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! Perfect for brunch, dessert tables, or any cozy gathering, these cookies are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a warm, inviting taste that everyone will adore.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these cookies without hassle.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch for friends or family gatherings, or keep them all to yourself!
- Versatile Treat: These cookies pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them great for any occasion.
- Streusel Surprise: The hidden buttery streusel center adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious coffee cake cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This makes creaming butter and sugars much easier and ensures a smooth dough.
- Mixing bowls: Having various sizes helps keep your ingredients organized during preparation.
- Baking sheets: Using quality baking sheets ensures even baking for perfectly cooked cookies.
Ingredients
For the Streusel Filling
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- pinch salt
- 5 Tbsp. softened butter, unsalted
For the Cookies
- 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 3/4 cup cake flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tsp. cornstarch
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 8 Tbsp. cold butter, unsalted, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 3 Tbsp. heavy cream or milk
For the Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- pinch salt
How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies
Step 1: 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 (using your fingers works best). Refrigerate until needed.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
Place the cubed cold butter along with brown sugar and granulated sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Turn on the mixer to cream until smooth (about 1-2 minutes).
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Blend until fully combined; scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the prepared dry ingredients about 1/4 cup at a time until fully incorporated into the dough.
Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough
Scoop out portions of dough to form approximately eight large balls (or smaller for more cookies—about 22-24). Place them on your prepared baking sheets.
Step 8: Create Indents
Make an indent in each cookie using your thumb or another tool like the end of a spoon/spatula dipped in flour to prevent sticking.
Step 9: Fill with Streusel
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of streusel filling into each cookie indent before placing them in the oven.
Step 10: Bake Cookies
Bake for approximately 8-11 minutes or until edges are set and slightly golden brown. Remember they will continue to bake once out of the oven!
Step 11: Cool Cookies
Let cookies rest on their baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 12: Drizzle Icing
Once cooled completely, whisk together icing ingredients then drizzle over your delicious coffee cake cookies before serving! Enjoy!
How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies
Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for various occasions. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
With Coffee or Tea
- Pair these cookies with your favorite brewed coffee or tea. The flavors blend beautifully, making for a cozy afternoon snack.
Ice Cream Delight
- Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. The combination of warm and cold is simply irresistible.
Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter alongside other sweet treats. This makes for an eye-catching display at any gathering.
Breakfast Treat
- Enjoy these cookies as a breakfast option with fruit and yogurt. They provide a satisfying start to your day without feeling overly indulgent.
Gift Idea
- Package the cookies in decorative bags or boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift. Perfect for holidays or special occasions!
How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies
Perfecting your Coffee Cake Cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they come out just right.
- Chill the Dough: Allow the cookie dough to chill before baking. This helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your baking powder, baking soda, and spices are fresh for optimal flavor and rise.
- Measure Flour Properly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. They should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center when removed from the oven.
- Cool Completely Before Icing: Allow cookies to cool fully before drizzling with icing. This prevents the icing from melting into the cookie.
Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies
Coffee Cake Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some tasty options that pair well with them.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome side that balances indulgence.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory element that pairs nicely with sweet flavors.
- Nut Mix: A selection of roasted nuts provides crunch and complements the texture of the cookies.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet bites add elegance and enhance any dessert spread.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a hot chocolate station with toppings like whipped cream and marshmallows, ideal for winter gatherings.
- Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars offer a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crumbly cookie experience.
- Mini Muffins: Offer mini muffins in assorted flavors as another sweet option that pairs well with coffee cake cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Coffee Cake Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Bold mixing technique: Overmixing your dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined for a tender texture.
- Bold incorrect measurements: Using too much flour or sugar can alter the cookie’s consistency. Always measure accurately, using a scale if possible.
- Bold skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the streusel filling may result in it melting in the oven. Refrigerate it until you are ready to use it for best results.
- Bold neglecting oven temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can lead to burnt or undercooked cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
- Bold ignoring resting time: Letting cookies cool on the sheet for too long can make them soggy. Transfer them after about 5 minutes for optimal texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Coffee Cake Cookies
- Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Place wax paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies
- Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Bold Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
- Bold Stovetop: Use a pan on low heat, covering it briefly until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Coffee Cake Cookies.
What makes Coffee Cake Cookies unique?
Coffee Cake Cookies combine the best of both worlds—soft cookie dough with a crumbly streusel topping, offering a delicious texture and flavor profile.
Can I customize the flavors of my Coffee Cake Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
How do I achieve perfect shapes for my Coffee Cake Cookies?
To get perfectly round cookies, use a circular cookie cutter immediately after baking while they’re still warm and pliable.
Are there any gluten-free options for Coffee Cake Cookies?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blends designed for baking. Make sure they contain xanthan gum or other binding agents.
Final Thoughts
These Coffee Cake Cookies are not just delicious but also adaptable. Whether you’re enjoying them with coffee or as a treat on their own, they offer a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. Feel free to experiment with different toppings or fillings to make them your own!
Coffee Cake Cookies
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with these Coffee Cake Cookies, a perfect blend of soft, cinnamon-infused cookie dough and a luscious buttery streusel filling. Topped with a sweet powdered sugar icing, these cookies are an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed alongside your morning coffee or served at gatherings, they are sure to impress your friends and family. Easy to make and even easier to devour, Coffee Cake Cookies will quickly become your go-to dessert recipe.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 22 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- pinch salt
- 5 Tbsp. softened butter, unsalted
- 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 3/4 cup cake flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tsp. cornstarch
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 8 Tbsp. cold butter, unsalted, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 3 Tbsp. heavy cream or milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Start by preparing the streusel filling: mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Work in softened butter until clumps form. Refrigerate until needed.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- In a stand mixer, cream cold butter with brown and granulated sugars until smooth. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until fully combined.
- Scoop out dough to form balls on prepared sheets; make indents using your thumb.
- Fill each indent with streusel before baking for 8-11 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to racks. Drizzle with icing once cooled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Chill the cookie dough before baking to prevent spreading. Feel free to customize with nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor.
