Craving a cookie that tastes like a cozy slice of coffee cake? These Coffee Cake Cookies are a dream come true for anyone who loves a crunchy crumb topping, soft-baked centers, and that signature cinnamon sugar warmth. They bring the comfort of a classic coffee cake into a handheld, snackable treat perfect for fall mornings or anytime you want a sweet pick-me-up.

Imagine a soft, buttery cookie base topped with a generous streusel crumble and finished with a drizzle of vanilla glaze. These cookies are ideal for bake sales, holiday trays, or pairing with your favorite hot drink. They’re indulgent but not overly sweet, striking that perfect balance that makes it hard to stop at just one.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into making these coffee cake cookies, let’s talk prep and the tools you’ll want to keep handy:

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming the butter and sugar to achieve a fluffy texture.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two – one for the dough, one for the crumb topping.
Cookie Scoop: This helps ensure uniform cookie sizes, so they bake evenly.
Baking Sheets & Parchment Paper: Prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Cooling Rack: Allows the cookies to cool without becoming soggy on the bottom.

Having these tools ready helps streamline your process and ensures consistent results. Let’s move to ingredients and crafting the cookies next.

Ingredients for the Coffee Cake Cookies

Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a soft, chewy base.
Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: A mix of both adds depth and caramel notes.
Egg & Vanilla Extract: For binding and flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: The base structure of the cookie.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The dual leavening gives the cookies their lift.
Ground Cinnamon & Salt: Cinnamon delivers warmth while salt balances sweetness.
Streusel Topping (Flour, Butter, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon): This is the coffee cake magic.
Powdered Sugar & Milk (for glaze): A light drizzle to finish with sweet flair.

Each component plays a specific role, giving you that ideal cookie bite with layered textures and cozy flavors.

How To Make the Coffee Cake Cookies

Step 1: Make the Streusel Topping

In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside in the fridge to keep it firm.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie base.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture until a dough forms.

Step 5: Scoop and Top

Scoop the dough into balls using your cookie scoop and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Press a well into each center and generously fill with the prepared streusel topping.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden but centers are soft. Let them rest for a few minutes on the tray before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies for that finishing touch.

How to Serve and Store These Cookies

Serve Coffee Cake Cookies slightly warm with a drizzle of glaze and a steaming cup of coffee, chai, or hot chocolate. They make a delightful brunch side or cozy evening treat.

To store, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze unglazed cookies for up to a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these cookies taste like coffee cake?

It’s the buttery streusel topping and cinnamon-sugar flavor that gives these cookies their coffee cake essence.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough and topping a day in advance and bake when ready.

Can I freeze them?

Freeze unglazed cookies in a sealed bag or container. Just thaw and glaze before serving.

Do I have to add the glaze?

It’s optional, but it adds a touch of sweetness and completes the coffee cake vibe.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, by using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, though texture may vary slightly.

If these soft-baked treats hit the spot, you might also enjoy the indulgent Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies with a nostalgic crunch. Or for a fruity twist, the Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes carry a similar warm-spice flavor in a different form.

Looking for more easy crowd-pleasers? Check out the buttery Cinnamon Donut Bread or grab-and-go Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries.

For fans of nostalgic classics, the Chocolate Chess Pie is another sweet southern-style hit.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add nuts to the crumble? Did you skip the glaze? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others personalize their bakes.

For more delicious dessert ideas, follow me on Pinterest at LadyPlate where I share sweet creations daily.