If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the cozy, crumbly goodness of a classic coffee cake with the convenience of a cookie, then you are in for a treat. These Coffee Cake Cookies deliver all the warm cinnamon-spiced flavor and buttery streusel topping you love from a coffee cake, packed into a tender, perfectly portioned cookie. Each bite is a harmonious blend of soft dough, sweet cinnamon crumble, and a drizzle of luscious vanilla icing that makes these cookies utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy morning treat or a delightful afternoon snack, Coffee Cake Cookies will quickly become your new favorite comfort indulgence.

Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might be pantry staples, but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, crumb, and richness in these cookies. From aromatic cinnamon to the combination of cake and all-purpose flours that create that tender coffee cake texture, everything matters. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a classic cookie base when combined with cake flour.
Cake flour: Adds softness and a delicate crumb reminiscent of traditional coffee cake.
Cornstarch: Keeps the cookies tender by preventing too much gluten development.
Cinnamon: The signature spice that infuses warmth and true coffee cake character.
Baking soda and baking powder: A duo that ensures a light, perfect rise.
Butter: Both cold cubes for the dough and softened for the streusel, butter enriches flavor and moisture.
Brown sugar and granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while granulated sugar contributes sweetness and crispness.
Egg and egg yolk: Provide richness and help bind the dough together.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
For the streusel: Flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and butter combine into that irresistible crumbly topping.
For the icing: Melted butter, heavy cream or milk, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt create a smooth, sweet drizzle that finishes each cookie beautifully.

How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Filling

Start by mixing the streusel components. Combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Then work in softened butter using your fingers until small clumps form. This crumbly topping is essential—it adds that signature texture and flavor that makes these cookies stand out. Refrigerate the streusel to keep it firm until ready to use.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

Heat your oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This ensures even baking and prevents sticking, resulting in cookies with perfectly golden edges.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients for the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients is what creates the tender, flavorful dough that’s so central to these Coffee Cake Cookies.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

Place cubed cold butter along with brown sugar and granulated sugar in the mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. This step is key to incorporating air for a light texture while blending the deep sweetness of the sugars with the richness of the butter.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until combined. Scrape down the sides to ensure all ingredients are incorporated. The extra yolk adds richness for a softer cookie crumb that melts in your mouth.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed wet ingredients, about 1/4 cup at a time, mixing until just combined. This slow addition prevents overworking the dough, keeping the cookies tender.

Step 7: Shape and Fill Cookies

Roll the dough into approximately 8 large balls, or smaller if you prefer more cookies. Place them on the lined baking sheets. Then, use your thumb or the end of a spoon to make an indentation in each ball—creating a cozy nook for the streusel topping. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the chilled streusel into each indentation; this adds the lovely crunchy cinnamon burst in every bite.

Step 8: Bake and Shape

Bake the cookies for 8-11 minutes or until the edges start to set and lighten to a golden color. Cookies will continue to cook on the hot pan once removed, so be careful not to overbake, which can dry them out. For a polished look, place a circular cutter or glass around each cookie after baking and gently spin to smooth out edges. Let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 9: Drizzle with Icing

Whisk together melted butter, heavy cream or milk, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to create the luscious icing. Once cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the icing over the tops—this final touch adds sweetness and a silky finish that perfectly complements the crumbly cinnamon streusel.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies

Garnishes

While the icing and streusel do most of the heavy lifting, consider sprinkling a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or chopped toasted pecans on top for extra crunch and warmth. Mini chocolate chips or a thin curl of white chocolate can also add a fun twist that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon flavors.

Side Dishes

Coffee Cake Cookies are delightful on their own, but they really shine when paired with a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or chai tea. A cold glass of milk or a dollop of whipped cream also makes these treats feel like a full dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Coffee Cake Cookies wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming homemade gift. For parties, stack them on a pretty platter with a small pitcher of warm vanilla glaze on the side for dipping. You could even crumble an extra cookie over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent coffee cake-inspired sundae.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover Coffee Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The cookies maintain their tenderness beautifully, and the streusel topping stays delightfully crumbly.

Freezing

To extend their life, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm your Coffee Cake Cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to refresh their soft texture and melt the icing slightly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the streusel soggy rather than crisp.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Using only all-purpose flour will still yield tasty cookies, but replacing some with cake flour ensures that tender, delicate crumb typical of coffee cake. If you don’t have cake flour, you can make a substitute by removing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour per cup and replacing it with cornstarch.

Is it okay to use salted butter?

Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the salt levels precisely. Using salted butter might make the cookies slightly saltier than intended, but it should still be delicious; just reduce any added salt slightly.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a high-quality dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat for the icing. The texture might change slightly but the cinnamon streusel flavor will still come through wonderfully.

What is the best way to get the crumbs on top?

Work the streusel butter in with your fingers until it forms small clumps before chilling. That crumbly texture is what bakes up dramatically in the cookies with lovely crisp pockets of cinnamon sweetness.

Can I bake smaller or larger cookies?

Absolutely. Smaller cookies will crisp up more and bake slightly quicker, while larger ones will be softer and cake-like in the center. Just adjust baking time accordingly and watch closely to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about these Coffee Cake Cookies—they capture the warmth and comfort of a classic coffee cake in a perfectly portable cookie form. I love how the cinnamon streusel topping and vanilla glaze transform a simple dough into a nostalgic treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite. If you want a new favorite to bake and share, give these Coffee Cake Cookies a try—you just might find yourself baking them again and again.