Name: Soft Coffee Cake Cookies with Sweet Streusel Magic
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 71 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Brown Sugar (Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the topping.); 1/2 cup Butter (This brings moisture and helps form those delightful clumps.); 1 tsp Cinnamon (Infuses warmth and flavor.); 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Spoon and level for best accuracy.); 1 cup Cake Flour (Creates a tender, lighter cookie.); 1/4 cup Cornstarch (Increases softness and gives the cookies a cake-like quality.); 1 tsp Cinnamon (Adds that signature warm spice flavor.); 1 tsp Baking Soda (Essential for that soft, chewy rise.); 1 tsp Baking Powder (Essential for that soft, chewy rise.); 1/2 cup Cold Unsalted Butter (Keep it cold for optimal texture.); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (Balances sweetness.); 1/2 cup Brown Sugar; 1 Egg (Contributes to structure.); 1 Egg Yolk (Contributes to richness.); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Elevates overall flavor.); 2 tbsp Melted Unsalted Butter (Acts as a base for the icing.); 2 tbsp Heavy Cream or Milk (Makes the icing smooth.); 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Sweetens the icing.); 1 tsp Vanilla (For additional flavor.)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the first whiff of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen, especially when those cookies are Soft and Chewy Coffee Cake Cookies. Just the hint of cinnamon swirling in the air invokes a cozy, morning café vibe right at home. These cookies bring together the irresistible softness of your favorite coffee cake and the delightful crunch of a buttery brown sugar streusel, turning breakfast into a treat you’ll crave any time of day. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, but they also make for a perfect quick breakfast or a delightful mid-afternoon pick-me-up. So, who’s ready to turn their morning coffee into a true indulgence with these delicious gems?

Why Choose Coffee Cake Cookies?

Irresistible aroma: Nothing beats the scent of cinnamon and sugar filling your home as these cookies bake.

Quick and easy: With simple steps, you can whip up these delightful cookies in no time!

Versatile treat: Enjoy them warm for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with your favorite coffee.

Soft and chewy texture: The combination of cake flour and key ingredients gives these cookies a fantastic melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Perfect for sharing: Whether at brunch with friends or packed in your lunch, these cookies are guaranteed to impress!

Don’t forget to enhance your baking repertoire with other sweets like our Lemon Cake Deliciously or Cloud Cake Feel.

Coffee Cake Cookies Ingredients

For the Streusel Topping
• Brown Sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the topping.
• Butter – This brings moisture and helps form those delightful clumps.
• Cinnamon – Infuses warmth and flavor, enhancing the coffee cake experience.

For the Cookie Dough
• All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and texture. Prep Note: Spoon and level for best accuracy.
• Cake Flour – Creates a tender, lighter cookie. Substitution Note: Mix all-purpose flour with cornstarch to make your own.
• Cornstarch – Increases softness and gives the cookies a cake-like quality.
• Cinnamon – Adds that signature warm spice flavor that ties everything together.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder – Essential for that soft, chewy rise in each cookie.
• Cold Unsalted Butter – Ensures flakiness and richness. Tip: Keep it cold for optimal texture.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar – Balances sweetness and moisture for a delightful cookie.
• Egg and Egg Yolk – Contribute to the structure and richness of the dough.
• Vanilla Extract – Elevates the overall flavor profile to new heights.

For the Icing
• Melted Unsalted Butter – Acts as a base for the icing, adding depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream or Milk – Makes the icing smooth and drizzle-ready.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the icing and gives it that lovely, glossy finish.
• Vanilla – For additional flavor in every luscious drizzle. Tip: Wait till cookies cool before drizzling.

Delicious coffee cake cookies are just a handful of ingredients away!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Coffee Cake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel
In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Use a fork or pastry cutter to incorporate softened butter until small clumps form, resembling wet sand. Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up while you proceed to the next steps.

Step 2: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This preparation will help your coffee cake cookies bake uniformly and release easily once they’re golden and delicious.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures that each cookie will have a consistent texture and rise perfectly, setting the stage for soft coffee cake cookies that melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Cream Ingredients
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the cold cubed butter with granulated and brown sugar for 1 to 2 minutes, until light and fluffy. Next, add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, and continue mixing on medium speed until fully combined, creating a rich dough base for your cookies.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky, perfect for forming your coffee cake cookies.

Step 6: Shape Cookies
Scoop large balls of dough, about 2 tablespoons each, and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets. Create a small indent in the center of each dough ball and fill with about 1 tablespoon of the chilled streusel topping. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 11 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear just set.

Step 7: Cool Cookies
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. This step allows the cookies to set up properly, ensuring you get the perfect soft and chewy texture consistent with delicious coffee cake cookies.

Step 8: Icing
In a small bowl, whisk together melted unsalted butter, heavy cream (or milk), powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the icing generously over the top of each cookie, adding a sweet finishing touch that enhances the coffee cake flavor profile beautifully.

