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: These cookies blend the rich taste of coffee cake with the fun shape of cookies, making every bite delightful.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for brunch, dessert tables, or just an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
• Easy to Make: The simple ingredients and straightforward steps make baking these cookies a breeze, even for beginners.
• Impressive Presentation: With their beautiful streusel topping and icing drizzle, these cookies look as good as they taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Coffee Cake Cookies, gather all your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a smooth dough.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess, allowing you to easily separate dry from wet components.
• Baking sheets: Provides an even baking surface, preventing sticking when lined with parchment paper or silicone mats.

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

For the Icing

• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
• 3 Tbsp. heavy cream or milk
• 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 using your fingers. Refrigerate.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together all purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt until well combined.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

Place cubed butter and both sugars into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Turn on the mixer and cream until smooth for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the egg, egg yolk and vanilla extract to the mixture. Blend until well mixed using a rubber spatula to scrape down any mixture that may stick to the sides of the bowl.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

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

Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop out dough and roll it into approximately 8 large balls (or smaller if preferred). You can yield about 22-24 cookies from this recipe. Place them on prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Create Indents

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

Step 9: Fill & Bake

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of streusel filling into each cookie’s indent. Bake for around 8-11 minutes or until edges are set and slightly golden.

Step 10: Optional Shaping

For perfectly circular cookies, immediately after taking them out of the oven, use a circular cookie cutter or glass larger than each cookie to gently swirl them into shape.

Step 11: Cool Down

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

Step 12: Drizzle Icing

Whisk together icing ingredients until smooth; once cookies have cooled completely, drizzle icing over tops before serving!

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies

Coffee cake cookies are a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with various accompaniments. Whether enjoyed at a gathering or as a cozy snack at home, these cookies can be served in numerous creative ways.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite brewed coffee. The warm flavors of coffee complement the cinnamon notes beautifully.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two coffee cake cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches. Choose your favorite ice cream flavor for a delightful frozen treat.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

• Serve warm cookies topped with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing twist. The fruit adds a burst of flavor and color.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For an indulgent dessert, drizzle melted chocolate sauce over the cookies. This extra touch elevates the sweetness and richness.

How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies

Creating the perfect coffee cake cookies requires attention to detail and some helpful tips to enhance your baking experience.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes helps it hold its shape better during baking.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Using precise measurements ensures consistency in texture and flavor. Spoon and level flour instead of scooping directly from the bag.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to dense textures.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature for easier mixing and better incorporation into the dough.
• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Start checking the cookies a minute or two before suggested baking time to avoid overbaking. They should be slightly golden around the edges but soft in the middle.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies

Pairing side dishes with coffee cake cookies enhances your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast that complements your cookies.
3. Cheese Plate: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory touch that pairs well with sweet flavors.
4. Nut Mix: A selection of roasted nuts provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with soft cookies.
5. Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea enhances the overall experience, making it a cozy afternoon treat.
6. Milkshake: Blend milk, ice cream, and flavorings (like vanilla or chocolate) for a rich shake that pairs wonderfully with coffee cake cookies.
7. Caramel Sauce: Serve with warm caramel sauce for dipping, adding an extra layer of sweetness that cookie lovers will appreciate.
8. Chocolate-covered Strawberries: These elegant treats add sophistication while combining fruity freshness with chocolate decadence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Coffee Cake Cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Using warm butter: Always use softened unsalted butter. Warm butter can lead to greasy cookies that spread too much.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can make them dry.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can create tough cookies.
• Skipping the chilling step: Refrigerate the streusel filling and cookie dough for better texture and flavor. Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to 400°F before baking. A too cool oven can result in undercooked cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Coffee Cake Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Coffee Cake Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a plate for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a couple of minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Coffee Cake Cookies that might help you perfect your baking experience.

Can I use different spices in Coffee Cake Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg or cardamom alongside cinnamon for added flavor depth.

How do I prevent my Coffee Cake Cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough before baking, and ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps maintain their shape.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the icing?

You can use milk or a non-dairy milk alternative if you prefer a lighter option without sacrificing taste.

How long do Coffee Cake Cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies will last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

Final Thoughts

These Coffee Cake Cookies combine the delightful flavors of coffee cake with the convenience of cookies, making them an irresistible treat. Their buttery streusel filling adds texture, while the drizzle of icing provides sweetness. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips based on your preference. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these comforting cookies with your favorite cup of coffee!