Coffee Cake Cookies
Coffee Cake Cookies combine the best of both worlds: the comforting flavors of a classic coffee cake packed into a delightful cookie form. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that has the rich essence of coffee cake with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a buttery streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat with your favorite cup of joe, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Why Cooks Rave About It

The unique blend of textures and flavors in Coffee Cake Cookies makes them irresistible. They deliver the warm, cozy taste of coffee cake but in a handheld, easy-to-eat format. The combination of the soft cookie, the sweet cinnamon swirl, and the buttery crumb topping creates a delightful experience that has everyone coming back for more. Plus, they are versatile enough to be paired with nearly any beverage, making them an ideal treat for any time of day.
What’s in the Bowl
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
What’s in the Gear List
- Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
- Electric mixer – For creaming butter and sugars together.
- Baking sheet – To bake your cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper – To prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cookie scoop – To portion out the cookie dough perfectly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
Step-by-Step: Coffee Cake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix together 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cut in 3 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter until crumbly. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of room temperature unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in 1 large room temperature egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 6: Assemble the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie, then sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the tops.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 8: Glaze (Optional)
If you want to add a sweet glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional) until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

- Butter: You can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
- Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar can be used for a more natural sweetener.
- Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder can serve as a great alternative.
- Milk: Almond milk or oat milk works well if you’re avoiding dairy.
Missteps & Fixes
If your cookies come out too dry, you may have overmeasured the flour. Next time, try spooning the flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife without packing it down.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, ensure that your butter is cold for the streusel topping and that you chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- For cookies that are too crumbly, make sure to thoroughly combine the wet and dry ingredients without overmixing.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
Store your Coffee Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just ensure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
FAQ
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
How can I make these cookies richer in flavor?
Adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients will enhance the coffee flavor without overpowering the cookies.
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Absolutely! Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough before baking for an extra treat.
What should I serve with these cookies?
These cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them an excellent addition to your morning routine or afternoon snack.
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Bring It Home
Creating Coffee Cake Cookies in your kitchen is a delightful way to enjoy a beloved classic in a new format. Whether for a family gathering, a bake sale, or simply a cozy evening at home, these cookies are a sure hit. The balance of flavors and textures, combined with the comforting aroma wafting from your oven, will have everyone asking for the recipe. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in these irresistible treats.
The joy of baking is not just about the final product; it’s about the love and care you put into each step, and the memories created along the way. Enjoy every bite of your Coffee Cake Cookies!

Coffee Cake Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, mix together 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cut in 3 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter until crumbly. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of room temperature unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in 1 large room temperature egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Using a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie, then sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the tops.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- If you want to add a sweet glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional) until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil.
- Try using coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener.
- To enhance flavor, consider adding espresso powder to the dry ingredients.
