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 rich taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up these cookies quickly, making them perfect for any baking skill level.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy night in with coffee.
• Versatile Treat: Serve them as dessert or a delightful snack—everyone will adore them!
• Impressive Presentation: The drizzle of icing on top makes these cookies look as good as they taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to gather the right tools. Having everything ready 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
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ensures even mixing and saves time when creaming butter and sugars.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining dry ingredients and preparing the streusel filling.
• Baking sheets: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies to perfection.

Ingredients

To make these delightful Coffee Cake Cookies, gather the following 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 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. Work in the butter until small clumps form using your fingers. Refrigerate while preparing the cookie dough.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 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 your stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Turn on the mixer and cream 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 the stand mixer. Blend until well mixed. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down any mixture stuck on the sides of the bowl.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

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

Step 7: Form Cookie Dough Balls

Scoop out portions of cookie dough and roll them into approximately eight large balls (or smaller if you prefer). Place them on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Create Indents for Filling

Make an indent in each cookie using your thumb or another tool like a spoon end coated lightly in flour to prevent sticking.

Step 9: Add Streusel Filling

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of streusel filling into each indent on your cookies before placing them in the oven.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake for about 8-11 minutes until edges appear set and slightly golden brown. Remove from oven just before you think they are done to prevent over-baking.

Step 11: Shape Cookies (Optional)

For perfectly circular cookies, immediately after removing from oven use a circular cookie cutter or glass larger than the cookie to gently spin it around for smoothing uneven edges.

Step 12: Cool and Ice Cookies

Let cookies rest on the sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cooled completely, whisk together icing ingredients and drizzle over each cookie before serving!

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies

Coffee cake cookies are a delightful treat that pairs well with various beverages and can be served in numerous ways. Whether for a brunch, afternoon snack, or dessert, these cookies will impress your guests.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven with a steaming cup of coffee. The flavors complement each other perfectly, making it an ideal pairing.

Afternoon Tea

• Serve the cookies alongside your favorite tea selection. The warm spices in the cookies enhance the comforting experience of afternoon tea.

Dessert Platter

• Arrange coffee cake cookies on a dessert platter with other sweets like brownies and mini cupcakes. This makes for an enticing dessert spread at gatherings.

Ice Cream Sundae

• Top a coffee cake cookie with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. Drizzle with chocolate syrup for an indulgent treat.

Breakfast Treat

• Serve them as a special breakfast item alongside fresh fruit and yogurt. Their sweet and spiced flavor makes them suitable for morning enjoyment.

How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies

Perfecting coffee cake cookies is simple with a few key tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
• Chill the Dough: If time permits, chill your cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients to wet. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Bake Until Just Set: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove cookies when the edges are slightly golden but centers still appear soft. They’ll continue to bake on the tray.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add different spices or extracts to customize your cookies, such as nutmeg or almond extract, for an extra twist.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies

These coffee cake cookies can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that enhance their flavors and overall experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a balanced dish that complements coffee cake cookies well.
3. Cheese Board: Pair with mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory touch that balances sweetness.
4. Nut Mix: A blend of roasted nuts adds crunch and saltiness, which pairs nicely with the soft texture of the cookies.
5. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These sweet treats add elegance and make for a delicious contrast to the spiced flavors of the cookies.
6. Scones: Offer an assortment of scones alongside coffee cake cookies for a delightful tea-time experience.
7. Mini Muffins: Sweet or savory mini muffins can provide variety and appeal to different taste preferences during servings.
8. Granola Bars: Homemade or store-bought granola bars can complement the textures and flavors while offering additional nutritional value.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Coffee Cake Cookies, it’s easy to overlook certain details. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Boldly mismeasuring ingredients: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Always use the correct measuring cups and spoons for dry and liquid ingredients.
• Boldly skipping the chilling step: Failing to chill the streusel filling can lead to a soggy texture. Make sure to refrigerate it until ready to use.
• Boldly neglecting to preheat the oven: Not preheating your oven can result in uneven baking. Always preheat for at least 10-15 minutes before placing cookies inside.
• Boldly overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough instead of soft. Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients.
• Boldly ignoring baking times: Each oven is different; always keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Pull them out when edges are slightly golden.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Coffee Cake Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Coffee Cake Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze for about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Bold Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Coffee Cake Cookies.

Can I customize the filling for Coffee Cake Cookies?

Yes! You can add nuts or dried fruit to the streusel filling for extra flavor and texture.

How do I ensure my Coffee Cake Cookies are soft?

Make sure not to overbake them and allow them to cool properly on a wire rack after baking.

What if I don’t have cake flour?

You can substitute cake flour with all-purpose flour by reducing the amount slightly. Use about 1 tablespoon less per cup.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Coffee Cake Cookies bring together two beloved desserts into one delightful treat. Their soft texture, sweet streusel filling, and drizzle of icing make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize these cookies with your favorite nuts or spices, ensuring every batch is uniquely yours!