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 bring warmth and joy, making them an irresistible treat to enjoy with your favorite drink.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of cinnamon and brown sugar brings out a warm, inviting taste in every bite.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can whip these cookies up quickly.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for coffee breaks, holiday gatherings, or afternoon snacks—these cookies fit any occasion.
• Beautiful Presentation: The streusel filling and icing add an appealing touch that elevates the cookie’s look.
• Perfect Pairing: These cookies complement a variety of beverages, especially coffee or tea.

Tools and Preparation

To make the perfect Coffee Cake Cookies, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugars easy, providing a smooth texture for your cookie dough.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess; having multiple bowls helps with organization.
• Baking sheets: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents your cookies from sticking.

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

For the Icing:

• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
• 3 Tbsp. heavy cream or milk
• 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 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 to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

Place cubed butter and both sugars into your stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until smooth and creamy (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 together while scraping down any sides that may stick.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the dry ingredient mixture about 1/4 cup at a time. Mix until just incorporated; do not overmix.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Scoop out portions of dough (about ~8 large balls or smaller ones for more cookies) placing them onto prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Create Indentations

Using your thumb or another utensil’s end (like a spoon), make an indent in each cookie ball to hold the streusel filling.

Step 9: Fill with Streusel

Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of streusel filling into each indentation before placing them in the oven.

Step 10: Bake

Bake for about 8–11 minutes or until edges are set and slightly golden. Remember they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven!

Step 11: Cool Down

Let cookies rest on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely.

Step 12: Drizzle Icing

Whisk together the icing ingredients until smooth. Once cooled completely, drizzle icing over each cookie generously before serving! Enjoy your delightful Coffee Cake Cookies!

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies

Coffee cake cookies are delightful treats that can be served in various ways. Whether you want a cozy snack or a festive dessert, these cookies fit the bill perfectly.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee for the ultimate experience. The flavors of cinnamon and sugar complement the rich taste of coffee beautifully.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your coffee cake cookies on a platter alongside other cookies and sweets. This makes for an impressive display at parties or gatherings.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve these cookies with slices of fresh fruit like apples or berries. The freshness balances out the sweetness of the cookies.

Warm from the Oven

• Enjoy them straight from the oven for a gooey, melty experience. The streusel filling is especially delightful when warm.

How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies

To ensure your coffee cake cookies turn out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing, resulting in a smoother dough.
• Chill the Dough: If your cookie dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Check for Doneness Early: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when edges are lightly golden to prevent drying out.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different spices or extracts to customize your cookies. Almond extract can add a nice twist!

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies

Coffee cake cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great 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 berries for a creamy, crunchy side that complements the cookie’s texture.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese to contrast the sweet flavor profile of the cookies.
4. Nut Mix: A simple medley of nuts provides a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft cookies.
5. Hot Chocolate: For colder days, serve with rich hot chocolate for a comforting treat.
6. Tea Selection: Offer an assortment of herbal or black teas to provide different flavor profiles alongside your coffee cake cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Coffee Cake Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly ignore ingredient measurements – Using incorrect measurements can lead to dry or overly moist cookies. Always measure your flour and sugar accurately for the best results.
• Boldly skip chilling the dough – Not chilling the dough may cause the cookies to spread too much while baking. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to maintain their shape.
• Boldly overlook proper mixing – Overmixing can make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined to achieve that soft, tender texture.
• Boldly forget about the streusel filling – Neglecting the filling means missing out on that delicious buttery crunch. Always remember to prepare and include it in each cookie.
• Boldly bake without checking the time – Leaving cookies in the oven too long can lead to dryness. Keep an eye on them, removing them when they’re slightly golden at the edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Coffee Cake Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• For best results, wrap each cookie individually before placing them in a container.

Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave – Heat cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
• Stovetop – Place a skillet over low heat and warm the cookies for a couple of minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Coffee Cake Cookies.

How do I know when my Coffee Cake Cookies are done?

The edges should look set and slightly golden. They will continue baking slightly after being removed from the oven.

Can I customize my Coffee Cake Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to personalize your recipe even more.

What is the best way to store leftover Coffee Cake Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Are Coffee Cake Cookies suitable for special occasions?

Yes! They are perfect as treats for gatherings or holidays due to their delightful flavor and presentation.

Can I use gluten-free flour for these cookies?

Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, adjusting baking times as necessary.

Final Thoughts

These Coffee Cake Cookies combine two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat! Their cinnamon-sugar goodness paired with a buttery streusel makes them versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins and enjoy every bite!