Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

If you love the cozy feel of classic breakfast treats but want something a bit more portable and fun, you’re going to adore this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe. These cookies have that perfect balance of tender, cakey dough paired with a cinnamon-spiced streusel center that just melts in your mouth. I discovered this recipe when craving my favorite morning coffee cake but without the fuss of slicing and plating – these cookies were the perfect solution!

What’s extra special about this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe is how versatile and quick they are. Whether you’re making them for a brunch, a snack with your afternoon coffee, or a sweet treat to share at gatherings, they consistently bring smiles. Plus, the cinnamon streusel tucked right into the cookie dough is a little surprise everyone loves.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe lies in how simple ingredients work together to create something extraordinary. Using both all-purpose and cake flour gives you that delicate cakey texture, while the streusel with cinnamon and brown sugar adds a cozy depth. I’ll share my tips on choosing the freshest ingredients to make your cookies unforgettable.

• All-purpose flour: The base that provides structure; I like to spoon & level it for accuracy to keep the texture just right.
• Cake flour: This is the secret to making the cookies tender and soft – don’t skip it!
• Cornstarch: Adds a slight softness to the dough, helping those cookies stay cakey and melt-in-your-mouth.
• Cinnamon: Essential for that warm coffee cake flavor that makes these cookies truly special.
• Baking soda & baking powder: Both are key for the perfect rise and lightness.
• Butter (cold and softened): Cold butter in the dough helps with flakiness, while softened butter in the streusel binds everything together beautifully.
• Brown sugar & granulated sugar: Brown sugar gives moisture and depth, while granulated sugar helps with crispness around edges.
• Vanilla extract: Because vanilla makes everything better, adding warmth and a subtle sweetness.
• Egg & egg yolk: Gives richness and structure, plus that little extra yolk adds tenderness and chew.
• Powdered sugar (for icing): Make sure to sift it for smooth, lump-free icing.
• Heavy cream or milk (for icing): Heavy cream makes icing richer, but milk works perfectly if you want it lighter.
• Salt: Just a pinch in the streusel to balance sweetness, and in the dough to bring out all the flavors.

Variations

This Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. I love experimenting with different nuts or adding a little shredded coconut to the streusel for extra texture. Don’t be afraid to personalize it—it’s all about what makes you happy in the kitchen.

• Add-ins: Try chopped pecans or walnuts mixed into the streusel for crunch – my family goes crazy for the nutty twist.
• Gluten-free: Swap out the flours for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend; the cookies still turn out soft and delicious.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough or streusel for a festive aromatic note.
• Frosting options: Swap the vanilla icing for a light cream cheese glaze if you want a tangy flair.

How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Streusel Filling

This step is where the magic starts. Mix the flour, packed brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Then, work in the softened butter using your fingers until the mixture forms small clumps — kind of like crumbly sand. This technique traps pockets of butter, which melt into beautiful, crunchy streusel during baking. Pop it into the fridge to chill; this keeps the butter firm and the streusel distinct.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. The combo of flours and leaveners is crucial—it gives you those soft yet structured cookies that almost feel like a mini coffee cake in cookie form.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cold cubed butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. This creaming process traps air that helps the dough rise gently in the oven—hang in there, don’t rush!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Occasionally scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula to ensure everything blends evenly—this little step saves you from uneven mixing and helps the dough shine.

Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, about 1/4 cup at a time, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and make cookies tough, so stop as soon as everything comes together beautifully.

Step 6: Form Cookies and Add Streusel

Scoop and roll the dough into large balls—about 8 for big cookies or more if you want smaller sizes (I usually get 22-24). Place the balls on baking sheets lined with parchment or silicone mats to prevent sticking. Next, create a thumb-sized indentation in each cookie; I learned a neat trick to use the end of a wooden juicer dipped lightly in flour—it prevents sticking and gives a clean, deep well for the streusel filling.

Step 7: Fill and Bake

Spoon about a tablespoon of your prepped streusel into each indentation. Bake the cookies at 400°F for 8 to 11 minutes—watch the edges until they look set and just turning golden. I like to pull mine out when they still look a little shy of done; they continue cooking on the hot pan and stay wonderfully moist that way.

Step 8: Shape and Cool

Here’s a little pro tip I discovered: right after taking the cookies out of the oven, place a circular cookie cutter or a drinking glass around each cookie and gently spin it. This trick smooths out any uneven edges and keeps them perfectly round—great for presentation! Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to drizzle a simple vanilla icing over the cookies once they’ve fully cooled—that creamy touch brings everything together and looks pretty, too. If I’m feeling fancy, I sprinkle a few finely chopped toasted pecans on top for crunch and a nutty aroma, which my guests always appreciate.

Side Dishes

These cookies are great on their own but pair wonderfully with a fresh cup of brewed coffee or a creamy latte. For brunch gatherings, I sometimes serve them alongside fruit salad or yogurt parfaits to balance the richness with some bright, fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I stack these coffee cake cookies on a tiered dessert stand, drizzling extra icing and sprinkling cinnamon sugar right before serving. Another fun idea is placing them in individual cupcake liners and wrapping with a ribbon—they make perfect homemade gifts or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

My go-to method is to store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—they stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container; it helps retain moisture beautifully.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cookies successfully by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer bag once frozen. They last up to three months this way and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, I heat leftover cookies in a low 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat or they’ll dry out. If you want a quick fix, the microwave for 10-15 seconds works too, but the oven method keeps them closer to their original texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe brings all the comforts of a traditional coffee cake into a handy cookie form—perfect for mornings on the go or casual coffee dates. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing these as much as my family and I do. Once you try them, I’m sure you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you want a simple, sweet, and deeply satisfying treat. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking together!

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