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 a drizzle of powdered sugar icing on top. Enjoy with a cup of warm coffee and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cookie!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and buttery streusel creates a delightful taste that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for holiday gatherings, casual coffee dates, or just as an everyday treat.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Fun to Customize: You can add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for an extra touch!
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The unique blend of flours and butters gives these cookies a soft bite that’s irresistible.

Tools and Preparation

To create these coffee cake cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a smooth cookie dough.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents sticking and allows for easy cleanup after baking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Coffee Cake Cookies:

For the Streusel Filling

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

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 butter, unsalted, 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
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
• 3 Tbsp. heavy cream or milk

For the Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 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. Then work in the butter until small clumps form (I just use my fingers). Refrigerate.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

Place the cubed butter and sugars into the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment secured. Turn on the mixer and cream until smooth for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract; blend until mixed well. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down any mixture sticking to the sides of the bowl before mixing again.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the dry ingredients about 1/4 cup at a time while mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop and roll cookie dough into approximately eight large balls (or smaller if preferred) yielding about 22-24 cookies total. Place them on prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Create Indents for Filling

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

Step 9: Fill with Streusel Mixture

Spoon around one tablespoon of streusel filling into each cookie indent before placing them in the oven.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake for approximately 8-11 minutes until edges appear set and are slightly golden (they will continue to bake after being removed from heat).

Step 11: Optional Circular Finish

Immediately after removing from oven, use a circular cutter larger than your cookies to gently shape them if desired.

Step 12: Cool & Drizzle Icing

Let cookies rest on sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to cooling racks. Once cooled entirely whisk together icing ingredients; drizzle over cooled cookies before serving!

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies

These delightful Coffee Cake Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Pair them with a drink or add some sides to enhance your dessert experience.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Enjoy your cookies with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee. The rich flavors complement each other beautifully.

Afternoon Tea

• Serve these cookies during afternoon tea. Their sweetness pairs perfectly with a variety of herbal teas.

Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter with fruits and chocolates for an appealing presentation at parties.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches. Choose your favorite flavor for a fun twist!

Holiday Treats

• Package them in festive bags as holiday treats for friends and family. They make wonderful gifts during the festive season.

How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies

To achieve the ultimate Coffee Cake Cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh flour, baking powder, and spices for the best flavor and texture.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances flavor.
• Measure Accurately: Use proper measuring techniques, especially for flour and sugar, to ensure perfect consistency.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake; they should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven.
• Customize Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to the streusel filling for added texture and flavor.
• Store Properly: After cooling, store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy longer.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Coffee Cake Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, tangy contrast that complements your cookies.

3. Cheese Platter
   A mix of mild cheeses can enhance flavors and provide a savory balance to sweet treats.

4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
   These sweet treats pair wonderfully with coffee cake cookies, adding a touch of elegance.

5. Nut Mix
   A simple nut mix provides crunch and protein, making it an ideal accompaniment to your cookies.

6. Tea Biscotti
   Biscotti offers a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the softness of coffee cake cookies.

7. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
   The combination of sweet apples and creamy peanut butter makes for a healthy side dish option that pairs well with sweets.

8. Coconut Macaroons
   These chewy treats add another layer of sweetness that complements the flavors in coffee cake cookies beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Make sure you don’t overlook these common mistakes when making your Coffee Cake Cookies!

• Incorrect Flour Measurement: Using too much or too little flour can affect the texture. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
• Not Chilling the Streusel: If you skip refrigerating the streusel filling, it may not hold its shape. Always chill it before adding to the cookies.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender result.
• Ignoring Baking Times: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Pull them out before they look fully set to prevent over-baking.
• Skipping the Icing: The icing adds a delightful finish, so don’t skip this step! Drizzle it generously once the cookies have cooled.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain freshness.

Freezing Coffee Cake Cookies

• Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies if stacking to avoid sticking.

Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time in 10-15 second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Coffee Cake Cookies.

Can I use gluten-free flour for Coffee Cake Cookies?

Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for best results.

How do I make Coffee Cake Cookies without eggs?

To make eggless Coffee Cake Cookies, use a flaxseed meal as a substitute (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg).

What can I use instead of butter?

You can replace butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine for dairy-free options.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor and texture.

How do I store leftover icing?

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Re-whisk before using again.

Final Thoughts

These Coffee Cake Cookies are perfect for any dessert lover looking for something unique and delicious. Their versatile nature allows you to customize them with various add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Try these cookies today, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!