If you have a soft spot for the cozy flavors of cinnamon and sugar, the Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe is going to be your new obsession. These cookies capture all the warmth and comfort of a classic coffee cake, but in a perfectly handheld, crumbly cookie form that’s both fun and easy to enjoy any time of day. Imagine biting into a tender, buttery cookie with a cinnamon streusel center, finished with a drizzle of sweet vanilla icing—a delightful treat that’s simple to make yet impressive enough to share with your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes the Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe so irresistible are its straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in building layers of flavor and that perfect texture we all crave. From soft and cold butter for richness, to a combination of flours for tenderness, and spices for warmth, every element counts.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the essential structure in both the cookie dough and streusel for a balanced crumb.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep molasses sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon notes.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that brings the quintessential warm aroma and flavor of a coffee cake.
- Unsalted butter: Using both softened and cold cubes ensures a rich, tender dough and crumbly streusel.
- Cake flour: Helps keep the cookies tender and delicate, melting in your mouth with every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to a crisp-tender streusel topping.
- Powdered sugar and heavy cream: Combined for a smooth, luscious icing that adds a finishing touch of decadence.
How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Filling
Start by mixing the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to create the streusel base. Cut in cold, cubed butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse clumps. Pop this into the fridge to chill—it helps the streusel stay delightfully crumbly after baking.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare for Baking
Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray effortlessly, ready for you to enjoy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This blend gives the dough not only great texture but also the subtle spice that makes these cookies taste like your favorite coffee cake.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the cold butter cubes with the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, blending well to infuse the dough with richness and flavor that’s irresistible.
Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mix into the wet mixture, stirring gently until all the flour disappears and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cookies tender and gives them that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 6: Shape Cookies and Add Streusel Center
Form the dough into roughly 12 balls. Press your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small well in the center of each ball. Fill each indentation generously with the chilled streusel. This little touch is what makes this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe so special—each bite reveals a scrumptious cinnamon surprise!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for about 8 to 11 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the cookies feel set. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring. The aroma of cinnamon and butter filling your kitchen is simply divine at this stage.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light drizzle of vanilla icing made from powdered sugar and cream can elevate these cookies from delicious to downright decadent. You can also sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon sugar on top for an extra bit of sparkle and flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, enhancing the coffee cake vibes. For a brunch or dessert spread, add fresh berries or a small bowl of whipped cream to complement their sweet, crumbly texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe beauties on a wooden board along with a selection of nuts and fruits for a delightful snack platter. You can even sandwich a little cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an indulgent twist that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve their tender texture and fresh flavors. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the deliciousness a day or two after baking without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent freezing together.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen or stored cookies, warm them for 5 to 10 seconds in the microwave or for a few minutes in a preheated 325 degrees Fahrenheit oven. This helps refresh their softness and reawakens that buttery aroma.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose and cake flours with a gluten-free baking blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Is it necessary to use both all-purpose and cake flour?
Yes, the combination ensures the cookies are tender but still hold their shape. Cake flour softens the texture, while all-purpose flour provides structure and chewiness.
Can I skip the icing topping?
Yes, the cookies are delightful on their own with the cinnamon streusel center. The icing adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess but is optional depending on your preference.
How do I make the streusel bring out the best flavor?
Using cold butter and chilling the streusel before filling the cookies keeps it crumbly and prevents it from melting into the dough, ensuring each bite has that wonderful cinnamon crunch.
Can these cookies be made dairy-free?
You can swap butter for a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based milk for the icing. The flavor will change slightly but the cookies will remain tasty and moist.
Final Thoughts
I’m beyond excited for you to try this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe because it truly brings together the best of both worlds—cozy coffee cake flavors combined with the convenience of a cookie. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet little treat to brighten your day, these cookies will quickly become a beloved staple. So gather your ingredients and get ready to bake up some unforgettable warmth and sweetness that you and your friends will adore!
Print
Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Coffee Cake Cookies combine the rich flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar with a crumbly streusel topping and a sweet icing drizzle. Perfectly tender with a satisfying crunch, they deliver all the taste of a classic coffee cake in a convenient cookie form.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 3/4 cup cake flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Streusel Filling
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- 3 Tbsp heavy cream or milk
Instructions
- Make the Streusel Filling: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut in the 5 tablespoons of cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture forms clumps. Refrigerate the streusel mixture until ready to use.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup cake flour, 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the 8 tablespoons of cold, cubed unsalted butter with 1/3 cup packed brown sugar and 1/3 cup granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together.
- Shape Dough: Scoop the dough into balls, about 2 tablespoons each, and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indent in the center of each dough ball to hold the streusel filling.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon a generous amount of the chilled streusel mixture into each dough indent. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Prepare Icing: While the cookies bake, whisk together 1 cup sifted powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk until smooth. Drizzle icing over cooled cookies before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter used in the dough is cold to create a tender crumb and prevent spreading.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute heavy cream with almond or oat milk for the icing.
- The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can increase the cinnamon in both the dough and streusel by 1/2 teaspoon.
