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 sugar and buttery streusel creates a mouthwatering treat that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these coffee cake cookies can be whipped up quickly.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or festive holiday baking.
• Great Texture: The soft cookie base pairs beautifully with the crunchy streusel topping, providing a delightful contrast.
• Drizzle of Sweetness: The icing adds an extra layer of sweetness, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious coffee cake cookies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make the process 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 saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together for a smooth texture.
• Mixing bowls: Having various sizes is essential for separating dry ingredients from wet ones during preparation.
• Baking sheets: A good quality baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents sticking when lined properly.

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 butter, unsalted

For the Cookies

• 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 to work it together). Refrigerate.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

Place the cubed butter and both sugars into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the mixture in your stand mixer. Blend until mixed well; use a rubber spatula to scrape down any mixture stuck on the sides.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the dry ingredient mixture about 1/4 cup at a time until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop and roll cookie dough into approximately 8 large balls (or smaller if preferred). You can get about 22-24 cookies total; place them on prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Create Indents

Make an indent in each cookie using your thumb or another tool like the end of a spoon/spatula (dipping it in flour helps prevent sticking).

Step 9: Fill with Streusel

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of streusel filling into each cookie indent before placing them in the oven to bake for about 8-11 minutes or until edges appear set.

Step 10: Optional Shaping Step

If you want perfectly circular cookies after they come out of the oven, immediately place a circular cookie cutter or glass around each cookie while it’s still warm to shape them better.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 12: Drizzle Icing

Whisk together icing ingredients; once cookies are cooled completely, drizzle icing over their tops before enjoying!

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies

Coffee cake cookies are a delightful treat that pairs well with various accompaniments. Here are some ideas to elevate your cookie experience.

With Coffee

• Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee. The rich flavors of the coffee complement the sweet, cinnamon notes in the cookies perfectly.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange coffee cake cookies on a dessert platter with other baked goods. This makes for an inviting presentation during gatherings or celebrations.

With Ice Cream

• Serve cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. The contrast between the warm cookie and cold ice cream creates a delicious treat.

On a Breakfast Table

• Include them in your breakfast spread. These cookies are sweet enough to satisfy your morning cravings while being easy to grab on the go.

How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies

To ensure your coffee cake cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these tips:

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter incorporates better into the dough, leading to a lighter texture.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon and level method when measuring flour to avoid dense cookies caused by excess flour.
• Don’t overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they are slightly golden at the edges, as they will continue cooking on the baking sheet.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of flavor in your cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies

Coffee cake cookies can be enjoyed with several delightful side dishes that enhance their flavors. Consider pairing them with these options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a creamy side that complements the texture of the cookies.

3. Cheese Board
   A selection of mild cheeses like brie or gouda offers a savory contrast to sweet cookies.

4. Nut Mix
   A simple blend of almonds, walnuts, and pecans provides crunch and depth alongside soft cookies.

5. Herbal Tea
   Serve with chamomile or mint tea for a soothing beverage that pairs beautifully with sweet flavors.

6. Chocolate Sauce
   Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over cookies for an indulgent touch that chocolate lovers will adore.

7. Whipped Cream
   A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds richness and lightness, enhancing the overall treat experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Coffee Cake Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the perfect cookie experience.

• Skipping the Streusel Preparation: Failing to adequately prepare the streusel filling can result in a lack of flavor. Always combine and refrigerate the ingredients for a richer taste.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a softer texture.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Precisely: Baking is a science; incorrect measurements can ruin your cookies. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can cause cookies to bake unevenly. Use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re at the right heat.
• Baking Too Long: Leaving cookies in the oven too long will make them dry. Check for doneness at the minimum time stated in the recipe.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Coffee Cake Cookies in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing Coffee Cake Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing cookies in briefly until warmed, which helps maintain their texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Coffee Cake Cookies that might help you enjoy this treat even more!

What are Coffee Cake Cookies?

Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful blend of cinnamon sugar cookies filled with buttery streusel and topped with icing, perfect for pairing with coffee.

Can I customize my Coffee Cake Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or change up the spices according to your taste preferences.

How do I know when my Coffee Cake Cookies are done?

Look for slightly golden edges and set centers; they will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well for baking.

Final Thoughts

These Coffee Cake Cookies are a delicious fusion of flavors and textures, making them perfect for any occasion. With options to customize and adjust ingredients, you can make them uniquely yours. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delightful treats with your favorite beverage!