Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of coffee cake and crave its rich, crumbly streusel topping, you’re going to love this Coffee Cake Cookies recipe. These cookies bring together the best parts of coffee cake—the warm cinnamon flavors and crumbly topping—in an easy-to-make, bite-sized cookie format. Perfect for pairing with your morning cup of coffee or as an indulgent dessert, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe offers a delicious treat that’s relatively easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are ideal for anyone who enjoys the classic flavors of coffee cake but wants the portability of a cookie. The streusel topping adds a crunchy, sweet contrast to the soft cookie base, making each bite a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Plus, the easy icing drizzle takes the presentation to the next level, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying with family.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Streusel:

• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 1/4 cups (155g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (90g) cake flour
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 8 Tbsp (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk

For the Icing:

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 Tbsp heavy cream
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Cooling rack
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula

How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies

1. Prepare the Streusel

Start by making the streusel topping. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Once the dry ingredients are mixed, work in 5 tablespoons of softened butter until the mixture forms small clumps. You can use your fingers to crumble it together or a pastry cutter if you prefer. Once the streusel is ready, refrigerate it while you prepare the cookie dough.

2. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set them aside.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of cake flour, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Set the mixture aside.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), combine 8 tablespoons of cold, cubed unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes.

5. Add the Wet Ingredients

Add 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

6. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, about 1/4 cup at a time, until fully combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky, which is perfect for rolling.

7. Form the Cookies

Scoop the cookie dough into balls using a cookie scoop or your hands. For larger cookies, aim for about 8 large dough balls, or make smaller cookies if you prefer. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them for spreading.

8. Add the Streusel Topping

Use your thumb or the end of a spoon to create an indent in the center of each cookie. Fill each indent with about 1 tablespoon of the chilled streusel mixture.

9. Bake the Cookies

Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden and set. The centers should look slightly underbaked, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven. Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack.

Tips for the Perfect Streusel

• Butter consistency matters: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the streusel. This ensures that it forms the perfect crumbly texture.
• Chill the streusel: Don’t skip refrigerating the streusel before using it! This helps it maintain its structure during baking and keeps the cookies from becoming too greasy.

Making the Icing

While the cookies are cooling, whisk together 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The icing should be smooth and drizzle easily off the spoon. Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the icing over the top and allow it to set before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These coffee cake cookies are perfect for serving as a snack or a special breakfast treat. Enjoy them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate pairing. To elevate the presentation, sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon over the icing before it sets, or garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-mixing the dough: Be careful not to over-mix the dough after adding the dry ingredients. This can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
• Over-baking: The cookies will continue to bake on the hot baking sheet after being removed from the oven. If they look slightly underdone when you take them out, that’s okay! Over-baking can result in dry, crumbly cookies.

Storing and Freezing

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Simply allow the cookies to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the streusel topping for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Nutty twist: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for added crunch and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it soften slightly at room temperature before scooping and baking.

Can I skip the icing?
While the icing adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal, you can skip it if you prefer a less sweet cookie.

How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for golden edges and a slightly under-baked center. The cookies will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Conclusion

These Coffee Cake Cookies combine the best of both worlds: the irresistible flavors of coffee cake and the convenience of cookies. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, they’re sure to become a household favorite. If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more delicious recipes!

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