Expert Tips for Coffee Cake Cookies

Chill the Dough: Allow the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes. This enhances flavor and prevents spreading while baking, resulting in perfect cookies.
Correct Flour Measurement: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This ensures accurate measurement, preventing dry or crumbly cookies.
Indents Matter: Make a pronounced indent in each dough ball before adding streusel. This allows the topping to bake into the cookie, enhancing the flavor and appearance of your coffee cake cookies.
Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. Ovens vary, and they should be golden at the edges but still soft in the center when done.
Icing Timing: Drizzle the icing only after the cookies have fully cooled. This prevents the icing from melting and creates a beautiful, glossy finish on your coffee cake cookies.

Coffee Cake Cookies Customization Ideas

Feel free to get creative and tailor these cookies to match your taste buds and dietary needs—discover delightful twists that will surprise and delight you!

Flavor Boost: Almond Extract: Swap out vanilla for almond extract for a lovely, nutty aroma and flavor twist that dances on your palate.
Add Texture: Chocolate Chips: Fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the dough for a delectable contrast to the coffee flavor—it’s a match made in dessert heaven!
Nut Lovers: Chopped Nuts: Add walnuts or pecans to the dough for a satisfying crunch. Feel free to toast them beforehand for an enhanced, nutty flavor.
Spice It Up: Ginger or Nutmeg: Experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg or ground ginger in the streusel to create new layers of flavor that tantalize your senses.
Gluten-Free: Alternative Flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies accessible for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising their delightful taste.
More Fruity: Dried Fruit: Incorporate chopped dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins into the dough for a chewy burst of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the warm spices.
Frosting Fun: Cream Cheese Icing: Switch out the vanilla icing for a tangy cream cheese icing for an indulgent twist. Top it off for a rich coffee cake experience.
Nutty Flavor: Peanut Butter Swirl: For the adventurous, fold a spoonful of creamy peanut butter into the batter just before baking, giving your cookies a deliciously nutty depth.

As you dive into each one of these variations, remember you can also check out our other delightful treats like Lemon Raspberry Cookies for more inspiration. Your kitchen will surely become a haven for scrumptious delights!

What to Serve with Soft and Chewy Coffee Cake Cookies?

Transform your coffee cake cookies into a full-fledged experience that warms the heart and pleases the palate.

Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright and vibrant, a medley of fresh fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
Creamy Greek Yogurt: This tangy delight balances the sweetness perfectly, creating a light and satisfying breakfast or snack.
Mocha or Latte: Pair your cookies with a velvety mocha or latte for an indulgent treat, reminiscent of a café experience at home.
Chai Tea: The spices in chai enhance the cinnamon notes in the cookies, making each sip and bite feel comforting and delightful.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add an extra layer of decadence by drizzling melted chocolate over your cookies, transforming them into an irresistible dessert.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm apple cider laced with spices is a wonderful accompaniment, perfect for a cozy atmosphere while enjoying your cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the chewy texture and adds a delightful contrast to the warm cookies. Enjoy this heavenly combo at dessert-time!
Nutty Granola: Serve alongside a handful of nutty granola for a crunchy texture that enhances the soft, chewy goodness of the coffee cake cookies.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: The sweetness of maple syrup adds a lovely richness, elevating the whole experience when poured over each cookie.

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Coffee Cake Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts seeking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough and shape the cookies up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the shaped dough balls with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The streusel topping can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just place the chilled cookie dough on your baking sheet, add the streusel, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have warm, fresh Coffee Cake Cookies ready to enjoy with minimal effort, making your busy mornings sweeter!

How to Store and Freeze Coffee Cake Cookies

Airtight Container: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and chewy.

Refrigeration: If you’d like to enjoy them for up to a week, you can refrigerate the cookies in a sealed container, just remember they might become a bit firmer.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Scoop portions onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply bake frozen dough balls straight from the freezer or warm up baked cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds to revive their softness.

Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ingredients for my Coffee Cake Cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting your ingredients, look for cake flour that is finely milled for a light texture. Ensure your butter is cold, as this will help create the perfect flakiness. The cinnamon should be fresh for the best flavor; old spices can lose their potency and affect the overall taste of your cookies.

What’s the best way to store my Coffee Cake Cookies?
I often recommend storing cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week, though they might firm up a little. Just remember to let them cool completely before you store them to avoid condensation.

Can I freeze my Coffee Cake Cookie dough?
Yes, very! For freezing, scoop individual portions of your cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and place the frozen dough balls directly on the baking sheet, adding a couple of extra minutes to your baking time.

What should I do if my Coffee Cake Cookies turn out too dry?
If you find your cookies are turning out too dry, it could be due to overmixing the dough or inaccurate flour measurements. I recommend using the scoop and level method for flour to avoid packing it too tightly. Furthermore, consider adding a little more butter or even a splash of milk to your next batch to increase moisture.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind for Coffee Cake Cookies?
Certainly! If you’re baking for someone with gluten intolerance, simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose and cake flours. Additionally, to accommodate dairy allergies, opt for non-dairy butter and a plant-based milk for the icing. Just be sure to check the labels, as some substitutions may have different textures or flavors.

How long does it take to prepare and bake the Coffee Cake Cookies?
Preparing and baking these delightful cookies is quite straightforward! From start to finish, you should expect to spend around 30-40 minutes—this includes about 10-15 minutes for mixing and shaping the dough, 8-11 minutes for baking, and cooling time to avoid the icing melting when drizzling. Get ready to impress your family with these scrumptious treats!