Ever wished you could enjoy the flavors of a warm, buttery coffee cake in a convenient, handheld form? Look no further than coffee cake cookies! These delightful cookies combine the sweet, cinnamon-rich taste of a classic coffee cake with the soft, chewy texture of a cookie. They’re topped with a buttery streusel and finished with a drizzle of vanilla glaze, making them the perfect treat to enjoy alongside your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack.
In this recipe, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of creating these delicious coffee cake cookies, complete with tips for success and answers to your most frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to become a household favorite.
So, grab your apron and let’s dive into making these irresistible coffee cake cookies that will fill your home with the sweet, warm aroma of cinnamon and sugar. Below, we’ll explore everything you need to get started, including ingredients, detailed instructions, and helpful baking tips.
What You’ll Find in This Guide:
- What Are Coffee Cake Cookies?
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Expert Tips for Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies
- Storing and Freezing Instructions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Other Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
Now that you know what’s in store, let’s jump into the first section and explore what makes coffee cake cookies so special!
What Are Coffee Cake Cookies?
Coffee cake cookies are a delightful mashup of two classic treats: the comforting flavors of a cinnamon coffee cake and the chewy, satisfying texture of a cookie. Instead of baking an entire cake, these cookies allow you to enjoy all the same great flavors in a more manageable, cookie-sized portion.
They feature:
- A buttery, soft cookie base
- A cinnamon-sugar streusel topping that adds crunch and flavor
- An optional vanilla glaze drizzled over the top for a touch of sweetness
These cookies are perfect for anyone who loves coffee cake but wants something portable and easy to snack on. Enjoy them for breakfast, as a midday treat, or even serve them as a dessert at your next gathering.
Origin of Coffee Cake
Coffee cake, a staple in many households, has its roots in European baking, particularly in Germany, where it was commonly served alongside coffee (hence the name). Over time, this tradition spread to other countries, and coffee cakes began to take on various forms, from fruit-topped cakes to crumbly cinnamon versions. Coffee cake cookies take the best parts of this tradition—the crumbly topping and sweet cinnamon flavor—and turn them into an easy, handheld dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake Cookie Recipe
Here’s why this recipe is bound to become one of your favorites:
- Easy to make: Perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick and delicious treat.
- All the flavors of coffee cake: Enjoy the cinnamon-sugar goodness of a traditional coffee cake in cookie form.
- Customizable streusel topping: Add nuts, extra cinnamon, or other flavors to the streusel for a personal twist.
- Great for any time of day: Have one with your morning coffee, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or even for dessert.
- Freezer-friendly: Bake a batch, freeze them, and enjoy fresh cookies whenever you like!
“Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started!”
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make these coffee cake cookies, divided into three simple parts: cookie dough, streusel, and glaze.
For the Cookie Dough:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups (250g) | Provides structure to the cookie |
| Cake flour | ½ cup (65g) | Helps create a lighter, cake-like texture |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 ½ teaspoons | The key spice for that classic coffee cake flavor |
| Baking powder | ½ teaspoon | Helps the cookies rise |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon | Provides leavening for a soft cookie |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) | Gives the cookies a rich, buttery flavor |
| Light brown sugar | 1 cup (200g) | Adds moisture and a mild molasses flavor |
| Egg | 1 large, room temperature | Binds the ingredients together |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Enhances the overall flavor |
For the Streusel Topping:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup (62.5g) | Base for the crumble |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup (100g) | Adds sweetness to the streusel |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ teaspoon | Adds a warm, spicy note |
| Unsalted butter | ¼ cup (½ stick, 57g) | Helps create the crumbly texture |
For the Vanilla Glaze (Optional):
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup (125g) | Sweetens and thickens the glaze |
| Milk or heavy cream | 1-3 tablespoons | Adjust for desired glaze consistency |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Adds flavor to the glaze |
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Make the Streusel
- Combine the streusel ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Set aside the streusel in the refrigerator to keep it firm while you make the dough.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to cream the unsalted butter and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add wet ingredients: Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
3. Assemble the Cookies
- Shape the dough: Using a cookie scoop, scoop 2-tablespoon portions of the dough and place them on a lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Add the streusel topping: Gently press each dough ball to flatten slightly, then top with about 1 tablespoon of the prepared streusel.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
4. Glaze the Cookies (Optional)
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie for an extra touch of sweetness.
