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!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon sugar and buttery streusel creates an irresistible taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip these up quickly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon treat or a festive gathering, these cookies fit right in.
• Versatile Size Options: Make them large for sharing or small for bite-sized delights.
• Impressive Presentation: The icing adds a beautiful touch that will impress your family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delightful coffee cake cookies, you’ll need some essential tools that make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool helps to cream the butter and sugars smoothly, ensuring the best texture for your cookies.
• Mixing bowls: Having various sizes allows you to separate ingredients easily during preparation.
• Baking sheets: Essential for even baking; they hold your cookies while they bake perfectly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these delicious Coffee Cake Cookies:

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. Work in the softened butter until small clumps form—using your fingers works best! Refrigerate while preparing 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: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

Place the cubed cold butter and both sugars into the bowl of your stand mixer. Secure the paddle attachment and 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 mixed; use a rubber spatula to scrape down any mixture from the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in your dry ingredient mixture about 1/4 cup at a time until everything is incorporated without over-mixing.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop out approximately 8 large balls of dough (or smaller ones if you prefer) — expect to yield about 22-24 cookies total. Place them on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Create Indents for Filling

Make an indent in each cookie using your thumb or another tool like a spoon handle—dust it lightly with flour first so it doesn’t stick.

Step 9: Fill with Streusel

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of streusel filling into each indent you’ve created in the cookies.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 8-11 minutes or until edges are set and slightly golden brown. Remember that they will continue baking on the pan after removing them from heat.

Step 11: Shape Cookies (Optional)

For perfectly round cookies—immediately after pulling them from the oven—use a circular cookie cutter or glass larger than your cookies to gently swirl around them for even edges.

Step 12: Cool & Drizzle Icing

Let cookies rest on the sheet for roughly 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cooled completely, whisk together icing ingredients and drizzle over each cookie before enjoying!

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies

Serving your Coffee Cake Cookies can elevate the experience and make it even more delightful. Here are some creative ways to enjoy these sweet treats.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: Pairing your cookies with a fresh cup of coffee enhances the flavors and provides a comforting experience.
• Tea: A warm cup of tea, such as chai or Earl Grey, complements the cinnamon notes in the cookies nicely.

As a Dessert Platter

• Mix with Other Cookies: Include various cookies on a platter for guests to enjoy a range of flavors.
• Add Fresh Fruit: Serve with slices of apple or pear for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

At Special Occasions

• Birthday Parties: These cookies can be a unique addition to any dessert table.
• Holiday Gatherings: Their festive flavor makes them perfect for holiday celebrations.

How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies

To ensure your Coffee Cake Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and eggs helps create a smooth dough that bakes evenly.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep cookies tender and soft.
• Chill Your Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance the texture and prevent spreading during baking.
• Check Baking Time Carefully: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be slightly golden around the edges but soft in the center when done.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to the streusel filling for added texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Coffee Cake Cookies can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy, crunchy contrast that complements the cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses—such as brie or cheddar—that provide savory notes against the sweet cookies.
4. Nut Mix: A selection of spiced or candied nuts adds crunch and another layer of flavor when served alongside your cookies.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate can be a fun dipping option that brings out additional sweetness in each bite.
6. Ice Cream Scoops: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs beautifully, offering a cool treat next to warm cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Coffee Cake Cookies can be delightful, but avoiding common pitfalls is essential for perfect results.

• Boldly skip the chilling: Not refrigerating the streusel filling can lead to a gooey mess. Always give it time to firm up.
• Boldly overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make cookies tough. Blend until just combined for soft, tender cookies.
• Boldly ignoring oven temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can affect texture. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
• Boldly using packed flour: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down. Spoon and level for accurate measurements.
• Boldly skipping the icing: The icing adds a sweet finish. Don’t skip this step; it enhances flavor and presentation!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Coffee Cake Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Bold Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Coffee Cake Cookies that might help you out!

Can I use different types of flour for Coffee Cake Cookies?

Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends in place of all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that texture may vary.

What if I don’t have cake flour?

You can make your own cake flour by removing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour per cup and replacing it with cornstarch.

How do I customize my Coffee Cake Cookies?

Try adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit into the dough for extra flavor and texture. The possibilities are endless!

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of eggs.

How do I store leftover icing?

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using again!

Final Thoughts

These Coffee Cake Cookies blend rich flavors and textures, making them irresistible. They are versatile enough for any occasion, whether enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!