookies?

Chilling your dough and double rolling each ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar, gives Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles their dramatic, bakery-style cracks. The cold dough and the layering of sugars are the dynamic duo behind that signature look!

Can I use freshly brewed coffee instead of instant granules?

Instant coffee granules dissolve easily and pack a strong, even flavor punch. Brewed coffee will add too much liquid to the dough, so stick with instant for the boldest Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles. You can use espresso powder for an even deeper twist!

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling gives the flavors time to meld and the dough time to firm up, which means the cookies spread more slowly in the oven. This leads to a thicker, chewier center and deeper, more beautiful crinkles!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a good-quality 1-for-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The texture might vary slightly, but you’ll still get all the delicious flavors of classic Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles.

Are these cookies very sweet?

The balance of brown sugar, cinnamon, and coffee means these cookies are sweet but not overwhelmingly so. The double sugar coating does punch things up, but the spices and coffee round out the sweetness beautifully.

Final Thoughts

These cozy, flavorful Cinnamon Coffee Crinkles have a way of making every coffee break feel like a special occasion. Their perfect balance of spice, richness, and sugary crunch means they disappear fast, so don’t be shy about doubling the batch! Invite some friends over, share a plate, and savor the simple joy of homemade cookies — you’re in for a treat.