Name: Chewy Coffee Cake Cookies for Cozy Mornings and Snacks
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 71 min
Ingredients: 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.); 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (Use light or dark based on preference.); 1 teaspoon Cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened.); 1 cup All-Purpose Flour; 1/2 cup Cake Flour (Can substitute with extra all-purpose flour mixed with cornstarch.); 1 tablespoon Cornstarch; 1 teaspoon Cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 cup Cold Unsalted Butter (Cubed.); 1/2 cup Brown Sugar; 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 large Egg; 1 large Egg Yolk; 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (Softened.); 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream (Milk can be a substitute.); 1 cup Powdered Sugar; 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the kitchen always brings back warm memories—especially when I’m whipping up a batch of delightful Coffee Cake Cookies. These soft and chewy treats are an enchanting blend of traditional coffee cake and the convenience of cookies, perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. With a buttery streusel topping and a drizzle of creamy vanilla icing, they elevate any coffee break into something truly special. What I love most is how quick they come together—great for busy mornings or unexpected guests! Plus, if you’re looking for gluten-free options, I’ve got tips to make these scrumptious cookies fit your dietary needs. Curious to learn how to bake these heavenly bites? Let’s get started!

Why will you love Coffee Cake Cookies?

Irresistible Aroma: The sweet scent of cinnamon fills your kitchen, instantly elevating your mood and creating a cozy atmosphere.

Quick to Make: These cookies come together in no time—perfect for busy mornings when you need a delicious pick-me-up or sweet treat for guests.

Soft and Chewy: Each cookie offers a satisfying texture that perfectly mimics traditional coffee cake, making them ideal for dipping in your favorite beverage.

Versatile Options: Want to mix things up? Add chocolate chips or experiment with different nuts in the streusel for a signature touch!

Gluten-Free Friendly: With simple swaps, these can easily cater to gluten-free diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delightful cookies!

Delightful Treat: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon snack, or indulge anytime. These cookies are bound to delight any crowd, just like my Oreo Cheesecake Decadent or Peanut Butter Cake!

Coffee Cake Cookies Ingredients

For the Streusel Topping

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture; use light or dark based on preference.
Cinnamon – Contributes warmth and flavor, enhancing the essence of your Coffee Cake Cookies.
Salt – Enhances other flavors for a well-balanced taste.
Unsalted Butter – Binds ingredients and adds richness to the streusel.

For the Cookie Dough

All-Purpose Flour – Serves as the primary structure for the cookies.
Cake Flour – Improves tenderness and texture; can substitute with extra all-purpose flour mixed with cornstarch.
Cornstarch – Softens texture, mimicking cake flour for a light bite.
Cinnamon – Adds flavor, elevating the cookie experience.
Baking Soda – Enhances leavening, ensuring a lighter cookie.
Baking Powder – Further aids in rising for that soft, pillowy texture.
Salt – Balances flavors beautifully throughout the cookie.
Cold Unsalted Butter – Essential for texture; keeps cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness and moisture that complements the flavors.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and assists in browning.
Vanilla Extract – Acts as a flavor enhancer for the cookie dough.
Egg – Functions as a binding agent while adding moisture.
Egg Yolk – Contributes richness and tenderness to each cookie.

For the Icing

Unsalted Butter – The creamy base for your icing, adding a rich layer of flavor.
Heavy Cream – Thins icing for drizzling; milk can be a substitute if needed.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens icing texture for a smooth finish.
Vanilla Extract – Adds a delightful flavor boost to the icing.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Coffee Cake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Use a fork or your fingers to work in the softened unsalted butter until the mixture resembles clumpy sand. Once done, refrigerate the streusel for about 30 minutes while you preheat the oven, allowing the butter to firm up for a crunchier topping.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for your cookies. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden edge on your Coffee Cake Cookies while maintaining a soft, chewy center.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This blend creates a well-balanced foundation for your cookies, ensuring a soft and tender bite. Be sure to mix thoroughly so the leavening agents are evenly dispersed throughout the dry mix.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine cold, cubed unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and light, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, resulting in a rich batter perfect for your Coffee Cake Cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture in the stand mixer. Mix on low speed just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix! This will maintain the soft texture of the cookies. The dough should come together and look slightly shaggy, indicating readiness for shaping.

Step 6: Shape the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into balls approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Make an indentation in the center of each ball big enough to hold a spoonful of the chilled streusel. This is where the delicious topping will rest and create that signature Coffee Cake bite.

Step 7: Fill and Bake the Cookies
Fill each indentation of the cookie dough balls with a generous amount of the streusel topping. Arrange the filled cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, while the centers remain soft and chewy.

Step 8: Cool and Prepare Icing
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This slight cooling time helps the cookies set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Whisk the Icing Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and drizzle-able. Adjust the dry or wet ingredients to achieve your desired icing consistency if necessary.

Step 10: Drizzle Icing and Serve
Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the creamy vanilla icing over the top using a spoon or pastry bag for a decorative touch. Let the icing set for a few minutes before serving your delightful Coffee Cake Cookies warm or at room temperature, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea!

