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There’s nothing quite like the comforting scent of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like a warm hug. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy Coffee Cake Cookie, each bite adorned with a luscious streusel topping that promises an explosion of flavors. Whether you’re jumping into the day with a cup of coffee or seeking a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these cookies are the perfect solution.

As I experiment with this delightful recipe, I find joy not just in baking, but in the little moments—sharing a batch with friends or enjoying them solo, curled up with a book. And the best part? They come together quickly and easily, making them ideal for even the busiest of schedules. So, if you’re ready to indulge in a treat that’s as versatile as it is delicious, let’s dive into these Coffee Cake Cookies with Buttery Streusel and Vanilla Icing!

Why are Coffee Cake Cookies a must-try?

Rich, Irresistible Flavors: Each cookie combines the comforting taste of cinnamon with a crunchy streusel, creating a delightful flavor explosion.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, these cookies are perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings!
Versatile Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets and customizable with nuts or chocolate chips for an exciting twist.
Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are guaranteed crowd-pleasers—ideal for anyone missing the warmth of homemade treats.
Sweet Finish: The vanilla icing adds a dreamy touch, making each bite a little slice of heaven.
Indulge in this comforting treat, and find joy in every cookie!

Coffee Cake Cookies Ingredients

For the Streusel Topping
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour for a GF version.
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed) – Adds sweetness and moisture; both light and dark work beautifully.
• 2 tsp. cinnamon – Infuses warm, comforting flavor; adjust based on your preference for spice.
• Pinch of salt – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter (softened) – Binds the streusel; avoid using margarine for the best results.

For the Cookie Dough
• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Provides the base structure; gluten-free substitutes are recommended above.
• 3/4 cup cake flour – Adds tenderness, making the cookies soft and chewy.
• 1 tsp. cornstarch – Contributes to a soft texture that melts in your mouth.
• 1 tsp. cinnamon – Complements the streusel and enhances the cookie’s flavor.
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda – Helps the cookies rise beautifully.
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder – An additional leavening agent for fluffy cookies.
• 1/2 tsp. salt – Balances sweetness and flavors.
• 8 Tbsp. cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes) – Creates a tender texture when mixed into the dough.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed) – Adds deep, rich sweetness.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookie dough just right.
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract – Amplifies the cookies’ overall flavor.
• 1 large egg – Provides moisture and structure for the dough.
• 1 large egg yolk – Enriches the dough for a delightful texture.

For the Icing
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter (melted) – Adds richness to the icing, making it decadent.
• 3 Tbsp. heavy cream or milk – Adjusts consistency; milk can be easily substituted with non-dairy options.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted) – Sweetens the icing to perfection.
• 1 tsp. vanilla – Complements the flavors of the cookies beautifully.
• Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness of the icing.

Get ready to bake your Coffee Cake Cookies and experience these delightful flavors come together!

How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies

Prepare the Streusel: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Incorporate the softened butter until clumps form, and then refrigerate for about 15 minutes.
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer, beat the cold cubed butter along with both sugars until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending until everything is well-combined and fluffy.
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into large balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and create small indents in the center of each ball for the streusel topping.
Add Streusel: Fill the indents with your chilled streusel mixture. Bake the cookies for 8-11 minutes until the edges are set and have turned golden brown.
Cool and Icing: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle with icing.

Optional: Sprinkle chopped nuts over the icing for an extra crunch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Coffee Cake Cookies?

Enhance your experience with perfect pairings that complement the blissful flavors of these delightful cookies.

Fresh Brewed Coffee: The rich, warm notes of freshly brewed coffee bring out the cinnamon flavor in the cookies beautifully, creating a cozy treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast, melting gently over the warm cookies to create a dreamy dessert.
Autumn Salad: A refreshing salad with apples, walnuts, and mixed greens balances the sweetness of the cookies, making a delightful meal.
Cinnamon Hot Chocolate: Sip on a cup of cinnamon hot chocolate to heighten the warm cinnamon aroma of the cookies; it’s a match made in heaven!
Cheese Platter: An assortment of sharp cheddar and creamy brie pairs wonderfully, offering a savory counterbalance to the sweet cookies.
Herbal Tea: A fragrant herbal tea—like chamomile or mint—brings a relaxing element, making for a soothing afternoon break.
Fruit Compote: A dollop of berry or apple compote enhances the bakery-inspired flavors, adding a touch of tartness to contrast the sweetness.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzling caramel over the cookies elevates them to another level, adding a luxurious touch that everyone will love.
Lemonade: For a refreshing twist, serve with a glass of iced lemonade; its brightness cuts through the richness of the cookies perfectly.

Coffee Cake Cookies Variations

Feel free to have fun customizing these delightful cookies to suit your taste and dietary needs!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose and cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary preferences.
Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a rich, nutty flavor.
Chocolate Chip Bliss: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet twist that elevates the cookies to new heights.
Imagine sinking your teeth into rich chocolate alongside comforting cinnamon—a match made in dessert heaven!
Spice It Up: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger in the streusel for a unique flavor profile that warms the soul.
Coconut Dream: Fold in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the cookie dough for a tropical twist with every bite.
The chewy texture of coconut adds an exciting contrast to the cookie, creating a delightful surprise.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap regular butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with non-dairy milk to enjoy a dairy-free treat without sacrificing flavor.
Fruit-Infusion: Incorporate 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity burst that complements the cinnamon beautifully.

Embrace your creativity in the kitchen—these variations can make each batch of Coffee Cake Cookies uniquely yours!

Make Ahead Options

These Coffee Cake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delightful homemade treats without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough and streusel topping up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the dough and shape it into balls, then refrigerate them to maintain their texture. The streusel can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, preventing it from becoming soggy. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat your oven, fill the indents with chilled streusel, and bake as per the recipe directions. This way, you’ll have fresh Coffee Cake Cookies ready to enjoy with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Coffee Cake Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Fridge: If you want to keep them fresh longer, place the cookies in the fridge for up to 1 week, ensuring they’re well wrapped to prevent drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Allow frozen cookies to thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for that freshly baked taste.

Expert Tips for Coffee Cake Cookies

Proper Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is cold when making the dough; this helps create tender, chewy cookies and avoids over-mixing.
Don’t Skimp on Chilling: Chill the streusel and the dough before baking for better texture and flavor; this can prevent spreading during baking.
Perfect Timing: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be golden around the edges and slightly soft in the center for the best texture.
Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake; this is especially important for these Coffee Cake Cookies.
Cool Before Icing: Allow the cookies to cool completely before drizzling with icing; otherwise, it may melt and lose its shape.

Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of flour should I use for Coffee Cake Cookies?
For the best structure and texture, all-purpose flour is typically recommended, but you can easily substitute with gluten-free flour if needed. Just look for a high-quality gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum for optimal results.

How should I store Coffee Cake Cookies to keep them fresh?
Store your Coffee Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 1 week, but ensure they are wrapped well to prevent them from drying out.

Can I freeze Coffee Cake Cookies? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze them, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

What do I do if my cookie dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is crumbly, it could be due to overmixing or not incorporating enough moisture. Try adding a small splash of milk or an extra egg yolk to blend the dough better. Additionally, ensure that your butter is at the right temperature—cold butter is crucial for the perfect cookie texture.

Are Coffee Cake Cookies safe for those with nut allergies?
As the recipe stands, it doesn’t contain any nuts, making it safe for those with nut allergies. However, if you plan to add nuts, be sure to keep them away from anyone with nut sensitivities, and check that your ingredients are all cross-contamination free.

How can I adjust this recipe for dietary restrictions?
You can easily adjust the recipe for a gluten-free diet by substituting all-purpose and cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, consider using dairy-free butter and a non-dairy milk alternative for the icing if needed. Always check labels to avoid any allergens.