Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

If you love the classic flavors of coffee cake, you’re going to adore this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe! Soft, buttery cookies with a hint of cinnamon, topped with a crunchy streusel and a drizzle of vanilla icing – they’re like having a delicious slice of coffee cake in cookie form. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack with your favorite coffee or tea, these cookies are easy to make and packed with flavor. Follow along for the full recipe and tips to make these delectable treats a hit in your home!

Essential Ingredients for Coffee Cake Cookies

For the Streusel:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup cake flour
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk

For the Icing:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Tools and Equipment to Make Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or handheld electric mixer
• Spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop
• Cooling rack
• Whisk

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add the softened butter and mix using your fingers or a fork until small clumps form. Refrigerate the streusel topping while you prepare the cookie dough.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your 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 for Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Place the cubed cold butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream the ingredients on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 6: Gradually Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, about 1/4 cup at a time. Mix on low speed until just combined, forming a soft dough.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Scoop and roll the cookie dough into 8 large balls (or smaller, if preferred). Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the end of a spoon to make an indent in the center of each cookie.

Step 8: Fill with Streusel and Bake

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the prepared streusel filling into the indent of each cookie. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden. Remember, the cookies will continue to bake on the hot pan after removal, so pull them out just before they are fully done to avoid overbaking.

Optional Tip: To achieve perfectly circular cookies, immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, place a circular cookie cutter or a drinking glass slightly larger than the cookie around it and give it a gentle spin. This helps smooth out any uneven edges.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Prepare the Icing and Drizzle

While the cookies cool, whisk together the melted butter, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to make the icing. Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the icing over the tops and enjoy!

Tips to Make Perfectly Soft and Crumbly Coffee Cake Cookies

• Use Cold Butter for the Dough: Cold butter helps create a tender, crumbly texture in the cookies, so avoid letting it soften too much.
• Don’t Overbake: Pull the cookies out of the oven when the edges are set and slightly golden; they will continue to bake on the hot baking sheet.
• Chill the Streusel Topping: Chilling the streusel before adding it to the cookies helps maintain its crumbly texture.

Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Coffee Cake Cookies

1. Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
2. Not Chilling the Streusel: If the streusel is too warm, it will melt into the cookies rather than remaining a crumbly topping.
3. Skipping the Cooling Rack: Allow the cookies to cool on a rack to prevent them from becoming too soft or soggy on the bottom.

Delicious Variations: Adding Nuts, Chocolate, or Fruits

• Add Chopped Nuts: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans into the streusel for added crunch.
• Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cookies for a sweeter touch.
• Add Dried Fruit: Add raisins or dried cranberries to the cookie dough for a fruity twist.

Healthier Substitutions: Reducing Sugar or Using Whole Wheat Flour

• Reduce Sugar: You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly in both the cookie dough and icing for a less sweet cookie.
• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.

Creative Ways to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies

• Serve with Breakfast: These cookies make a great addition to a breakfast or brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and yogurt.
• Pack as a Gift: Package them in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect mid-day treat.

Best Methods to Store and Freeze Coffee Cake Cookies

• Store: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Pair with Coffee Cake Cookies

• Coffee: A classic pairing that enhances the cinnamon and vanilla flavors.
• Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea complement the cinnamon in the cookies.
• Hot Chocolate: For a decadent pairing, serve with a cup of rich hot chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
  Yes, substitute the all-purpose and cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• How Do I Prevent My Cookies from Spreading Too Much?
  Ensure your butter is cold when mixing the dough, and avoid overmixing.
• Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
  Yes, you can prepare the dough and streusel ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
• How Do I Get the Perfect Crumb Topping?
  Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and work it into the dry ingredients until small clumps form.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy baking and savoring these delicious Coffee Cake Cookies! Perfect for any time of day, these cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes!

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