If you love the cozy flavors of cinnamon and sugar paired with that delightful crumbly texture, then this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe is absolutely going to steal your heart. Imagine combining the best parts of a classic coffee cake — tender dough, sweet cinnamon crumble, and a simple glaze — all baked into perfectly bite-sized cookies. These treats have that nostalgic warmth and comforting taste, making them a delightful snack any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up, these cookies deliver a wonderful balance of softness and crunch that simply cannot be missed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet they come together in a way that brings out layers of flavor and texture. Each one has a purpose: flour for structure, cinnamon for that unmistakable warmth, and butter for richness that melts in your mouth.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides the perfect base for soft yet sturdy cookie dough.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough without losing their tender crumb.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, spicy note that’s quintessential to coffee cake flavor.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Gives the dough luxurious richness and moisture.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brings deep caramel undertones and keeps the cookies chewy.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds sweet brightness and helps with a slight crunch on the edges.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates all the flavors with a sweet, aromatic touch.
- Brown sugar for crumble (1/3 cup): Essential for that irresistible cinnamon crumble topping.
- Flour for crumble (1/3 cup): Helps create the perfect texture in the crumble.
- Ground cinnamon for crumble (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the topping with extra warmth and spice.
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed, for crumble (3 tablespoons): Creates that buttery, crumbly texture the topping is famous for.
- Powdered sugar for glaze (1/2 cup): Provides a sweet finish that beautifully glazes the cookies.
- Milk or cream for glaze (1–2 tablespoons): Thins the glaze just enough for a perfect drizzle without making it runny.
How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crumble Topping
Start by combining brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter in a bowl. Use a fork or your fingertips to mix them until you get that crumbly texture reminiscent of classic coffee cake topping. Pop this mixture into the fridge while you prepare the cookie dough so it stays cold and fresh.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures that all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, setting the foundation for a flavorful and well-textured cookie.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer or by hand, beat the softened butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully combined. This creaminess is key to achieving that tender crumb and subtle sweetness that coffee cake lovers crave.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the dough is smooth and aromatic. These ingredients add moisture and that irresistible vanilla hint that rounds out the cookie’s flavor profile perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is just combined. Be gentle here—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop once no flour streaks remain.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a 2-tablespoon scoop or spoon, portion the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon; this helps them bake evenly and gives that classic coffee cake cookie shape.
Step 7: Add the Crumble Topping
Generously press the chilled crumble topping onto each cookie dough ball. The cold crumble mixture sticks best when pressed firmly, creating that delightful crispy layer everyone loves.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers are just set. Keep an eye on them—when you smell that cinnamon-sugar magic and see golden edges, they’re ready!
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes; this helps them set and prevents breakage. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before the glaze step.
Step 10: Drizzle with Glaze
Mix powdered sugar with milk or cream to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled cookies with a spoon or a piping bag for a sweet and decorative finish that complements every bite.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or a pinch of finely chopped pecans over the glaze right after drizzling. This adds a bit of texture and visually amps up the cozy vibe of your Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe.
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfectly paired with a hot mug of coffee or a creamy latte, enhancing the cinnamon and sugar notes. They also work beautifully alongside a small bowl of fresh berries or a light yogurt parfait for a balanced snack or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin for a charming gift or party platter. Alternatively, sandwich them with a smear of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an indulgent twist that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their softness while keeping the crumble topping from becoming soggy.
Freezing
If you want to save these cookies for later, freeze them in a sealed freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and retain their flavor and texture when thawed.
Reheating
To enjoy freshly baked warmth, gently reheat cookies in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes the buttery softness and makes the crumble topping crisp up again beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter in this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe?
While you can substitute margarine, butter is highly recommended for its rich flavor and texture, which significantly contribute to the cookie’s tender crumb and authentic coffee cake taste.
What if I don’t have brown sugar for the crumble topping?
If brown sugar is unavailable, you can substitute with white sugar mixed with a small amount of molasses or honey to mimic that deep sweetness and moisture, but brown sugar is definitely ideal for authentic flavor.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup with regular flour. Just be mindful that texture may vary slightly, but the essence of the Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe will remain.
Is the glaze necessary?
The glaze adds a lovely sweetness and classic finish, but if you prefer, you can skip it or lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar instead for a different but equally satisfying touch.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! This Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe scales beautifully. Just be sure to adjust baking sheets accordingly and watch the baking time, as more cookies may require slightly longer in the oven.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe — it’s a wonderful way to bring that much-loved coffee cake flavour into a portable, shareable treat. Every bite feels like a warm hug, packed with cinnamon goodness and a buttery crumble. I wholeheartedly encourage you to bake a batch and see how quickly these cookies become your new favorite go-to snack. Trust me, once you’ve tried them, you’ll be dreaming up excuses to bake them again in no time!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Coffee Cake Cookies combine the best of cinnamon coffee cake and soft cookies into one delightful treat. Featuring a tender cookie base topped with a crumbly cinnamon sugar crumble and finished with a sweet glaze, these cookies are perfect for coffee time or dessert. With a lightly spiced, buttery flavor and a satisfying crumble topping, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crumble Topping
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Once mixed, chill it in the refrigerator while you prepare the dough.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or hand whisk to cream the softened unsalted butter with brown and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
- Scoop and Shape Dough: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Flatten each dough ball slightly with your fingers or a spatula.
- Add Crumble Topping: Generously press the chilled crumble topping onto the surface of each dough ball so it sticks well.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for golden edges and centers that are set but still soft.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or cream until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cookies before serving.
Notes
- Use cold butter for the crumble topping to ensure a crumbly texture.
- Do not overmix the cookie dough to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Flatten the dough slightly before adding crumble to help it adhere better.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding glaze to prevent it from melting.
- You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based milk in the glaze.
