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 and brown sugar creates a warm, inviting taste that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, these cookies can be whipped up quickly, making them ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for dessert, afternoon tea, or holiday gatherings, these cookies suit various occasions with their delightful flavors.
- Irresistible Texture: The soft and chewy cookie paired with the crunchy streusel topping provides a satisfying bite every time.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different flavorings or add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to make them uniquely yours.
Tools and Preparation
To achieve the best results when making your Coffee Cake Cookies, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugars quick and easy, ensuring a smooth dough.
- Baking sheets: Using proper baking sheets allows for even heat distribution, which helps cookies bake uniformly.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: These prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless after baking.

Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these delightful 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 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. Then work in the butter until small clumps form (I just use my fingers to work it together). Refrigerate.
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, combine all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
Place the cubed butter and sugars into the bowl of a stand mixer and secure the paddle attachment. Turn on the mixer and cream until smooth for about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Blend until mixed well using a rubber spatula to scrape down any mixture sticking to the sides of the bowl before mixing again.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the dry ingredients about 1/4 cup at a time until fully incorporated into the dough.
Step 7: Form Cookie Dough Balls
Scoop and roll cookie dough into approximately 8 large balls (or smaller if preferred; you can get about 22-24 cookies). Place them on prepared baking sheets.
Step 8: Create Indents for Filling
Make an indent in each cookie using your thumb or another tool (like a spoon). Lightly dust it with flour so it doesn’t stick.
Step 9: Add Streusel Filling
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of streusel filling into each cookie’s indent. Bake for approximately 8-11 minutes or until edges appear set and slightly golden.
Step 10: Shape Cookies (Optional)
For perfectly round cookies after pulling them out of the oven, place a circular cookie cutter around each cookie while they are still warm to smooth out any uneven edges.
Step 11: Cool Cookies
Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for around 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 12: Drizzle Icing
Whisk together icing ingredients; once cooled completely, drizzle over the tops of cookies before enjoying!
How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies
These delightful Coffee Cake Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or serving them at a gathering, there are many ways to present these cookies that will make them even more enjoyable.
With a Cup of Coffee
- Pair your cookies with a steaming cup of coffee. The warm beverage complements the cinnamon flavors beautifully.
For Breakfast
- Serve these cookies as a sweet breakfast option alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a balanced meal.
Dessert Platter
- Include your Coffee Cake Cookies on a dessert platter with other baked goods. This makes an inviting spread for gatherings.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Create ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. This adds a fun twist and makes for a delicious treat.
Gift Packaging
- Package individually wrapped cookies in decorative boxes or bags as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies
Perfecting Coffee Cake Cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
- Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold butter helps create a flakier texture in the cookie dough.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and improve the cookie structure.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender and soft. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be set around the edges but still soft in the center when removed from the oven.
- Adjust Oven Temperature: Every oven is different; consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature settings for consistent results.
- Experiment with Fillings: Try different fillings like fruit preserves or nut mixtures in place of streusel to vary flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your Coffee Cake Cookies can elevate your snack time. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that pairs well.
- Cheese Platter – Offer assorted cheeses along with crackers to provide savory contrasts to the sweet flavors.
- Chai Tea – This spiced tea enhances the cinnamon notes found in the cookies and offers warmth.
- Nut Mix – A simple blend of assorted nuts adds crunch and healthy fats, making it a satisfying complement.
- Honey Butter Spread – Serve honey butter on toast as a simple side that pairs beautifully with coffee-flavored treats.
- Smoothie Bowl – A refreshing smoothie bowl topped with seeds and nuts provides nutrition alongside indulgence.
- Cinnamon Hot Chocolate – For colder days, this drink will warm you up while echoing the cookie’s flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Coffee Cake Cookies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold butter instead of softened can affect the texture. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for better mixing.
- Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender cookie.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down. Spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
- Skipping the chilling step: If you don’t refrigerate the streusel, it might not hold together well. Allow it to chill for better clumping.
- Baking on unprepared sheets: Not lining your baking sheets can cause sticking or uneven baking. Always use parchment paper or silicone mats.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store 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 them to an airtight container.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes for warm, fresh cookies.
- Microwave: Heat individually on high for about 10-15 seconds; be careful not to overdo it.
- Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Coffee Cake Cookies, this section will help clarify common queries.
How do I make Coffee Cake Cookies more flavorful?
Adding extra spices like nutmeg or using flavored extracts can enhance the taste of your cookies.
Can I substitute cake flour in Coffee Cake Cookies?
Yes, you can replace cake flour with all-purpose flour, but this may slightly alter the texture.
What should I do if my streusel filling is too crumbly?
If the streusel isn’t clumping, try adding a bit more melted butter until you achieve the desired consistency.
How long do Coffee Cake Cookies last?
These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Final Thoughts
Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. With their buttery streusel filling and sweet icing, they make a perfect treat any time of day. Feel free to customize these cookies with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips!
Coffee Cake Cookies
Indulge in the delightful world of Coffee Cake Cookies, where the comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar meet in a warm, chewy treat. These cookies are filled with a buttery streusel topping and drizzled with a sweet icing that adds an irresistible finishing touch. Perfect for any occasion, whether enjoyed with your morning coffee or as a sweet snack during the afternoon, these cookies are sure to become a household favorite. Simple to make and customizable to your taste, Coffee Cake Cookies bring joy to both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 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
- Prepare the streusel filling by mixing flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and softened butter in a bowl until clumpy. Refrigerate.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Cream cubed cold butter with brown and granulated sugars until smooth. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla until blended.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until fully combined.
- Roll dough into balls and place on prepared sheets; create indents for the streusel filling.
- Spoon streusel into each indent; bake for 8-11 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool slightly before drizzling with icing made from powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
