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! Perfect for gatherings, afternoon treats, or cozy nights in, these cookies will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a rich flavor that delights every palate.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can bake these cookies with ease.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday party or a casual coffee date.
• Impressive Presentation: The buttery streusel filling and icing make these cookies look as good as they taste.
• Comforting Dessert: Pair them with your favorite hot beverage for the ultimate cozy experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delightful process of making Coffee Cake Cookies, gather the essential tools that will help streamline your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together for a perfectly smooth dough.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the desired texture and flavor in your cookies.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: These prevent sticking and ensure even baking for perfectly shaped cookies.

Ingredients

For this delightful Coffee Cake Cookies recipe, you will need 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. Then work in the butter until small clumps form using your fingers. Refrigerate while you prepare the cookie dough.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the cookie dough: all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

Place the cubed butter and 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 the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Blend until well mixed; use a rubber spatula to scrape down any mixture stuck to the sides of the bowl.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the dry ingredients about 1/4 cup at a time while mixing until fully incorporated into a smooth dough.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough Balls

Scoop out around 8 large balls of cookie dough (or smaller if you prefer), yielding about 22-24 cookies total. Place them on prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Create Indents for Filling

Using your thumb or any round object (like a spoon), make an indent in each cookie ball to hold the streusel filling.

Step 9: Add Streusel Filling & Bake

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

Step 10: Perfect Circular Cookies (Optional)

Immediately after removing from oven, use a circular cookie cutter or drinking glass larger than each cookie to give them a quick spin for perfectly circular shapes.

Step 11: Cool Down Cookies

Allow cookies to rest on 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 their tops before serving!

Enjoy your delicious Coffee Cake Cookies!

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies

These delightful Coffee Cake Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon treat, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with your favorite cup of coffee for a comforting experience.
• Tea: A light herbal or chai tea complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: For a sweeter pairing, enjoy them alongside creamy hot chocolate.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Serve them on a platter with other cookies for variety, like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin.
• Fruit Bowl: Add a side of fresh seasonal fruits to balance the sweetness.

For Special Occasions

• Birthday Treats: These cookies can be an excellent addition to dessert tables at birthday parties.
• Holiday Baskets: Package them in festive tins or baskets as gifts during holiday seasons.

How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies

To ensure your Coffee Cake Cookies turn out delightful every time, consider these tips for perfection.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into measuring cups instead of scooping directly to avoid dense cookies.
• Bake in Batches: If possible, bake one tray at a time for even cooking and optimal results.
• Monitor Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be golden around the edges but soft in the center when done.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies

Enjoying Coffee Cake Cookies alone is great, but pairing them with these side dishes enhances your snack time. Here’s a list of complementary dishes to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast that pairs well with coffee cake flavors.
3. Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese offer a rich counterpoint to the spiced cookies.
4. Nut Mix: A blend of roasted nuts provides crunch and healthy fats that enhance your cookie enjoyment.
5. Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream makes an indulgent accompaniment.
6. Ice Cream: Vanilla or caramel ice cream can transform your cookies into an easy dessert sundae.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making cookies can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes that affect the outcome. Here are some common errors to watch for.

• Bold Measurement Errors: Be precise with your flour measurements. Spoon it into the cup and level off with a knife instead of packing it down.
• Bold Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling the streusel filling can lead to a messy cookie. Always refrigerate it until ready to use.
• Bold Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Bold Ignoring Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to 400°F before baking. An unheated oven can lead to uneven baking.
• Bold Not Using Parchment Paper: Skipping parchment or silicone mats can cause sticking. Always line your baking sheets for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep cookies layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Coffee Cake Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; remember to label the bag with the date.

Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds on medium power, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Coffee Cake Cookies.

What makes Coffee Cake Cookies different from regular cookies?

Coffee Cake Cookies combine the flavors of coffee cake with a soft cookie texture. The buttery streusel filling adds a delightful twist that sets them apart.

Can I customize my Coffee Cake Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits according to your preference. Experiment with flavors like almond or lemon zest!

How should I store my Coffee Cake Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I use other types of flour in this recipe?

Yes! While all-purpose and cake flour work best, you could try gluten-free flour blends if needed. Just ensure they have similar properties.

Final Thoughts

These Coffee Cake Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! Perfect for any occasion, they can be customized with various mix-ins or toppings. Try them today and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures!