Coffee Cake Cookies
I’ve combined two of my favorite desserts into one and made these dreamy Coffee Cake Cookies. They’re perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy coffee breaks at home. With a delightful cinnamon sugar cookie base, a buttery streusel filling, and a sweet drizzle of powdered sugar icing on top, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy them with your favorite warm beverage and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These Coffee Cake Cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and buttery streusel creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion—whether it’s a festive gathering or just a special treat for yourself!
- Perfect Pairing: These cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, enhancing their delicious flavors.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The drizzle of icing on top makes these cookies not only tasty but also visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation
To make these Coffee Cake Cookies, gather your essential tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother.
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: Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients for a smooth dough.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients separately to achieve the right texture.
- Baking sheets: Provide even heat distribution while baking your cookies.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
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 works best). Once mixed well, refrigerate this mixture.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
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
In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
Place cubed cold butter along with both sugars into the stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until smooth (about 1–2 minutes).
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Blend until fully mixed together. If any mixture sticks to the sides of the bowl, use a rubber spatula to scrape it down before mixing again.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the dry ingredients mixture about ¼ cup at a time until fully incorporated into the wet mixture.
Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough
Scoop and roll cookie dough into approximately eight large balls (or smaller if preferred). You can get about 22–24 cookies from this recipe! Place them on prepared baking sheets.
Step 8: Create Indents for Filling
Using your thumb or another tool (like the end of a wooden juicer), make an indent in each cookie ball for filling later.
Step 9: Fill with Streusel & Bake
Spoon about one tablespoon of streusel filling into each cookie’s indent before placing them in the oven to bake for about 8–11 minutes or until edges appear set and slightly golden.
Step 10: Optional Shaping Tip
To get perfectly circular cookies after they come out of the oven, place a circular cookie cutter around each cookie immediately after baking and give it a spin.
Step 11: Cool Down
Let cookies rest on the sheet for around five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 12: Drizzle Icing
Whisk together icing ingredients until smooth. Once cookies are cooled completely, drizzle icing over their tops before serving!
Enjoy your delightful Coffee Cake Cookies!
How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies
Coffee cake cookies are a delightful treat that pairs wonderfully with various beverages and sides. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
With a Hot Beverage
- Coffee: Enjoy your coffee cake cookies alongside a fresh cup of coffee. The flavors blend beautifully for a perfect morning delight.
- Tea: A warm cup of tea, whether black or herbal, complements the sweetness of the cookies nicely.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Cookie Assortment: Include your coffee cake cookies on a platter with other cookie varieties for an inviting dessert spread.
- Cheesecake Bites: Pair them with mini cheesecake bites for a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
For Celebratory Occasions
- Holiday Treats: These cookies make an excellent addition to holiday gatherings or cookie swaps, bringing joy to any festive table.
- Picnic Snacks: Pack them in your picnic basket as sweet bites that everyone will love outdoors.
How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies
To get the most out of your coffee cake cookies, consider these helpful tips for achieving the ideal texture and flavor.
- Use cold butter: Cold butter helps maintain structure while baking, resulting in chewier cookies.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing develops gluten too much.
- Chill your dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor and texture.
- Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be slightly golden at the edges but soft in the center when done.
- Add extra cinnamon: For more flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon on top before baking or in the icing for an added kick.
Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies
Coffee cake cookies can be enjoyed with various side dishes that complement their deliciousness. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with sliced strawberries or apples for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Pair with yogurt and granola for a wholesome snack that balances sweetness and creaminess.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes for an indulgent treat, especially when drizzled with warm chocolate sauce.
- Nut Mix: A handful of spiced nuts adds a crunchy element that pairs well with the soft texture of the cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an interactive dessert experience.
- Cheese Board: Add cheese slices like brie or cheddar to create contrast between sweet and savory flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Coffee Cake Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes that can detract from your baking success.
- Skipping the chilling step: Failing to refrigerate the streusel filling can lead to a soggy texture. Always chill it to maintain its crumbly consistency.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can result in tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a soft, tender bite.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect amounts can affect texture and flavor. Always spoon and level flour to ensure precision.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Incorrect oven temperature can cause uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven’s accuracy.
- Ignoring cooling time: Not letting cookies cool on the baking sheet may cause them to break apart. Allow them a few minutes before transferring to a rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Coffee Cake Cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Coffee Cake Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
- They will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes for the best texture.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat without drying them out.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Coffee Cake Cookies.
What makes Coffee Cake Cookies different from regular cookies?
Coffee Cake Cookies combine the flavors of coffee cake with cookie dough, featuring a buttery streusel filling and sweet icing that mimic traditional coffee cake elements.
Can I customize my Coffee Cake Cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit to give your cookies a unique twist.
How do I store Coffee Cake Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup for similar results.
Final Thoughts
These Coffee Cake Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. Whether you enjoy them with coffee or as a sweet treat on their own, they promise warmth and joy. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors or toppings; get creative and make this recipe your own!
Coffee Cake Cookies
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with these Coffee Cake Cookies, an irresistible treat that combines the classic comforts of coffee cake and cookies into one. These cookies feature a soft cinnamon sugar base, a rich buttery streusel filling, and a sweet drizzle of powdered sugar icing on top. Perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy at-home coffee breaks, they are sure to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy these cookies with your favorite warm beverage, and prepare to be enchanted by their deliciousness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 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
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- For the streusel filling, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Incorporate softened butter until clumps form; refrigerate.
- In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a stand mixer, cream cold butter with sugars until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop dough into balls, create indents in each ball for filling, and fill with streusel mixture.
- Bake for 8–11 minutes or until edges are slightly golden. Let cool before drizzling with icing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg