Coffee Cake Cookies – Soft, Buttery, and Topped with Cinnamon Streusel

There is something magical about coffee cake—the rich, buttery flavor, the warm cinnamon spice, and that irresistible crumbly streusel topping. Now, imagine all that goodness packed into a soft, chewy cookie. That’s exactly what these Coffee Cake Cookies deliver! They are the perfect fusion of a classic thumbprint cookie and a comforting coffee cake, making them a delightful treat for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Instead of baking an entire cake, you get bite-sized portions of coffee cake goodness that come together quickly. These cookies are soft and chewy on the inside, slightly crisp on the edges, and topped with a sweet, buttery streusel that melts in your mouth. And to make them even more irresistible, they are finished with a vanilla glaze drizzle that adds just the right amount of sweetness.

The first time I made these, they disappeared in minutes. They have become a family favorite, especially during the holidays or when we want a comforting treat to go with our morning coffee. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is fail-proof and guaranteed to impress.

If you love cinnamon-sugar flavors, crave a soft yet slightly crumbly texture, and enjoy the ease of making cookies over cakes, then these Coffee Cake Cookies are a must-try. Let’s dive into the details so you can bake up a batch of these cinnamon-spiced delights today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Coffee Cake Cookies are everything you love about coffee cake but in an easy, portable form. Here’s why you’ll be making them on repeat:

1. They Taste Just Like Coffee Cake

If you love the classic combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and buttery streusel, then these cookies will be a dream come true. The flavor profile is spot-on, with just the right balance of spice and sweetness.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

Traditional coffee cake requires mixing, layering, and baking a full cake, but these cookies come together in less than an hour. With simple steps and no fancy equipment required, this recipe is ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookies are great for breakfast with a cup of coffee, as a sweet snack in the afternoon, or as a dessert for a gathering. Their beautiful streusel topping and glaze drizzle make them look as good as they taste.

4. Soft, Chewy, and Buttery

Thanks to a mix of cake flour and all-purpose flour, these cookies have the perfect soft yet slightly crisp texture. They stay chewy for days, making them a great make-ahead treat.

5. No Special Tools Needed

All you need are basic baking tools—a bowl, a spoon, and a baking sheet. No stand mixer, no complicated techniques, just simple, stress-free baking.

If you love baking cookies that are warm, cozy, and bursting with cinnamon flavor, then this recipe is for you!

Health Benefits

While these cookies are a decadent treat, they also have some surprising health benefits thanks to key ingredients.

1. Cinnamon: A Powerful Antioxidant

Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support heart health. It also stabilizes blood sugar levels, making it a great ingredient to include in sweet treats.

2. Almond Flour Option for Gluten-Free Baking

For those looking for a gluten-free alternative, these cookies can be made with almond flour, which is rich in healthy fats and protein while being naturally low in carbs.

3. Balanced Sweetness

Unlike store-bought cookies that can be overly sweet, these homemade cookies contain natural brown sugar, which has a deeper flavor and pairs perfectly with cinnamon.

4. Dairy-Free Adaptation

These cookies can be made dairy-free by swapping butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

5. Energy Boosting

Because these cookies contain healthy fats and natural sugars, they provide a nice energy boost, making them a great treat for busy mornings or midday snacks.

While these cookies are a treat, they offer more than just great taste. With a few simple modifications, you can enjoy them guilt-free!

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Before diving into the ingredients and instructions, here’s a quick breakdown of the time required and nutrition details:

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time (Optional): 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings:

This recipe makes 16-18 cookies, depending on size.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fat: 8g

Now, let’s go over what you’ll need to bring these cookies to life.

Ingredients List

The Streusel Topping:

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

The Cookie Dough:

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

The Vanilla Glaze:

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

These simple pantry staples come together to make a cookie that is bursting with flavor and has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Streusel

1. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add softened butter and mix with a fork or your hands until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Place the streusel in the refrigerator while you prepare 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 medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk, then mix until fully combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

Assemble and Bake the Cookies

1. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough and roll it into balls. Place them on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
2. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a small indentation in each cookie.
3. Fill each indentation with about 1 tablespoon of streusel topping.
4. Bake for 8-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
5. Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

Make the Glaze & Drizzle

1. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
2. Drizzle over cooled cookies for a sweet finishing touch.

How to Serve

These Coffee Cake Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, making them perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hot drink in the morning or as an after-dinner dessert, they will quickly become a household favorite.

