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 topped with a drizzle of powdered sugar icing. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor – The blend of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a delightful taste that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
• Easy to Make – With straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Perfect for Sharing – Great for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy night in; these cookies are sure to please.
• Customizable Options – Feel free to adjust the size or add nuts for an extra crunch!
• Stunning Presentation – The icing drizzle on top elevates the look, making them perfect for any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Coffee Cake Cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools. Preparing everything beforehand will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer – This tool helps you achieve a perfectly creamy mixture quickly and efficiently.
• Mixing bowls – You’ll need several for combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Baking sheets – Using these ensures even baking without sticking.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – These help prevent cookies from sticking, ensuring easy removal after baking.

Ingredients

For the Streusel Filling

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• pinch salt
• 5 Tbsp. softened unsalted butter

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 unsalted butter, 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

For the Icing

• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
• 3 Tbsp. heavy cream or milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 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. Work in the softened butter until small clumps form using your fingers. Refrigerate this mixture while you prepare the cookie dough.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

Place cubed cold butter along with both sugars into your stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment. Turn it on to cream until smooth for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Blend until well mixed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the dry ingredients about ¼ cup at a time until fully incorporated into the mixture.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough Balls

Scoop out approximately large balls of cookie dough (~8), or smaller if preferred (you can get about 22-24 cookies). Place them on prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Indent Each Cookie

Make an indent in each cookie using your thumb or another tool like a spoon handle dusted lightly with flour to avoid sticking.

Step 9: Fill Cookies

Spoon around 1 tablespoon of streusel filling into each cookie indentation.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake for about 8-11 minutes or until edges appear set and slightly golden. Remove from oven just before they seem done to avoid over-baking.

Step 11: Shape Cookies (Optional)

For perfectly circular cookies, immediately after removing from the oven, place a circular cookie cutter around each cookie and give it a gentle spin to smooth out edges.

Step 12: Cool Down

Allow cookies to rest on the sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Final Touch: Drizzle Icing

Whisk together icing ingredients until smooth. Once cookies are cool enough to handle, drizzle icing over the tops and enjoy!

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies

Coffee cake cookies are delightfully versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Pairing them with the right accompaniments enhances their delicious flavor and texture.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite brewed coffee. The warmth of the coffee complements the sweet cinnamon flavors perfectly.

At a Brunch Gathering

• Serve these cookies at brunch alongside fresh fruits and yogurt. They make a delightful addition to any brunch spread.

As an Afternoon Snack

• Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or herbal tea for a satisfying afternoon treat that boosts your energy.

With Ice Cream

• Crumble these cookies over vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The combination of textures is heavenly.

Gift Them

• Package these cookies in a decorative box or jar for a thoughtful homemade gift. Friends and family will appreciate the effort and love baked into each cookie.

How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies

Achieving the perfect coffee cake cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out wonderfully every time.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your baking powder, baking soda, and spices are fresh for optimal flavor and rise.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to avoid tough cookies; overmixing can lead to dense results.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups instead of scooping directly from the bag to prevent using too much flour, which can cause dryness.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be slightly golden at the edges but soft in the center when done.
• Cool Before Icing: Let the cookies cool completely before drizzling icing; this prevents the icing from melting and makes for a beautiful presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies

These coffee cake cookies shine even brighter when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that pairs well with dessert.
3. Nutty Granola Bars – These provide crunch and nutty flavors that contrast beautifully with soft cookies.
4. Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese, offering creamy contrasts to the cookie’s texture.
5. Herbal Tea Selection – Serve an assortment of herbal teas, which can enhance flavors without overpowering them.
6. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries – These sweet treats add elegance and richness, making them a perfect pairing with coffee cake cookies.
7. Mini Muffins – Offer various mini muffins such as blueberry or lemon poppy seed for variety on your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Coffee Cake Cookies, a few common mistakes can derail your cookie perfection.

• Not measuring flour accurately: Using too much or too little flour can affect the texture. Always spoon and level your flour for precise measurements.
• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender result.
• Skipping the chilling step for streusel: If you don’t refrigerate the streusel, it won’t hold its shape while baking. Ensure you chill it until ready to use.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Each oven is different; always preheat properly and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Not using parchment paper: Skipping this step can cause cookies to stick. Use parchment or silicone mats for easy removal and even baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• You can also keep them in the fridge for longer freshness, up to 7 days.

Freezing Coffee Cake Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat for about 10-15 seconds per cookie for quick warmth.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Coffee Cake Cookies.

What makes Coffee Cake Cookies different from regular cookies?

Coffee Cake Cookies combine the soft texture of cookies with the flavors of coffee cake, featuring a buttery streusel filling that enhances their taste.

Can I customize my Coffee Cake Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or different spices like nutmeg to tailor them to your taste preferences.

How do I ensure my cookies stay soft?

To keep your Coffee Cake Cookies soft, avoid overbaking them and store them in an airtight container right after they cool.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and freeze it before baking. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready!

Final Thoughts

These Coffee Cake Cookies offer a delightful blend of flavors that is sure to impress any dessert lover. With their tender texture and customizable options, they make a perfect treat for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy your delicious creation!