Craving something sweet and cozy to go with your morning coffee? These coffee cake cookies are the perfect solution! Imagine all the flavors of a classic coffee cake packed into bite-sized cookies—soft, crumbly, and topped with a delicious streusel.
What’s even better? These cookies are incredibly easy to make, so you can enjoy them without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a baking pro or a beginner, this recipe is perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth with minimal effort.
With the warm flavors of cinnamon and butter, these cookies will become a favorite for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. And who doesn’t love a treat that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea?
Ready to bake these irresistible cookies? Let’s dive into the recipe and bring the warmth of a coffee cake to your cookie jar!
Why You’ll Love These Coffee Cake Cookies
These cookies bring together the best of both worlds: the soft, crumbly texture of coffee cake with the portability of a cookie. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee or as a dessert, they’re sure to please everyone. With this recipe, we’ll walk you through step-by-step, ensuring you end up with perfect cookies every time.
Unlike many cookie recipes, this one features a rich, buttery cookie dough base, a cinnamon streusel topping, and a sweet vanilla glaze to finish it all off. It’s easy to follow and produces professional-level results.
Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
To make the best Coffee Cake Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients for the dough, streusel, and icing.
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour – gives structure to the cookies.
- ¾ cup cake flour – creates a lighter texture.
- 1 tsp cornstarch – helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- 1 tsp cinnamon – the star spice of the show.
- ½ tsp baking soda – for leavening.
- ½ tsp baking powder – for an added lift.
- ½ tsp salt – enhances the other flavors.
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed – gives the cookies their rich flavor and crumbly texture.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed – adds sweetness and moisture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – for extra crispiness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – complements the cinnamon and butter flavors.
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk – gives the cookies their chewy texture.
For the Streusel:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour – base for the streusel.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed – adds sweetness.
- 2 tsp cinnamon – enhances the streusel flavor.
- Pinch of salt – balances the sweetness.
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened – binds the streusel together.
For the Icing:
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted – the base for the icing.
- 3 Tbsp heavy cream – gives the icing a smooth texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted – sweetens the glaze.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds flavor.
- Pinch of salt – balances the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the softened butter using a fork or your fingers until small clumps form. Refrigerate the mixture while you prepare the dough. Keeping the streusel cold ensures it maintains its crumbly texture while baking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the cubed butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, about ¼ cup at a time. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
3. Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into balls, about 2 tablespoons each. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball.
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, press down the center of each dough ball to create a small well for the streusel.
4. Add the Streusel Topping
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the prepared streusel topping into the well of each cookie. Be generous with the streusel, as it’s one of the best parts of these cookies!
5. Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are set and slightly golden. The centers will continue to cook as the cookies cool on the baking sheet.
6. Make the Icing
While the cookies cool, prepare the icing by whisking together the melted butter, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The icing should be smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, add more cream, a teaspoon at a time.
7. Drizzle the Icing
Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the icing over the top of each one using a spoon or piping bag. Let the icing set before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
- Refrigerate the Streusel: Chilling the streusel ensures that it remains crumbly and doesn’t melt into the cookie dough while baking.
- Cold Butter for the Dough: Using cold, cubed butter helps create a crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy.
- Icing Only When Cool: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before adding the icing to prevent it from melting and running off.
- Customize Your Streusel: For added flavor, mix in some finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the streusel. Coconut flakes also make for a great addition.
Common Questions About Coffee Cake Cookies
1. Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully. Once they have cooled and the icing has set, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
2. Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. If you want to prep even further ahead, you can freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
3. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you live in a humid environment, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to keep the streusel from getting soggy.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Sugars | 25g |
| Protein | 4g |
Final Thoughts
These Coffee Cake Cookies are everything you love about coffee cake but in a more convenient, cookie form. The soft, chewy base, topped with a crunchy streusel and sweet vanilla icing, makes them irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe is straightforward and fun to make.
Pair these cookies with a cup of coffee or enjoy them as a sweet snack any time of day. Trust us, these will quickly become a household favorite!