If you love the sweet cinnamon swirl and buttery crumb of classic coffee cake but wish you could enjoy it in bite-sized, portable form, these Coffee Cake Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. Each cookie captures the essence of that bakery-fresh breakfast indulgence, complete with a golden, tender base, a crown of juicy cinnamon streusel, and a tangy vanilla glaze. They’re perfect for brunch, afternoon coffee breaks, or when you crave a nostalgic treat with a modern twist. Let’s dive into everything you need to make these irresistible Coffee Cake Cookies at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather a handful of pantry staples and a few bakery secrets to create cookies that truly sing. Each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role, from flavor to texture, ensuring your Coffee Cake Cookies are as delightful as possible.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of both the cookie dough and the crumb topping, giving structure and the perfect tender bite.
- Baking soda: Adds a touch of lift to keep the cookies soft rather than dense.
- Baking powder: Works with baking soda so the cookies rise just enough and turn out fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet, warm flavors—don’t skip it!
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers that signature coffee cake fragrance and cozy taste.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture throughout, plus extra for the crumb topping.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie base while helping with that lovely golden color.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and gives the cookies chewiness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies and glaze with classic bakery aroma.
- Sour cream: Adds tenderness and a subtle tang that sets these apart from ordinary cookies.
- Light brown sugar: Used in the crumb topping for its caramel-like notes and softer texture.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for a smooth, dreamy glaze drizzle.
- Milk: Thins out the glaze to the perfect consistency.
How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Readying your pans first means you’ll be ready to bake as soon as the dough is mixed.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This not only combines all the leavening agents evenly but also breaks up any lumps, so your Coffee Cake Cookies have an even texture and flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, setting you up for cookies that are both soft and delightfully satisfying.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream into the creamed butter and sugar. The sour cream is what gives Coffee Cake Cookies their slight tang and uniquely tender crumb, so don’t skip it!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix; you want the dough just blended for perfect tenderness.
Step 6: Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a separate small bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter, then use a fork to toss everything together until large, juicy crumbs form. This is the soul of a classic coffee cake—don’t shy away from generously crumbly bits!
Step 7: Scoop and Top the Cookies
Using a medium cookie scoop (or two spoons), drop even balls of dough about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Gently make a small indent in the center of each with the back of a spoon and heap on that irresistible cinnamon crumb topping, pressing lightly so it sticks as the cookies bake.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still a bit soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack so they don’t overbake from the hot pan.
Step 9: Glaze and Enjoy
For the finishing touch, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Drizzle over your cooled cookies for that classic, bakery-style finish. Try not to eat them all before the glaze sets!
How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies
Garnishes
To make your Coffee Cake Cookies look as special as they taste, drizzle the vanilla glaze in a zigzag for a classic bakery touch. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon or a pinch of finely chopped pecans on top just before the glaze sets for extra charm.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a mug of strong coffee, chai, or even a vanilla latte. For brunch, add them to a platter with fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, or a simple berry salad to round out the spread and provide a nice contrast to the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, stack a few Coffee Cake Cookies in clear treat bags tied with a ribbon, or arrange them on a tiered stand for a café-at-home vibe. You can even serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an out-of-this-world dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Coffee Cake Cookies as fresh as possible, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for up to 4 days, which means you can enjoy your coffee break all week long.
Freezing
If you’re making a big batch or want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place completely cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, using parchment between any layers. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked feel, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a low oven for 3–5 minutes. This brings back the soft texture and makes the glaze wonderfully gooey again.
FAQs
Can I add nuts or raisins to the dough?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or a handful of golden raisins would be delicious additions to your Coffee Cake Cookies. Just fold in up to 1/2 cup after mixing the dough.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The results should be just as tasty and satisfying, with all the signature Coffee Cake Cookies flavor.
Why use sour cream in the cookie dough?
Sour cream adds both moisture and a subtle tang, echoing that classic coffee cake flavor while keeping the cookies extra soft and tender. Don’t leave it out—it makes a difference!
How do I keep the crumb topping from falling off?
Make sure to press the crumb topping gently onto the unbaked cookies before they go in the oven. This helps the topping stick as the cookies bake so it doesn’t slide off later.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and crumb topping up to 24 hours in advance. Store both in the fridge separately and assemble just before baking for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for the home-baked comfort of coffee cake in a perfectly portable package, give these Coffee Cake Cookies a try. They’re packed with nostalgic flavors and guaranteed to make any occasion a little sweeter. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share a couple with someone you love!
Print
Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful combination of a classic crumb cake and a soft cookie. With layers of cinnamon-scented crumbs, a sweet glaze, and a tender cookie base, they are perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat with coffee.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and sour cream, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Make Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix in melted butter until crumbs form.
- Form Cookies: Scoop dough onto baking sheets, make an indent in each cookie, and sprinkle with crumb topping.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until set. Cool on a rack.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the crumb topping for extra flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