Expert Tips for Coffee Cake Cookies

Cold Butter Essential: Always use cold unsalted butter when preparing your dough. This helps achieve the perfect texture, ensuring your cookies remain soft and chewy.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, sacrificing that lovely lightness of your Coffee Cake Cookies.
Chill the Dough: For enhanced flavor and chewiness, chill your shaped cookie dough balls for about 30 minutes before baking. This small step makes a big difference!
Perfect Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center; remember, they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Customize with Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to the dough, creating a personal twist to your Coffee Cake Cookies that everyone will love!

Make Ahead Options

These Coffee Cake Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by shaping the dough into balls and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The streusel topping can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply fill the chilled cookie dough balls with streusel and bake as directed. This method not only saves you time during busy mornings but also enhances the cookies’ flavor by allowing the ingredients to mingle. Just remember to let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking for the best texture!

Coffee Cake Cookies Variations

Feel free to tailor these Coffee Cake Cookies to your preferences or dietary needs with some simple swaps and creative twists!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for a delightful gluten-free treat. This way, you can enjoy the same amazing taste without any gluten worries!
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the streusel for an extra texture boost. The addition of nuts not only creates a satisfying crunch but also enhances the nutty flavor profile of the cookies.
Chocolate Lovers: Fold in semisweet or dark chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a richer experience. The creamy chocolate will melt into the warm cookies, making each bite a luscious experience that pairs beautifully with coffee.
Spiced Up: Incorporate a teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice for a warm, spicy twist. This infusion adds complexity and deep aromatic notes to your cookies, ensuring they’re anything but ordinary.
Fruity Delight: Mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins into the dough for a fruity surprise. The slight tartness from these additions contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies, making every bite an adventure.
Reduced Sugar: Replace half of the granulated sugar with applesauce for a healthier cookie. This swap maintains softness while lowering added sugar, making it a slightly guilt-free indulgence.
Flavor Infusion: Try swapping vanilla extract for almond extract for a unique take. Almond extract offers a delightful flavor twist that complements the cinnamon beautifully, creating an unexpected yet delicious combination.
Cream Cheese Icing: Instead of a vanilla icing, whip up a cream cheese frosting for a tangy yet creamy topping. Its rich flavor pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cookies, making it a delightful finishing touch!

For more delightful baking recipes, check out my Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake or indulge in a classic Red Velvet Cheesecake to wow your guests!

What to Serve with Chewy Coffee Cake Cookies?

Warm, comforting flavors accompany every bite of these delightful cookies, making it easy to create a full meal experience.

Rich Coffee: Pair with your favorite brew to complement the cookie’s warmth, enhancing flavors in every sip and bite.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a luscious contrast to the soft, chewy cookies, making dessert extra indulgent.
Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of juicy strawberries or raspberries to add a refreshing, fruity note that elevates your treat.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a dreamy texture and sweetness, beautifully contrasting with the cookie’s rich flavors.
Chocolate Milk: This nostalgic drink balances the cookie’s cinnamon notes, adding a fun twist that delights the young and young at heart.
Spiced Chai Latte: The fragrant spices in chai will echo the flavors in your cookies, creating a warm and inviting pairing experience.
Almonds: For a satisfying crunch, serve with lightly toasted almonds; their nuttiness beautifully complements the sweet, chewy goodness of the cookies.
Lemon Bars: The bright, tart elements of lemon bars provide a refreshing contrast, cutting through the sweet richness and offering a vibrant finish.
Tea: A hot cup of herbal or chai tea rounds out the experience, enveloping you in soothing warmth as you indulge in your cookies.
Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses adds a savory element, creating a delightful balance between sweet and savory for a unique tasting experience.

How to Store and Freeze Coffee Cake Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful softness and chewiness.

Fridge: If you want to extend their freshness, refrigerate the cookies for up to 1 week. Ensure they are tightly sealed to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Flash freeze shaped cookie balls on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag for added convenience.

Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes after thawing.

Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe ingredients for my Coffee Cake Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, choose ripe bananas if you plan to add them, as they’ll provide natural sweetness. When selecting butter, opt for unsalted butter at room temperature to ensure it creams well with the sugars. Always use fresh spices; if your cinnamon smells flat, it may be time for a new jar!

How should I store my Coffee Cake Cookies?
You can store these delightful cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to keep the lid tight to prevent them from drying out.

Can I freeze the Coffee Cake Cookies dough?
Absolutely! To freeze the unbaked cookie dough, shape it into balls and flash freeze on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes until firm. Then, transfer the cookie balls into a freezer bag, and they will keep well for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the original baking instructions without needing to thaw first.

What common issues should I watch for when baking Coffee Cake Cookies?
One common hurdle is overbaking. To check for doneness, look for lightly browned edges while keeping the center soft; they’ll firm up while cooling. If your cookies spread too much, ensure your butter is cold when mixing! Lastly, if they come out too cakey, consider reducing the mixing time or chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to enhance that perfect chewy texture.

Are there any dietary considerations for Coffee Cake Cookies?
Yes, definitely! For those with gluten sensitivities, you can easily make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, always double-check the labels of ingredients like baking powder and vanilla extract for possible allergens. If anyone is sensitive to eggs, you can try using flax eggs or apple sauce as a binding agent.

Can I add mix-ins to my Coffee Cake Cookies?
The more the merrier! Feel free to customize your batch by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the cookie dough. Just keep in mind to adjust the dry ingredients slightly if you’re adding more than a cup of additional ingredients to maintain the right texture!