Expert Tips for Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies
Here are some expert tips to ensure your coffee cake cookies turn out perfectly every time:
1. Use Cold Butter for the Streusel
When making the streusel topping, use cold butter, not melted. This ensures that the streusel stays crumbly and forms delicious chunks on top of the cookies. If the butter is too warm, the streusel may melt into the cookie and lose its texture.
2. Refrigerate the Dough Before Baking
To prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This step is especially important if you’re baking on a warm day or if your kitchen is hot.
3. Don’t Overbake the Cookies
For soft, tender cookies, make sure not to overbake them. The cookies should be just starting to turn golden around the edges when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
4. Add a Personal Twist
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can add finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel for extra crunch. If you’re a fan of fruit, try adding a spoonful of apple or pear compote to the center of each cookie before adding the streusel.
5. Make Your Own Cake Flour
If you don’t have cake flour on hand, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. This will give your cookies a lighter, more cake-like texture.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
Once you’ve baked these delightful coffee cake cookies, you might wonder how to store or freeze them to maintain their freshness. Here’s a simple guide to ensure your cookies stay delicious for as long as possible.
Storing Coffee Cake Cookies
- At Room Temperature: Coffee cake cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To prevent them from getting too soft or soggy, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer of cookies in the container.
- In the Refrigerator: If you live in a warmer climate, you may want to store the cookies in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh for about a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving to restore their soft texture.
Freezing Coffee Cake Cookies
Coffee cake cookies are also freezer-friendly, making them a great option for batch baking. You can freeze them at different stages:
Freezing Baked Cookies
- Let the cookies cool completely before freezing.
- Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until they are firm.
- Once frozen, transfer the cookies to an airtight freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. You can store them for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature. You can warm them in the oven for a few minutes to make them taste freshly baked!
Freezing Cookie Dough
If you prefer to bake the cookies fresh as needed, you can freeze the dough:
- Scoop the cookie dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Freeze the dough balls until solid (about 1-2 hours).
- Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet, add the streusel topping, and bake. You may need to add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the flour blend you use contains xanthan gum to help the cookies maintain their structure. Additionally, double-check that your baking powder, baking soda, and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I Add Coffee to These Cookies?
If you’re looking to amplify the coffee flavor, you can add a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the cookie dough. This will give the cookies a subtle coffee flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and streusel topping.
Why Did My Streusel Topping Melt Into the Cookie?
If your streusel topping melted into the cookies during baking, the butter in the streusel may have been too warm. Make sure to use cold butter when making the streusel, and refrigerate it before adding it to the cookie dough. This helps the streusel stay firm and crumbly during baking.
Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg. For the glaze, substitute plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
How Do I Keep My Cookies Soft?
To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container with a piece of bread or apple slice. The moisture from the bread or apple will keep the cookies from drying out. Just be sure to replace the bread or apple slice every few days to avoid spoilage.
Other Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this coffee cake cookie recipe, here are a few other cookie recipes that you might love:
- Snickerdoodle Cookies: Classic cinnamon-sugar coated cookies with a soft, chewy texture.
- Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies: A hearty, wholesome cookie packed with oats and a cinnamon kick.
- Streusel-Topped Apple Pie Cookies: A delightful blend of apple pie and cookies, with a crumbly streusel topping.
- Gingerbread Snickerdoodles: Perfect for the holidays, these cookies are a cross between gingerbread and snickerdoodles.
- Almond Butter Cookies: Nutty, rich cookies with a soft texture that melt in your mouth.
Make These Coffee Cake Cookies Today!
In conclusion, coffee cake cookies are the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, combining the soft, buttery goodness of cookies with the sweet, cinnamon-y flavor of coffee cake. Whether you’re a coffee cake lover or just looking for a new cookie recipe to try, these cookies are sure to hit the spot.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and bake a batch of these delicious cookies today! We guarantee they’ll quickly become a household favorite. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out.
Enjoy these cookies with your morning coffee or as an afternoon treat. Happy baking!