Well, Here’s the Story Behind These Coffee Cake Cookies

Oh man, these Gilmore Girls-inspired coffee cake cookies pretty much saved my first solo Thanksgiving, way back when I was convinced that anything involving a rolling pin counted as a ‘project.’ (Honestly, there may have been more dough on my pajamas than in the oven.) My sister and I used to rewatch Gilmore Girls reruns that whole long weekend, baking these slightly-messy cookies when we couldn’t settle for the store-bought pies. If you want something that’s halfway between a cookie and a hug, this is it! And yes, you can totally eat them for breakfast. I won’t tell.

Why I Keep Coming Back to These

I make this recipe when I want to bring a little Stars Hollow magic to our regular old (sometimes chaotic, usually too loud) family gatherings. My cousins literally grab for these before dinner (which drives my mom nuts). They’re like if coffee cake and cookies had a baby, and—well, I guess that’s oddly specific, but so is my family! On especially tired days, I’ve actually doubled the crumb topping and just sort of…spread it on everything. Only confession: the first few times, the dough stuck everywhere and I kinda hated it, but now I just chill the dough and it’s fine. Mostly.

What You’ll Need (but let’s be flexible)

2 cups all-purpose flour (I’ve subbed in half whole wheat before, it works, but don’t tell my kids)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (my grandma was loyal to Land O’Lakes, but honestly I grab what’s on sale)
1 cup granulated sugar (in a jam, brown sugar adds a deeper vibe, up to you)
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (I always add a splash more—or a glug, let’s be real)
1/4 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt is a solid swap if you forgot to buy sour cream, story of my life)
Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup flour (all-purpose)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (or more, I eyeball it)
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt

Let’s Dive into the How-To (or something like it)

Whip up the crumb topping first: Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or your fingers until the mix looks crumbly-ish. I sometimes overshoot the butter and it goes a bit too pasty (don’t panic, just add a dust more flour).
Preheat your oven to 350°F (about 177°C if you’re advanced, or if you live in Canada like my cousin Jill).
Mix the cookie dough: Cream the softened butter and sugar—the point is fluffy, but you do you. Beat in the egg, vanilla (a little extra is never bad), and sour cream. Honestly, at this point, I usually sneak a taste. Sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt, and mix just until combined—don’t overthink it.
Assembly: Scoop out heaping tablespoon-sized balls onto a lined baking sheet (I just use my trusty spoon; cookie scoops are amazing but I always lose mine mid-holiday). Using the back of a spoon, press a little divot into the center of each. Pile a generous heap of crumb topping into the cavity—it can fall off, that’s part of the fun, who cares?
Bake ’em: 12 to 15 minutes. Should be lightly golden around the edges, slightly soft in the middle. If your oven runs hot, check early. Don’t worry if the topping looks wonky—it sets up as they cool.
Cool: Let them hang out on the sheet for 5 minutes (they’re fragile) then gently move to a rack. Or taste one straight away (I do, every. single. time.)

What I Wish I Knew Before

If your kitchen is like a sauna (hello, Texas summers), chill the dough for 30 mins first so it’s not a sticky mess.
Don’t skimp on the crumb topping or you’ll regret it. Actually, just double it next time.
Trying to use whipped butter wasn’t my best move—came out kinda weird. Softened is your friend.

Variations I’ve Tried (and Maybe Regretted)

Swapping Greek yogurt in for sour cream is fine. Using coconut yogurt? The jury’s out—my 7-year-old nearly spat it out, so maybe skip that one.
Sprinkle some chopped pecans into the crumb. Or not, if you’re nut-averse.
I once tried adding a handful of blueberries to the dough, but honestly, it got too soggy. Stick to adding a handful of festive sprinkles on top (kids love it—it’s like edible confetti).

The Kitchen Stuff (and What if You Don’t Have It?)

Baking sheet: I’ve used a pizza pan in a pinch. They’ll crowd a bit, but still taste great.
Parchment or silicone mat: Cling foil with a bit of butter keeps them from sticking if you’re out.
Mixing bowls: I once used a big salad bowl. It all comes out in the wash, yeah?

Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe Thanksgiving Dessert

Storing (Aka, If You Have Any Left)

Store in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze for a month. But—honestly, in my house, they’re gone before the next episode of Gilmore Girls even ends. I like these storage tips from Serious Eats for any cookies.

How We Serve Them (A Little Family Tradition)

These taste perfect with—what else?—coffee. Or tea, if that’s your jam. Sometimes I’ve paired them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, but they’re honestly not fussy. My family always eats them while standing around the kitchen, stealing the crumble off each other’s cookies. Maybe it’s a weird little ritual, but it’s ours.

Been There, Done That: My Pro Tips

I once tried baking these too close together, and ended up with a cookie ‘giant’—funny, but not ideal. Give them space, unless you like break-apart bars?
If you rush the creaming step, they’ll be flat and rude-tasting. Take your time. Actually, doing it with music on makes it more fun (I recommend the Gilmore Girls playlist on Spotify)

FAQs—Real Qs I Get All the Time

Is coffee actually in these cookies? Nope—not unless you count what you drink with them! (If you want to sneak in a bit, a pinch of espresso powder in the crumb topping would probably be fun.)
Help, my topping fell off! Yeah, it happens to me when I get overambitious with the piles. Just press it in gently before baking—and anyway, crumbs are the best part, right?
Any way to make these gluten-free? Sure, swap in a good 1:1 gluten-free flour brand (like Bob’s Red Mill). Texture’s a bit different, but not bad.
Can you make these ahead? For sure—actually, I think this tastes better the next day, crumb topping and all. Just try not to snack on them too soon (good luck!).

If you need more fun Gilmore Girls-themed treats, BuzzFeed has a bunch here.

So, let’s just say these cookies are now as much of a Thanksgiving tradition for my family as turkey that’s, uh, usually a little dry and the yearly debate about whether marshmallows belong on sweet potatoes. (They do not. I’m right, right?)

Olivia Coleman

Gilmore Girls Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe Thanksgiving Dessert