1. Serve Warm for the Best Texture

These cookies taste absolutely amazing when served warm. The streusel topping stays slightly crumbly, while the glaze melts slightly, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. If they’ve cooled down, simply warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

2. Pair with Coffee or Tea

Since these cookies are inspired by coffee cake, they naturally pair well with hot beverages. Try them with:

• A freshly brewed cup of coffee (black, latte, cappuccino, or espresso)
• A spiced chai latte for a warm and cozy experience
• A cup of herbal tea, like cinnamon or vanilla rooibos

3. Make Them Part of a Brunch Spread

These cookies are an excellent addition to a brunch menu. Serve them alongside:

• Fresh fruit and yogurt
• Scrambled eggs or an omelet
• A stack of pancakes or waffles

4. Dress Them Up for Special Occasions

For a fancier presentation, dust the cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. If serving at a party or holiday gathering, arrange them on a platter with fresh berries and a small bowl of extra glaze for dipping.

Pairing Suggestions

These cookies are already packed with flavor, but if you want to take your experience to the next level, pair them with complementary drinks and side dishes.

1. Beverage Pairings

These cookies pair well with both hot and cold drinks. Here are some delicious combinations:

• Hot Coffee: The classic pairing! A strong, slightly bitter coffee balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
• Vanilla Latte: The smooth vanilla flavor complements the cinnamon and brown sugar.
• Chai Tea: A warm spiced chai enhances the cookie’s cinnamon flavor.
• Hot Chocolate: For a super-indulgent treat, dip a cookie into rich hot chocolate.
• Cold Brew Coffee: A slightly sweet cold brew pairs beautifully with these cookies, especially on warm days.

2. Food Pairings

If you want to make these cookies part of a larger meal, here are some excellent options:

• Greek Yogurt with Honey: The tangy yogurt balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: Berries, apples, and pears bring a refreshing contrast.
• Cinnamon-Spiced Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream enhances the dessert experience.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

These cookies stay fresh for days and can also be frozen for later. Here’s how to store them properly:

1. Storing at Room Temperature

• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• To keep the streusel crisp, place a small piece of bread in the container—it helps absorb excess moisture.

2. Storing in the Refrigerator

• If you live in a humid area, store cookies in the fridge in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for 5-7 days.
• Allow cookies to come to room temperature before eating, or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

3. Freezing Baked Cookies

• Let cookies cool completely before freezing.
• Arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes or warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

4. Freezing Cookie Dough for Later

If you want fresh cookies on demand, you can freeze the dough:

• Roll the cookie dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm.
• Transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months.
• Bake straight from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.

5. Reheating for the Best Texture

To bring back the freshly baked taste:

• Microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey cookie.
• Oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to refresh the texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, here are some common mistakes that could affect your cookies’ texture and flavor:

1. Overmixing the Dough

Mixing the dough too much can develop the gluten in the flour, making the cookies dense instead of soft. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

2. Not Measuring Flour Correctly

Using too much flour can result in dry cookies. Always spoon the flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping it directly from the bag.

3. Skipping the Chilling Step

If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for 15 minutes before baking will prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

4. Overbaking

Cookies continue to bake even after they’re removed from the oven. Take them out when the edges just start to turn golden. They will firm up as they cool.

Pro Tips for the Best Coffee Cake Cookies

For bakery-style cookies every time, follow these expert tips:

1. Use Cold Butter for the Cookie Dough

Cold butter helps create a slightly crisp edge while keeping the inside soft. Cube the butter and mix it into the dough without letting it soften completely.

2. Make Extra Streusel

The streusel is the star of this recipe! Make a little extra and store it in the fridge for topping muffins, oatmeal, or pancakes.

3. Let the Glaze Set Before Stacking

If you plan to store or transport the cookies, let the glaze fully set so it doesn’t stick to other cookies. This takes about 30 minutes at room temperature.

4. Try Different Flavors

For a twist, mix nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice into the dough for an extra depth of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make These Cookies Without Streusel?

Yes! The cookies are delicious on their own, but the streusel adds a unique texture.

2. Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.

3. How Do I Make These Cookies Dairy-Free?

Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free milk alternative for the glaze.

4. Can I Add Nuts?

Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch to the streusel topping.

Conclusion & Call to Action

These Coffee Cake Cookies combine everything we love about coffee cake into a soft, chewy, and spiced treat. Whether you’re making them for a holiday brunch, a quick afternoon snack, or a cozy night in, they are guaranteed to be a hit.

Now it’s your turn! Bake a batch of these delicious cookies and let me know how they turn out. Share your photos and experiences in the comments or tag me on social media—I love seeing your baking creations! Happy baking!

Print