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Have you ever craved the comforting swirl of cinnamon and crumbly streusel from your favorite coffee cake, but in a portable, bite-sized form? That’s exactly what inspired my Coffee Cake Cookies recipe. These delightful treats capture all the cozy flavors of classic coffee cake in soft, chewy cookies topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble. I’ve been baking them for years, and they’re always a hit at family gatherings or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Picture this: warm Coffee Cake Cookies fresh from the oven, the aroma of vanilla and spice filling your kitchen. They’re perfect for those days when you want something sweet without the fuss of a full cake. In my experience, sharing these homemade Coffee Cake Cookies brings everyone together over a cup of coffee. I’m excited to share this easy recipe with you so you can create your own batch of happiness.
If you’re a fan of other indulgent bakes, check out my Creme Brulee Cookies for a creamy twist or the Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies for a caffeinated kick. Trust me, these Coffee Cake Cookies will become your new go-to.
Key Takeaways:
- Coffee Cake Cookies offer the classic coffee cake experience in a convenient cookie form, perfect for on-the-go snacking.
- Prep and bake in under an hour, making them an ideal quick dessert without sacrificing flavor.
- The cinnamon streusel topping delivers that irresistible crunchy-sweet contrast to the soft dough.
- Room temperature butter and precise measuring ensure perfect texture every time.
- Store in an airtight container for up to five days; they freeze beautifully for longer enjoyment.
Why You’ll Adore This Coffee Cake Cookies
Irresistible Cinnamon Swirl: There’s something magical about that warm cinnamon flavor woven into every bite of these Coffee Cake Cookies. It reminds me of lazy Sunday mornings with a fresh pot of coffee. You’ll love how it pairs with the tender cookie base for pure comfort.
Quick and Easy Baking: Who has time for complicated recipes on busy days? These Coffee Cake Cookies come together in no time, yet they taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. I’ve made them countless times for last-minute guests, and they never disappoint.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a brunch treat or an after-dinner delight, Coffee Cake Cookies fit right in. The streusel topping adds a fancy touch without extra effort. Plus, they’re customizable to suit your mood or dietary needs.
Family-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved in crumbling the topping—it’s a mess worth making. These cookies spark joy and create lasting memories around the baking table. Honestly, the smiles they bring are the best part.
Essential Ingredients for Coffee Cake Cookies
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your Coffee Cake Cookies, all-purpose flour provides the perfect structure for a soft yet sturdy cookie. I always sift mine to avoid lumps, ensuring even baking. It absorbs the butter and sugars just right, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave. Without it, the dough wouldn’t hold the streusel as beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter is key for creaming with sugars to build airiness in Coffee Cake Cookies. It adds richness and helps the flavors meld during baking. I’ve tried salted, but unsalted lets you control the taste better. Melted butter in the streusel gives it that crumbly magic.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient brings moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness to your Coffee Cake Cookies. It contrasts wonderfully with the white sugar in the dough for layered flavors. In my experience, light brown sugar works best here, but dark adds even more chewiness. It’s essential for that authentic coffee cake vibe in every bite.
How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies
Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming the softened butter and sugars together in a large bowl until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, creating a smooth base for your Coffee Cake Cookies. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add to the wet mixture. Fold in any add-ins like chopped nuts if desired. Chill the dough for 30 minutes; this prevents spreading and ensures those perfect rounds. Scoop into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ready for the topping.
Create the Streusel Topping
Now, for the star of the show: the cinnamon streusel. Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until combined. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs—the texture should be like wet sand. What I find interesting is how this step releases the warm spice aromas early. Taste a pinch if you like; it’s tempting! This topping will transform your simple dough into irresistible Coffee Cake Cookies. Set aside while you shape the dough balls.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F and gently press a generous spoonful of streusel onto each dough ball, covering the tops without flattening too much. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden edges and set centers—don’t overbake for that soft chew. As they cool on the sheet, the cookies will firm up, locking in the flavors. In my kitchen, the scent alone gets everyone excited. For a pro touch, link this to other cinnamon favorites like my Snickerdoodle Cookies. Once cooled, your Coffee Cake Cookies are ready to devour.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Streusel:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Coffee Cake Cookies Instructions
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat well.
- Combine dry ingredients and mix into wet until dough forms. Chill 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Scoop dough into balls on baking sheet.
- Mix streusel ingredients until crumbly. Top each dough ball generously.
- Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to rack.
- Enjoy warm or store as directed.
Pro Tips for the Best Coffee Cake Cookies
Chill the Dough: Always chill your Coffee Cake Cookies dough to prevent spreading and maintain shape during baking.
Cold Butter for Streusel: Use cold butter in the topping for the perfect crumbly texture that stays intact on your Coffee Cake Cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and avoid toughness in every batch.
You Must Know
- Coffee Cake Cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to three months.
- The streusel ratio is crucial; too much flour makes it dry, so measure carefully.
- These cookies contain gluten; for gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 blend.
- Baking time varies by oven—start checking at 10 minutes to avoid overbaking.
How to Store Coffee Cake Cookies
Once cooled, store your Coffee Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days—they stay soft thanks to the brown sugar. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer before bagging; they’ll keep for three months. To reheat, pop in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to revive that fresh-baked warmth. I’ve found this method keeps the streusel crunchy without sogginess.
