Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

If you love the cozy flavors of coffee cake but want something a bit more portable and fun, this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how these cookies come together with that tender crumb and crumbly cinnamon streusel topping that melts in your mouth. Whenever I make them, the aroma fills the house with warm vanilla and cinnamon—it’s like a hug in cookie form!

These coffee cake cookies are perfect for anytime—morning coffee, afternoon snack, or even a sweet finish after dinner. What I find really special about this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe is the balance between the soft, buttery dough and the cinnamon-spiced streusel center, all finished with a lightly sweetened vanilla glaze. I promise, once you try it, it’ll be a new favorite in your cookie rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe, the ingredients work together to create that tender, buttery base and the richly flavorful streusel center. Most of these staples are probably already in your pantry, and I’d recommend using good-quality butter to really make these cookies shine.

• All-purpose flour: Key for structure in both the streusel and cookie dough; spoon and level it for accuracy.
• Cake flour: This helps keep the cookies soft and tender—if you don’t have any, you can substitute with all-purpose flour but the texture will differ slightly.
• Cornstarch: Adds extra tenderness to the cookie dough; a little secret to keep your cookies soft.
• Cinnamon: Essential for that warm coffee cake spiced flavor; measure carefully because it really defines the taste.
• Baking soda & baking powder: These leavening agents make sure the cookies rise just right without becoming cakey.
• Butter: Use cold cubes for the dough and softened butter for the streusel and icing; fresh unsalted butter works best.
• Brown sugar & granulated sugar: Brown sugar provides chewiness and depth, while granulated sugar adds a subtle crunch and sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Don’t skimp here—the vanilla enriches the dough and icing with lovely aroma and flavor.
• Egg and egg yolk: Adds richness and moisture to keep the cookies tender.
• Powdered sugar: For the icing glaze; sift it to avoid lumps and keep it silky smooth.
• Heavy cream or milk: Use to thin out the icing to the perfect drizzling consistency.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances all the sweetness perfectly.

Variations

I enjoy playing around with this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe to celebrate seasons or suit different cravings. Feel free to personalize the filling or icing to make these cookies your own little masterpiece.

• Streusel Swap: Sometimes I mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel for an extra crunch and nutty depth.
• Flavor Boost: Adding orange zest or a pinch of cardamom in the dough gives these cookies a fresh twist I’ve come to adore.
• Gluten-Free Version: Try using a gluten-free flour blend that substitutes both flours for a similarly tender cookie that’s also safe for gluten-sensitive folks.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with plant-based alternatives and use coconut milk in the icing for a lovely dairy-free treat.

How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Streusel Filling

Start by combining the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Then, using your fingers, work in the softened butter until the mixture holds together in small clumps. It’s okay if some bits are bigger than others—this clumpiness turns into that delightfully crunchy streusel texture. Pop this in the fridge while you prep the dough to keep it firm and ready.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Getting these mixed well ensures your cookies bake evenly and have the perfect soft texture with a little rise.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cold butter cubes with the brown and granulated sugar. This takes about 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Don’t rush it—creaming properly adds air to your dough for that tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is combined. If you notice any mixture sticking to the sides, scrape it down with a rubber spatula and mix again to keep things uniform.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add the flour mixture gradually, about 1/4 cup at a time, mixing just enough to incorporate. You’ll find that the dough comes together nicely without becoming dense.

Step 6: Shape Your Coffee Cake Cookies

Scoop the dough into approximately 8 large balls—or 22-24 smaller ones if you prefer bite-sized. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Now here’s a cool trick I discovered: press an indent into each ball using a thumb or the end of a spoon to create a little well for the streusel. For me, using the end of a wooden juicer dipped lightly in flour worked perfectly and prevented sticking.

Step 7: Add Streusel and Bake

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the chilled streusel filling into each cookie’s indent. Bake in a 400°F oven for 8-11 minutes, just until the edges start to set and turn lightly golden. The timing can vary a bit; I usually pull them out when they feel firm but still soft in the center because they’ll finish baking on the sheet. This keeps them from drying out.

Step 8: Shape Perfect Circles (Optional)

Right after taking them out, if you want your cookies perfectly round, place a circular cookie cutter or drinking glass that’s slightly bigger than the cookie around it and gently spin. This swirl motion smooths rough edges, giving your coffee cake cookies a bakery-worthy look.

Step 9: Cool and Drizzle Icing

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. While they cool, whisk together melted butter, heavy cream or milk, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt for the icing. Drizzle this over the cooled cookies for that extra sweet touch that brings the whole coffee cake vibe home.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a tiny bit of extra cinnamon or powdered sugar over the icing for a pretty, inviting look. Sometimes a few chopped nuts or a light dust of cocoa powder gives the cookies a slightly different angle if I’m serving guests.

Side Dishes

These coffee cake cookies pair wonderfully with a hot mug of coffee or tea for breakfast or snack time. On Sundays, I serve them alongside fresh fruit or a small bowl of yogurt, making a balanced and satisfying brunch treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these cookies on a wooden board with a scattering of cinnamon sticks and coffee beans to set the vibe. If you’re gifting, wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with twine makes a rustic, heartwarming present anyone would love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover coffee cake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, and they stay soft and delicious. Placing a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain moisture—trust me, that little trick really works!

Freezing

If you want to save these for later, I flash-freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. That way, when you’re ready, you can bake fresh warm cookies without any hassle. Baked cookies freeze well too; just wrap them tightly in plastic and foil.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I pop the cookies into a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or microwave them gently for 15 seconds. This revives their soft texture and the icing tastes just as lovely fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines all the best parts of a traditional coffee cake into a charming little cookie. I love sharing these with friends, and I’ve found that they’re a perfect way to brighten up any day with simple ingredients and big flavor. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the process as much as the delicious results!

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