Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Okay, picture this: the tender, buttery flavor of a cinnamon crumb coffee cake-the kind your grandma made on Sundays-now imagine all that nostalgic, cozy goodness… in cookie form. Yep. That’s exactly what Coffee Cake Cookies are.

These beauties are:

• Soft and chewy in the center
• Topped with cinnamon streusel that crisps up just right
• Drizzled with vanilla glaze like a little sweet hug
• And the best part? They’re way easier to make than a full cake!

Perfect for brunch spreads, dessert tables, or a cheeky late-night snack. And don’t even get me started on how these make your whole kitchen smell. Seriously. Cinnamon sugar heaven. Let’s get baking, shall we?

Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

Here’s the basic idea: we’re making a soft sugar cookie base, layering it with a buttery cinnamon crumble (a.k.a. the ’coffee cake’ part), and finishing things off with a sweet drizzle of icing that melts just enough into the cracks.

Recipe Summary

• Yield: ~18 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: ~35-40 minutes
• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly with just enough flair to impress your friends ‍

Ingredients Needed

Let’s break this down into 3 parts: cookie dough, streusel topping, and glaze. No complicated ingredients, just pantry staples doing the most.

For The Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

For The Cinnamon Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For The Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How To Make Coffee Cake Cookies

Let’s break it down into friendly, bite-sized steps. You’ll be amazed how easy these are!

Preheat And Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Make The Streusel

• In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
• Pour in melted butter and stir with a fork until crumbly.
• Set aside. Try not to snack on it. (Or do. We won’t tell.)

Make The Cookie Dough

• Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
• Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
• In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.

Assemble The Cookies

• Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon balls and place on the baking sheet.
• Gently flatten each ball (just a bit!) with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
• Generously sprinkle that glorious streusel topping over each cookie.

Bake

• Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers still look soft.
• Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Drizzle The Glaze

• Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
• Drizzle over cooled cookies. Let glaze set (if you can wait that long).

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s nerd out a little-because baking is delicious chemistry!

Why These Ingredients Matter

• Butter (fat): Provides moisture, richness, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Brown sugar: Adds deeper molasses notes and extra chewiness.
• Baking soda vs. baking powder: A dynamic duo. Baking soda helps with browning (hello, golden edges), while baking powder gives just enough lift.
• Cinnamon: It’s more than a spice-it’s a mood. Warm, aromatic, and essential for that “coffee cake” identity.
• Flour: The structural backbone. Go too heavy-handed, and your cookies could turn into little pucks.
• Powdered sugar (in glaze): Dissolves instantly for that smooth, glossy drizzle.

Expert Tips

You want pro-level results? Here’s how to level up your coffee cake cookie game:

• Use room temperature butter and eggs. It helps everything mix evenly for the perfect dough texture.
• Chill the dough for 20-30 minutes if you want thicker, puffier cookies.
• Double the streusel topping if you’re a crumb lover. (Trust me, no regrets.)
• Use a cookie scoop for even portioning and perfect bakery-style cookies.
• Don’t overbake! Cookies should look slightly underdone in the middle when you pull them out-they’ll firm up as they cool.

Recipe Variations

Feeling creative? Let’s remix this classic a few delicious ways:

• Maple Pecan Coffee Cake Cookies: Add chopped pecans to the streusel and a touch of maple extract to the glaze.
• Pumpkin Spice Version: Add 1/4 cup pumpkin puree and some pumpkin pie spice to the dough.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap the regular glaze with one made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a little milk.
• Cinnamon Roll Style: Swirl cinnamon sugar into the dough and top with vanilla glaze.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan butter, flax eggs, and plant milk in the glaze.

Final Words

There’s just something emotionally healing about these cookies. They’re cozy, warm, nostalgic-like your favorite sweater in edible form. Whether you’re baking them for a weekend treat, a coffee date with a friend, or just because it’s Tuesday and you’re worth it, these cookies deliver every single time.

And the smell? Honestly, it should be a candle. Or a body lotion. Or both.

FAQs

What Is A Coffee Cake Cookie?

A coffee cake cookie is a hybrid dessert that combines the flavors and textures of a traditional coffee cake with the shape and convenience of a cookie. It typically includes cinnamon, brown sugar, and a crumbly topping, mimicking the signature taste of coffee cake but in cookie form.

Can I Use Regular Flour Instead Of Cake Flour In Coffee Cake Cookies?

While cake flour gives coffee cake cookies a light, tender texture, you can substitute all-purpose flour if needed. To mimic the softness of cake flour, you may add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch for every cup of all-purpose flour.

Do I Need To Use A Stand Mixer For Coffee Cake Cookies?

A stand mixer is not essential, but it can make the process easier. You can use a hand mixer or mix by hand using a whisk and spoon. The goal is to cream the butter and sugar properly for a smooth dough.

How Do I Make The Crumb Topping For Coffee Cake Cookies?

The crumb topping is made by combining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Mix the ingredients until they form a crumbly texture, and sprinkle the mixture over the cookie dough before baking to get that signature coffee cake crunch.

Can I Add Nuts To The Coffee Cake Cookie Dough?

Yes! Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can be added to the cookie dough for extra flavor and crunch. You can also sprinkle some on top along with the crumb topping for additional texture.

How Long Should I Bake Coffee Cake Cookies?

Typically, coffee cake cookies should bake for about 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C). However, baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cookies and check for a golden edge.

Can I Use A Different Spice Instead Of Cinnamon In Coffee Cake Cookies?

Yes! While cinnamon is traditional, you can experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom. These spices will give the cookies a different flavor profile but still keep them cozy and aromatic.

What Can I Substitute For Sour Cream In Coffee Cake Cookies?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt, buttermilk, or even regular yogurt. These substitutes will provide the same tangy flavor and moisture needed for the dough.

Can I Make Coffee Cake Cookies Ahead Of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just let the dough thaw slightly before baking.

Can I Add A Glaze To Coffee Cake Cookies?

Yes, a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk (or coffee) can be drizzled over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness and decoration. You can also flavor the glaze with vanilla or cinnamon.