Customizing Your Coffee Cake Cookies
Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or omit nuts in your Coffee Cake Cookies for a nut-free version—it’s flexible that way. For a gluten-free twist, use a certified blend, and I’ve linked it to my Lemon Blueberry Cookies for berry variations. Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough for an extra coffee kick, enhancing the theme. Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and it works just as well, keeping everyone happy.
What to Serve with Coffee Cake Cookies
Pair these with a hot cup of brewed coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy moment—black coffee really highlights the cinnamon notes. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfaits to balance the sweetness. If you’re feeling fancy, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert sundaes. They’re also great with a glass of milk for kids or almond milk lattes for a modern touch.
Coffee Cake Cookies
I've combined two of my favorite desserts into one and made these dreamy coffee cake cookies. They're made with a cinnamon sugar cookie, filled with a buttery streusel and a drizzle of powdered sugar icing on top. Enjoy with a cup of warm coffee and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cookie!
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 02 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 03 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 04 pinch salt
- 05 5 Tbsp. softened butter, unsalted
- 06 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 07 3/4 cup cake flour, spooned and leveled
- 08 1 tsp. cornstarch
- 09 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 10 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 11 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 12 1/2 tsp. salt
- 13 8 Tbsp. cold butter, unsalted, cut into cubes
- 14 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 15 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 16 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 17 1 large egg
- 18 1 large egg yolk
- 19 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 20 3 Tbsp. heavy cream or milk
- 21 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 22 1 tsp. vanilla
- 23 pinch salt
Instructions
Prepare the streusel filling: In a medium sized bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt together. Then work in the butter until small clumps form. (I just use my fingers to work it together). Refrigerate.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside
Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl: all purpose flour, cake flour, corn starch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
Place the cubed butter and sugars into the bowl of a stand mixer and secure the paddle attachment. Turn the mixer on and cream until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
Add in the egg, egg yolk and vanilla extract and blend until mixed. Use a rubber spatula to knock off mixture if any is sticking to the sides of the bowl and mix again.
Gradually add in the dry ingredients, about 1/4 cup at a time. Mix until incorporated.
Scoop and roll cookie dough into ~8 large balls, or smaller if preferred you can get about 22-24 cookies. Place on prepared baking sheets.
Make an indent in each cookie, using your thumb or the end of a spoon/spatula or something similar. (I used the end of a wooden juicer and dunk it in a little flour so it doesn't stick).
Spoon ~1 Tbsp. of the streusel filling in each cookie and bake for ~8-11 minutes, or until edges appear set and are slightly golden. (They will continue to bake a bit more on the pan after you pull them out so pull them out just before you think they're done so they don't over-bake/become dry.)
*Optional step to get cookies perfectly circular: Immediatley after the cookies come out of the oven, place a circular cookie cutter or a circular drinking glass around one of the cookies (it should be larger than the cookie so you don’t cut off any edges) and give the cookies a spin. Swirling the cookie should help to smooth out any uneven edges.
Let cookies rest on cookie sheet for ~5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack.
Whisk together the ingredients for the icing and once the cookies are cooled, drizzle icing over the tops and enjoy!
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Cake Cookies
Can I make Coffee Cake Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prepare the dough and streusel up to 24 hours in advance, chilling both until ready to bake. This even enhances the flavors as they meld. Just bake straight from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the time.
How long does Coffee Cake Cookies last in the fridge?
Your Coffee Cake Cookies will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. The chill might firm them up, so let them sit at room temp for 10 minutes before enjoying. Freezing is better for longer storage.
Are Coffee Cake Cookies gluten-free?
Traditionally no, but you can easily make them gluten-free with a 1:1 flour substitute. Test a small batch first to ensure the texture holds. For more ideas, see my Easy Homemade Biscuits.
Can I add chocolate to Coffee Cake Cookies?
Yes, fold in chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent twist on these Coffee Cake Cookies. It pairs beautifully with the cinnamon, creating a mocha-like treat. Bake as usual and indulge.
Why are my Coffee Cake Cookies flat?
Flat cookies often come from warm dough or overmeasured leavening—double-check your baking soda. Chilling helps too. Next time, it’ll be perfect.
How do I make vegan Coffee Cake Cookies?
For vegan Coffee Cake Cookies, swap eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter. The streusel works the same. They’re just as delicious and inclusive. Try with my Fudgy Chewy Browkies for more inspo.
What’s the calorie count for Coffee Cake Cookies?
Each cookie is about 150-200 calories, depending on size and add-ins. They’re indulgent but worth it in moderation. Track if needed for your diet.
Can I bake Coffee Cake Cookies without an oven?
Oven-baking is best for the streusel texture, but you could try an air fryer at 325°F for 8-10 minutes. Results may vary, so experiment carefully.
Final Thoughts
From the first bite of these Coffee Cake Cookies, you’ll understand why they’re a staple in my baking rotation—the perfect blend of soft, spicy, and sweet. I’ve shared countless batches, and each one sparks joy and conversation. Give this recipe a try this weekend; you won’t regret it. Share your results or tag me—I’d love to see your version!