Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe because it captures all the cozy, cinnamon-scented goodness of your favorite coffee cake—but in the perfect handheld cookie form. When I first tried these, I was amazed at how the tender, cakey dough combined with that rich, buttery streusel created such a comforting bite every single time. They’re fantastic for when you want a treat that feels like a little celebration but is easy enough to whip up any afternoon.

You’ll find that these cookies work wonderfully for breakfast with your morning coffee or as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up with a glass of milk. Plus, the icing drizzle adds just the right touch of sweetness without overwhelming the lovely cinnamon and buttery flavors. Once you get the hang of this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe, it becomes a staple in my kitchen—and I promise, it will be in yours too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe come together to create that distinct coffee cake flavor and texture that we all love—plus a rich cinnamon streusel and a smooth glaze to finish. Using both all-purpose and cake flour in the dough helps keep these cookies tender but still structured enough to hold the streusel without collapsing.

• All purpose flour: Essential for structure, and you’ll use it in both the dough and the streusel topping.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramel-like flavor, both in the dough and the streusel.
• Cinnamon: The star spice for that warm, cozy coffee cake vibe.
• Softened and cold unsalted butter: Soft butter makes mixing easier for the streusel, and cold butter in the dough creates that tender, flaky texture.
• Cake flour: Helps keep the cookies light and soft, something I learned really makes a difference with coffee cake-style cookies.
• Cornstarch: Adds a little extra tenderness to the dough.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Both are needed to give these cookies just the right rise and texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Granulated sugar: For sweetness and a bit of crunch in the dough.
• Vanilla extract: Complements the cinnamon perfectly.
• Egg and egg yolk: Provide richness and help bind everything together.
• Heavy cream or milk: In the icing, it makes it smooth and drizzle-able.
• Powdered sugar: For that classic sweet glaze finish.

Variations

I like to keep this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe classic, but sometimes I jazz it up a bit to keep things interesting. Don’t hesitate to get creative—you can easily swap or add ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add nuts: I often toss in finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel for a bit of crunch, and my family goes crazy for that texture.
• Try shredded coconut: Adding coconut flakes to the streusel gives a surprising yet delicious twist that’s especially great in summer.
• Gluten-free option: You can substitute the flours for a gluten-free blend, but be sure to adjust the dry ingredients carefully to maintain texture.
• Double the streusel: For an even more indulgent cookie, I sometimes make extra streusel to sprinkle on top after baking, but just remember to heat treat the flour if you do this extra step.

How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Filling

Start by mixing the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Then, using your fingers, work in the softened butter until the mixture forms small clumps—this is the magic that gives you that perfect crumbly topping. Pop the bowl into the fridge to chill while you get the dough going. I discovered this hands-on method helps achieve the ideal texture much better than just stirring with a utensil.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients for the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together all purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Setting these dry ingredients aside helps make your dough mixing smoother—trust me, it saves a lot of scrambling later on!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the cold cubed butter along with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—this usually takes about 1-2 minutes. The cold butter may sound like it shouldn’t work here, but it’s exactly what keeps the cookies tender and not greasy.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract next, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to make sure everything blends evenly. This combination adds richness and helps your cookies hold together just right.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients—about a quarter cup at a time. Mix just until everything is combined; overmixing can make your cookies tough. I’ve definitely learned the hard way that patience during this step pays off in the end.

Step 6: Shape and Fill the Cookies

Scoop and roll the cookie dough into large balls—if you like bigger cookies, aim for around 8; smaller ones will give you 22-24. Place them spaced out on your prepared baking sheets. Using your thumb or a utensil like the end of a wooden juicer dipped in a little flour (to prevent sticking), make an indent in each ball. Fill each with about a tablespoon of the chilled streusel—this is the best part where those cozy coffee cake flavors come alive.

Step 7: Bake and Shape

Bake the cookies at 400°F for about 8-11 minutes, until the edges look set and have just started to turn golden. Take them out a little earlier than you think because they’ll keep baking on the sheet, and that’s a trick I learned to keep them from drying out. For perfectly round cookies, try this fun tip: right after pulling them from the oven, gently spin each cookie inside a circle (cookie cutter or drinking glass works well) to smooth any uneven edges.

Step 8: Cool and Ice

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before drizzling on the icing. Icing warm cookies can cause it to melt and run off, so patience here really pays off!

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple—sometimes an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking adds a beautiful sparkle and extra warmth. For special occasions, a light dusting of powdered sugar and chopped toasted pecans on top of the icing really ups the presentation.

Side Dishes

These coffee cake cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of brew—whether it’s your morning cappuccino, a strong black coffee, or even a chai latte. For a full breakfast spread, serve alongside fresh fruit and yogurt to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch or gathering, I love arranging these cookies on a tiered dessert stand alongside muffins and scones. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment paper tied with twine also makes a charming homemade gift that’s both thoughtful and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover coffee cake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and fresh for about 3 days. If you notice them starting to dry out, a quick zap in the microwave for 10 seconds brings back that fresh-baked softness.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully—either before or after baking. I usually scoop and freeze the dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag, so I can bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits. Baked cookies freeze well too; just thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or briefly microwave for a few seconds to revive that fresh-baked warmth. Just be careful not to overheat, or they’ll dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe has become one of my favorite rituals when I want a little homemade comfort that’s quick and fuss-free. There’s something so joyful about biting into a cookie that tastes like a warm slice of coffee cake—plus, the surprise streusel center always brings smiles. I really hope you give these a try; they’re just the kind of treat to make your kitchen smell amazing and your loved ones ask for seconds. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.

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