I’ve combined two of my favorite desserts into one and made these dreamy Coffee Cake Cookies. These cookies are a delightful fusion of cinnamon sugar cookie and buttery streusel, topped with a drizzle of sweet powdered sugar icing. Perfect for any occasion, from cozy afternoons to festive gatherings, these cookies will become your new favorite treat alongside a warm cup of coffee.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cookie Dough
- For the Streusel Filling
- For the Icing
- How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies
- Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Filling
- Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
- Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough Balls
- Step 8: Create Indents
- Step 9: Fill Cookies With Streusel
- Step 10: Bake Cookies
- Step 11: Shape Cookies (Optional)
- Step 12: Cool and Ice
- How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies
- With Coffee
- At a Brunch
- For Afternoon Tea
- Gift Giving
- How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies
- Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Coffee Cake Cookies
- Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Coffee Cake Cookies unique?
- Can I customize my Coffee Cake Cookies?
- How long do Coffee Cake Cookies last?
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a warm, comforting taste that is hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these cookies in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack with your afternoon coffee.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for parties and gatherings; everyone will love this unique twist on traditional cookies.
- Decadent Texture: The combination of soft cookies and buttery streusel provides a delightful texture in every bite.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools will make your baking experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare these Coffee Cake Cookies.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Ensures thorough mixing for a consistent dough texture.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for separating dry ingredients from wet ones effectively.
- Baking sheets: A must-have for even baking and easy cookie transfer.
- Cooling rack: Helps cookies cool evenly, preventing sogginess.
Ingredients
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!
For the Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- pinch salt
- 5 Tbsp. softened butter, unsalted
- 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
For the Streusel Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 Tbsp. heavy cream or milk
- 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 using your fingers until small clumps form. Refrigerate while you prepare 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 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 cold butter along with both sugars into the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream together on medium speed until smooth (about 1-2 minutes).
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add in one large egg plus one egg yolk along with vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Blend until combined; scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in your prepared dry ingredients about 1/4 cup at a time until fully incorporated.
Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough Balls
Scoop out cookie dough and roll into approximately eight large balls (or smaller if you prefer). Place them on your prepared baking sheets.
Step 8: Create Indents
Using your thumb or another utensil like the end of a spoon or spatula dipped in flour, make an indent in each cookie.
Step 9: Fill Cookies With Streusel
Spoon about one tablespoon of streusel filling into each indent on the cookies before placing them in the oven.
Step 10: Bake Cookies
Bake for about 8-11 minutes or until edges look set and slightly golden. Remember they will continue cooking after being removed from the oven.
Step 11: Shape Cookies (Optional)
For perfectly circular cookies, immediately after pulling them out of the oven use a circular cookie cutter or glass around each cookie to gently reshape them if needed.
Step 12: Cool and Ice
Let cookies rest on the sheet for roughly five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cooled, whisk together icing ingredients and drizzle over cookies before serving!
How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies
Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to pair them with beverages or serve them at gatherings, these cookies shine in any setting.
With Coffee
- Classic Pairing: Enjoy your Coffee Cake Cookies with a steaming cup of coffee. The flavors complement each other perfectly.
- Iced Coffee: For a refreshing twist, pair the cookies with iced coffee on warm days.
At a Brunch
- Brunch Delight: Serve these cookies as part of a brunch spread. They add a sweet touch alongside savory items.
- Mini Dessert Table: Arrange them with other bite-sized desserts for a charming dessert table.
For Afternoon Tea
- Tea Time Treats: Offer these cookies during afternoon tea. Their soft texture pairs well with both black and herbal teas.
- Presentation Matters: Place them on decorative plates for an elegant look.
Gift Giving
- Homemade Gifts: Package these cookies in a cute box or tin for gifts. They make thoughtful presents for friends and family.
- Holiday Baking: Bake them during the holidays and share with neighbors or coworkers.
How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies
Perfecting your Coffee Cake Cookies is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh baking powder and spices to enhance flavor.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour to avoid overly dense cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove the cookies while they still appear slightly underbaked for that soft texture.
- Adjust Sugar Levels: Feel free to adjust sugar levels according to your taste preference, especially if you enjoy less sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies
Coffee Cake Cookies can be paired with various side dishes to create a complete snack or dessert experience. Here are some delightful options.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that complements the cookies well.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweet flavors of the Coffee Cake Cookies.
- Nut Mix: A simple combination of nuts can add crunch and protein, making it a satisfying side option.
- Ice Cream Scoop: Serve alongside vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent treat that enhances the cookie experience.
- Chocolate Sauce Dip: A small bowl of rich chocolate sauce invites dipping, adding another layer of flavor fun.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Coffee Cake Cookies is a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect your results. Here are some tips to ensure success.
- Using the wrong flour: Different flours have different protein contents. Using all-purpose flour instead of cake flour can lead to dense cookies. Stick to the recipe for the best texture.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping the refrigeration step for the streusel filling can result in a soggy mixture. Always refrigerate until you are ready to use it.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding dry ingredients can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined for soft and chewy Coffee Cake Cookies.
- Skipping the indent: Not making an indent for the streusel filling means it won’t fit well in your cookies. Make sure to press down gently before adding the filling.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. If your cookies don’t look done at 11 minutes, check them but be careful not to overbake.
- Not letting them cool properly: Moving cookies off the baking sheet too soon can cause them to break apart. Allow them to rest before transferring to a cooling rack.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Coffee Cake Cookies
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months; label and date your containers for easy tracking.
Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as they may become tough.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat. Place cookies in the skillet and cover with a lid for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Coffee Cake Cookies unique?
The combination of cinnamon sugar cookie dough with buttery streusel creates a delicious fusion that mimics traditional coffee cake while delivering cookie convenience.
Can I customize my Coffee Cake Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even swap out spices like nutmeg for cinnamon if you want a different flavor profile.
How long do Coffee Cake Cookies last?
When stored properly, they will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup as an alternative, ensuring no change in texture.
Final Thoughts
These Coffee Cake Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. With their warm flavors and delightful textures, they’re perfect alongside your favorite beverages or as a sweet treat anytime. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings! Enjoy baking and indulging in this unique dessert!
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Coffee Cake Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate fusion of flavors with these Coffee Cake Cookies, a delightful blend of soft cinnamon sugar cookies and buttery streusel. With a sweet drizzle of powdered sugar icing on top, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—from cozy afternoons to festive gatherings. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea, making them an irresistible treat that will quickly become your new favorite dessert.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 3/4 cup cake flour (spooned and leveled)
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed) for the streusel
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for the streusel
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted) for the icing
- 3 Tbsp heavy cream or milk for the icing
Instructions
- Prepare the streusel filling by mixing flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Work in cold butter until clumps form, then refrigerate.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Cream cold butter with both sugars in a stand mixer until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; blend well.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until incorporated.
- Shape dough into balls and create indents in each cookie before filling with streusel.
- Bake for 8-11 minutes or until edges are set.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (40g)
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg