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!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a warm, comforting taste that is hard to resist.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday celebrations.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps, you can whip up these cookies without any hassle.
• Impressive Presentation: The icing drizzle adds a beautiful touch, making them look as good as they taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort by efficiently creaming butter and sugars together.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry ingredients separately before adding them to the batter.

Ingredients

To make these delightful Coffee Cake Cookies, 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

For the Icing:

• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
• 3 Tbsp. heavy cream or milk
• 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 following:
– Flour
– Brown sugar
– Cinnamon
– Salt

Then work in the softened butter until small clumps form (using fingers helps). Refrigerate this mixture while preparing 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.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together these dry ingredients:
– All-purpose flour
– Cake flour
– Cornstarch
– Cinnamon
– Baking soda
– Baking powder
– Salt

Set this mixture aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of your stand mixer, place cubed cold butter and both sugars. Secure the paddle attachment and cream until smooth (about 1–2 minutes).

Step 5: Add Egg Mixture

Add in one large egg, one egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Blend until well mixed; use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides if needed.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in your dry ingredient mix (about 1/4 cup at a time), mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Scoop and roll about 8 large balls of cookie dough (or smaller if preferred for around 22–24 cookies) onto prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Create Indents

Make an indent in each cookie using your thumb or another tool (like the end of a spoon). Dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 9: Fill with Streusel

Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of streusel filling into each cookie’s indent.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake for about 8–11 minutes or until edges appear set and slightly golden. Remember they will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven.

Step 11: Shape Cookies (Optional)

For perfectly circular cookies, immediately after removing them from the oven, use a circular cookie cutter or glass larger than the cookie to gently spin each cookie for even edges.

Step 12: Cool and Ice

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for around five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cool, whisk together icing ingredients and drizzle over your cookies before enjoying!

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies

Enjoying Coffee Cake Cookies can be a delightful experience, especially when paired with the right accompaniments. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual coffee break or a festive gathering.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: The classic pairing! Enjoy these cookies with a fresh cup of coffee for a cozy treat.
• