If you adore the comforting warmth of classic coffee cake but want a fun, handheld twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Coffee Cake Cookies. They capture all the delicious cinnamon-swirled, crumbly goodness of your favorite morning treat and pack it into soft, buttery cookies with a luscious drizzle of vanilla icing. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s tender and tenderly spiced, crowned with a crunchy streusel topping and just enough sweetness to brighten your day—these Coffee Cake Cookies truly make every moment feel like breakfast or a cozy coffee break with friends.

Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create that perfect balance of soft, crumbly, and sweet textures that bring these Coffee Cake Cookies to life. From the flours that build a tender crumb to the cinnamon that adds warmth, each component plays a starring role in flavor and texture.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender base for both the streusel and cookie dough.
Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents work together to give the cookies the perfect rise and lightness.
Cake flour: Adds a delicately soft crumb to make these cookies feel like a true coffee cake experience.
Brown sugar: Packed for more moisture and richness, it imparts deep, caramel-like notes, essential in both the dough and streusel.
Cinnamon: The warm, fragrant spice that sings throughout the streusel and cookie, giving that classic coffee cake flavor.
Butter: Cold butter in the dough creates a tender texture, while softened butter in the streusel adds a satisfying crunch.
Vanilla extract: Infuses sweetness and aroma, enhancing the overall flavor of the cookies and icing.
Egg and egg yolk: Bind the dough with richness for a chewy yet soft bite.
Cornstarch: Helps give the cookies a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Powdered sugar and heavy cream (or milk): Form the smooth vanilla icing that adds the perfect finishing touch.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

Start by mixing the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Then, add the softened butter and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend everything together until the mix becomes crumbly and holds together when pressed. This streusel will add that beloved crunchy, cinnamon-sugary topping that makes these cookies unforgettable.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients lay the foundation for soft, tender cookies with excellent structure and flavor. The combination of flours and cornstarch is key to that coffee cake-like softness.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the cold cubed butter with both brown and granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and fluffy. This step ensures your cookies will have a rich, buttery base with a hint of caramel sweetness. Mix in the vanilla extract for added depth.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Mix in the large egg and egg yolk until fully combined. The extra yolk contributes to a nice, tender crumb and chewiness, making the cookies irresistibly soft.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix; you want to keep the dough light and tender.

Step 6: Assemble the Cookies with Streusel

Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, then generously sprinkle the prepared streusel over each mound of dough. The streusel will bake into a crisp, cinnamon-speckled topping that offers a perfect contrast to the soft cookie beneath.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in a preheated oven until they are lightly golden and set but still soft in the middle. This careful timing ensures they remain tender inside while the streusel crisps up beautifully on top.

Step 8: Prepare and Drizzle the Icing

While the cookies cool, whisk together melted butter, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to make a smooth vanilla icing. Drizzle it over each cooled cookie to add a luscious, sweet finish that complements the cinnamon and buttery flavors perfectly.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the icing for a charming, bakery-style look. If you’re feeling a little indulgent, a few finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch and nutty depth.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with your favorite cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect breakfast treat or afternoon pick-me-up. For an extra special snack, serve them alongside a small bowl of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast the warm spices.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few Coffee Cake Cookies on a rustic wooden board or elegant platter alongside matching cups of coffee for a cozy gathering. For gift-giving, wrap them in parchment with a pretty ribbon and a handwritten note—who wouldn’t love receiving these classic flavors in cookie form?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover Coffee Cake Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent sogginess, and they’ll stay soft and delicious.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them wrapped individually or layered with parchment paper in a sealed freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Warm the cookies slightly in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to bring back their soft, tender texture. The icing may soften delightfully with gentle warming, making each bite heavenly.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, you can substitute cake flour with all-purpose flour in equal amounts, but your cookies might be a touch less tender. Cake flour helps create that delicate, soft crumb important for true coffee cake flavor in cookie form.

Is it necessary to use both baking soda and baking powder?

Including both ensures the cookies rise properly while maintaining a light texture. Baking powder provides lift, while baking soda reacts with the brown sugar to enhance browning and flavor depth.

Can I make the streusel topping ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the streusel up to a day in advance and keep it chilled. This saves time when assembling the cookies and ensures the topping stays fresh and crumbly.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the icing?

No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or even half-and-half for the icing. The texture might be slightly less rich but still wonderfully delicious.

Can these cookies be made dairy-free?

With some tweaks like using dairy-free butter and a milk alternative for the icing, you can create a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may differ slightly from the classic recipe.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make these Coffee Cake Cookies, they’re going to become one of your go-to favorites for cozy mornings and sweet snack times. The combination of soft cookie dough, spicy cinnamon streusel, and that silky vanilla icing makes for pure magic you’ll want to share again and again. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort cookie!