The Best Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of coffee cake and cookies. Imagine the soft, buttery texture of a classic cookie combined with the warm, cinnamon-laced crumble of coffee cake. These Coffee Cake Cookies bring together the best of both worlds—crispy edges, a chewy center, and that irresistible streusel topping that makes every bite pure comfort.

If you love coffee cake but don’t always want to commit to baking an entire cake, these cookies are the perfect solution. They have all the cinnamon-sugar goodness you crave but come together much faster. Plus, they’re portable, which means you can enjoy them as an afternoon treat, a cozy breakfast, or a dessert to pair with your favorite coffee or tea.

These cookies are easy to make, require simple ingredients, and are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these Coffee Cake Cookies will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love these Coffee Cake Cookies. If you’re a fan of warm, spiced flavors and soft, buttery textures, this recipe is a must-try.

1. The Perfect Combination of Coffee Cake and Cookies

Instead of choosing between coffee cake and cookies, you get the best of both worlds. The cookie base is soft and chewy, while the streusel topping gives you that classic coffee cake texture.

2. Warm, Cozy Flavors

Cinnamon and brown sugar create an irresistible warmth, making these cookies perfect for cool mornings, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need a little comfort food.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

Unlike traditional coffee cake, which requires baking in a large pan and slicing, these cookies come together in under an hour. There’s no need for special equipment, and the steps are simple to follow.

Health Benefits

While these cookies are a sweet treat, they also contain some ingredients with health benefits when enjoyed in moderation.

1. Cinnamon for Blood Sugar Control

Cinnamon is known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels. Adding it to baked goods not only enhances the flavor but also provides a small health boost.

2. Brown Sugar for Natural Sweetness

While sugar should always be enjoyed in moderation, brown sugar contains a small amount of molasses, which provides trace minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium.

3. Butter for Healthy Fats

Butter contains essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, which is important for eye health. Using high-quality butter in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Baking: 10-12 minutes
• Cooling & Icing: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes about 18-20 cookies, depending on the size.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 15g

Ingredients List

The Streusel Topping

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)

The Cookie Dough

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cake flour
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk

The Icing

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add the softened butter and use a fork or your hands to mix until the mixture forms crumbly clumps.
3. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the cookie dough.

Make the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a stand mixer, cream together cold cubed butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
4. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Shape and Fill the Cookies

1. Scoop out 1.5-tablespoon portions of dough and roll them into balls.
2. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press an indentation into the center of each cookie.
4. Fill each indentation with 1 tablespoon of streusel topping.

Bake the Cookies

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Icing and Drizzle

1. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
2. Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the icing over the top.

How to Serve

• Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture.
• Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or warm milk.
• Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top for a stronger coffee cake flavor.
• Pair with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.

Pairing Suggestions

Best Drinks to Serve with Coffee Cake Cookies

1. Coffee (of course!)

• Latte: The creamy texture balances the cinnamon-sugar flavors.
• Cappuccino: The bold coffee taste pairs well with the sweetness of the cookies.
• Espresso: If you love a strong coffee flavor, an espresso provides a robust contrast to the soft, sweet cookie.
• Cold Brew: The smooth, slightly bitter notes of cold brew enhance the cinnamon and brown sugar flavors.

2. Tea Pairings

• Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea, like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, complement the cinnamon in the cookies.
• Earl Grey: The slight citrus notes in Earl Grey tea add a refreshing contrast.
• Rooibos Tea: A caffeine-free option with a naturally sweet and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with baked goods.

3. Milk or Dairy-Free Alternatives

• Oat milk: A creamy, slightly sweet alternative.
• Almond milk: A light, nutty flavor that doesn’t overpower the cookies.
• Coconut milk: Adds a subtle tropical twist to the pairing.

Dessert Pairings

• Vanilla ice cream: The cool, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm spices.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzle some warm caramel over the cookies for extra decadence.
• Whipped cream: A light, fluffy addition that makes these cookies feel extra special.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Coffee Cake Cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage and freezing tips.

How to Store Coffee Cake Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.
• Refrigerator: If you need to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. However, the texture is best when stored at room temperature.

How to Freeze Coffee Cake Cookies

Freezing Baked Cookies

1. Allow the cookies to cool completely.
2. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes. This prevents them from sticking together.
3. Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
4. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Freezing Cookie Dough

1. Roll the cookie dough into balls and make the indentation for the streusel topping.
2. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
3. Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
4. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet, top with streusel, and bake as directed, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Reheat Coffee Cake Cookies

• Room Temperature: If stored in the fridge, let the cookies come to room temperature before serving.
• Oven: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh their texture.
• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds for a softer cookie with a gooey center.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Chilling the Streusel

The streusel topping is meant to be crumbly and firm enough to hold its shape during baking. If the butter in the streusel is too soft, it will melt too quickly, making the topping greasy. Chilling it before use helps maintain that perfect crumbly texture.

2. Overmixing the Cookie Dough

When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough cookies instead of the light and chewy texture we want.

3. Skipping the Indentation Step

Pressing an indentation into each cookie before adding the streusel ensures that the topping stays in place. If you skip this step, the topping may fall off or spread unevenly.

Pro Tips for Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies

1. Use Cold Butter for the Dough

Using cold, cubed butter instead of softened butter gives the cookies a tender, slightly crisp texture. It also prevents them from spreading too much while baking.

2. Double the Streusel Topping

If you love extra crunch and cinnamon flavor, make a little extra streusel and sprinkle more on top after baking.

3. Adjust the Sweetness of the Icing

If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the powdered sugar in the icing or skip the icing altogether for a more classic coffee cake taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and streusel topping a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, assemble and bake as usual.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio. However, the texture may be slightly different.

3. Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a delicious crunch to the streusel topping.

Conclusion & Call to Action

If you’re looking for a soft, cinnamon-spiced cookie with a crunchy streusel topping, these Coffee Cake Cookies are the perfect recipe to try. They bring together all the cozy flavors of coffee cake in a quick, easy-to-make cookie that’s great for any occasion.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how they turn out! Leave a comment below or share your photos on social media. I’d love to see your delicious creations.

Now, grab a warm drink, take a bite, and enjoy the perfect combination of soft, chewy cookies and buttery streusel topping. Happy baking!

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