If you are a fan of tender, crumbly treats with a nostalgic twist, this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the warm, cinnamon-spiced goodness of classic coffee cake, perfectly captured in a crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside cookie. These cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring the comfort of a homemade breakfast favorite in a convenient, handheld form. So whether you’re hosting brunch or simply craving a delightful snack alongside your morning coffee, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in blending buttery richness, sweet cinnamon notes, and that irresistible streusel topping that defines coffee cake. From pantry staples to the creamy icing finish, these components come together effortlessly to create pure magic.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides the tender base and richness essential to the dough’s soft texture.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Adds sweetness and helps with the perfect golden edges when baked.
- Light brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Infuses moisture and deeper caramel notes into the cookie.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together while adding structure and a bit of richness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering that signature cinnamon aroma.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups total): The foundation that balances texture between tender crumb and sturdiness.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle lift for tender crumb.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps with rise and browning for perfectly baked cookies.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Amplifies sweetness and rounds the overall flavor profile.
- Light brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Essential for the cinnamon streusel’s sweet, slightly sticky topping.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The warm spice that delivers classic coffee cake flavor.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Binds the streusel and adds a rich, buttery crunch.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Forms the base of the silky drizzle icing.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Thins the icing to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds a sweet, fragrant touch to the icing glaze.
How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple preparation sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies every time.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and luscious. This ensures your cookies have that delightful buttery softness inside. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly to keep the batter smooth. Stir in vanilla extract to awaken those warm, sweet notes. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—this dry mix will add the right lift and structure. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix, so your cookies remain soft when baked.
Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping
In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for that iconic coffee cake flavor burst. Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This streusel topping will give your cookies their signature crumbly, spicy crunch that everyone loves.
Step 4: Form the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out roughly 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the parchment-lined baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each to give them room to spread. Gently flatten the dough slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon. Don’t be shy—press a generous amount of streusel on top of each cookie, pressing it down lightly so it sticks but remains crumbly.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden color. The kitchen will fill with that irresistible aroma of cinnamon and butter, signaling cookies done just right. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheets before transferring them to a wire rack—to avoid breaking that tender crumb and to retain the perfect texture.
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Icing
While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and glossy. Drizzle this luscious icing over the cooled cookies in a zigzag or swirl pattern—it adds a sweet, silky finish that makes these cookies feel extra special.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting look, sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon powder or a few finely chopped toasted nuts atop the icing glaze. It not only brightens the presentation but intensifies that cinnamon flavor you love in coffee cake.
Side Dishes
These cookies with their rich cinnamon and buttery notes pair beautifully with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking Coffee Cake Cookies in a decorative tin or arrange them on a rustic wooden board with jars of preserves and honey for a charming coffee hour spread. They also make delightful packaged gifts when wrapped in parchment and tied with twine, perfect for sharing warmth and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Coffee Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days, making them a handy treat for busy mornings or afternoon indulgences.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when craving that freshly baked coffee cake cookie goodness.
Reheating
Warm the cookies gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes to refresh their soft, just-baked texture and bring out the melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter for the Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe?
Butter is preferred for its flavor and texture in this recipe, but margarine can be used in a pinch. Keep in mind that it may change the richness and crumb slightly, so opt for a high-quality margarine if you decide to substitute.
How do I make these cookies dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and replace milk in the icing with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. This will maintain the texture and flavor while keeping things dairy-free.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add delightful crunch that complements the cinnamon streusel. Chocolate chips can also be stirred into the dough for a twist, adding pockets of gooey sweetness.
What is the best way to prevent the streusel from falling off during baking?
Press the streusel firmly into the cookie dough before baking but don’t overwork it. This helps it adhere well as the butter in the streusel melts and binds the topping to the cookie beneath.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just be sure to give your oven enough space and bake in batches to ensure even cooking. Adding too many cookies at once can affect baking time and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe is truly a little slice of happiness in cookie form. The perfect balance of cinnamon, buttery dough, and that crumbly streusel topping makes each bite a comfort-filled treat. I can’t wait for you to try it and see why these cookies steal the spotlight at every gathering or quiet moment with a cup of joe. Get ready to bake, savor, and share a brand-new favorite!
Print
Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully crumbly and tender coffee cake cookies topped with a cinnamon streusel and a smooth sweet icing drizzle. These cookies encapsulate all the flavors of classic coffee cake in a convenient handheld treat, perfect for pairing with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Streusel Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until creamy and smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Make the Streusel: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, creating a crumbly streusel topping that will add a sweet and spicy crunch.
- Form the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon. Generously sprinkle and press the streusel topping onto each cookie, ensuring it adheres well to the dough.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn golden and the streusel is crisp. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Icing: While cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. This icing will add a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve: Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. Allow the icing to set briefly, then serve and enjoy your coffee cake cookies alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is properly softened for smooth creaming with sugar.
- Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Press the streusel topping firmly onto the dough so it bakes on without falling off.
- For a firmer icing, add less milk; for a thinner glaze, add a bit more milk as needed.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Optionally, add chopped nuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
