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 topped with a drizzle of powdered sugar icing. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies will make your coffee breaks even more delightful. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and buttery streusel creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a family gathering or a friendly get-together, these cookies are sure to impress your guests.
- Versatile Treat: Great as a dessert or snack, they pair perfectly with coffee or tea.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist to the classic recipe.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Coffee Cake Cookies, gather the necessary tools. This will help streamline the cooking process and ensure that you have everything you need at hand.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugars smoothly, which is key for cookie texture.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for easy segregation of ingredients during preparation.
- Baking sheets: Ensure even baking when lined with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.

Ingredients
To create these delightful Coffee Cake Cookies, you’ll need the following 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 Cookie Dough:
- 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. Work in the softened butter until small clumps form using your fingers. Refrigerate this mixture while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mix aside for later use.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
Place cubed cold butter and both sugars into the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Turn it on to cream until smooth (about 1-2 minutes).
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture and blend until fully incorporated. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down any mixture stuck on the sides of the bowl.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in your dry ingredient mix about 1/4 cup at a time into the wet mixture until just incorporated.
Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough
Scoop out portions of cookie dough and roll them into approximately eight large balls (or smaller if you prefer). Place them onto prepared baking sheets spaced apart.
Step 8: Create Indents
Make an indent in each cookie using your thumb or another utensil like a spoon handle to create space for the streusel filling.
Step 9: Add Streusel Filling
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of streusel filling into each indent of every cookie before placing them in the oven.
Step 10: Bake
Bake for about 8-11 minutes until edges are set and slightly golden brown. Remember they’ll continue cooking on the pan after removal from heat.
Step 11: Perfect Circles (Optional)
Immediately after pulling them out from the oven, use a circular cookie cutter or glass larger than each cookie to gently swirl around each one for perfect shapes.
Step 12: Cool Down & Drizzle Icing
Allow cookies to rest on their sheet for about five minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack. Whisk together icing ingredients; once cooled completely drizzle over cookies before serving!
How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies
Coffee cake cookies are a delightful treat that can brighten any occasion. Here are some creative ways to serve them for the best experience.
With a Warm Beverage
- Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. The warm beverage complements the cinnamon flavors beautifully.
- Hot Chocolate: For a sweeter option, serve with hot chocolate topped with marshmallows for a cozy treat.
As a Dessert Platter
- Cookie Assortment: Create a dessert platter featuring coffee cake cookies alongside other cookies like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin for variety.
- Fruits and Nuts: Add fresh fruit slices and mixed nuts to the platter for a balanced snack option.
At Gatherings and Parties
- Gift Bags: Package individual cookies in decorative bags as party favors for guests to take home.
- Dessert Bar: Include coffee cake cookies in a dessert bar at parties, allowing guests to choose their favorites.
How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies
Perfecting coffee cake cookies involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your baking skills.
- Bold Measurement Accuracy: Ensure precise measurements of ingredients for consistent results. Use kitchen scales if possible.
- Bold Dough Temperature: Chill the cookie dough before baking. This helps prevent spreading and ensures they hold their shape.
- Bold Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality butter and fresh spices for the best flavor in your cookies.
- Bold Oven Calibration: Always preheat your oven properly. An accurately heated oven ensures even baking and perfect texture.
Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies
Coffee cake cookies make a wonderful addition to any meal or gathering. Here are some side dishes that pair nicely with them.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that complements the dessert flavors.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs well, offering a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
- Nuts and Trail Mix: Provide an array of nuts or trail mix as crunchy sides that enhance texture.
- Vegetable Crudités: Crisp veggies with hummus or dip offer a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of sweet treats.
- Ice Cream Scoops: Serve vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Coffee Cake Cookies, it’s easy to miss a few key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Boldly skip the chilling step: Not refrigerating the streusel filling can result in a soggy texture. Always chill it until firm.
- Boldly ignore measuring techniques: Using packed flour instead of spooned flour can change the cookie’s texture. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
- Boldly forget about oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven baking. Make sure your oven is properly preheated to 400°F.
- Boldly overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough. Mix only until ingredients are just combined to keep them tender.
- Boldly underestimating cooling time: Cutting cookies too soon can cause them to break apart. Let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring them.

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 in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
- They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies
- Oven: Preheat at 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet on low heat for a couple of minutes, covered with a lid, for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Coffee Cake Cookies that may help you in your baking journey.
What are Coffee Cake Cookies?
Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful combination of cinnamon sugar cookies and buttery streusel, topped with sweet icing, perfect for enjoying with coffee.
Can I customize my Coffee Cake Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even swap out spices like nutmeg or cardamom for unique flavors.
How do I ensure my cookies stay soft?
To keep your Coffee Cake Cookies soft, avoid overbaking them and store them in an airtight container after they’ve cooled completely.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement.
Final Thoughts
These Coffee Cake Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with various mix-ins or toppings. Try this recipe today and enjoy these delightful treats any time of year!
Coffee Cake Cookies
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with these Coffee Cake Cookies! Combining the warmth of cinnamon and brown sugar with a buttery streusel filling, these cookies are topped off with a sweet drizzle of icing. Perfect for elevating your coffee breaks or as a charming treat for gatherings, they are sure to become a favorite. With easy-to-follow steps and customizable options, you can create a batch that suits any occasion. Get ready to impress friends and family with this comforting dessert!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- Prepare the streusel filling by mixing flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and softened butter until clumps form. Refrigerate.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream cold butter and sugars until smooth. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla; blend well.
- Gradually incorporate dry mixture until just combined.
- Shape dough into balls, create indents, fill with streusel, and bake for 8-11 minutes.
- Cool slightly before drizzling icing on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
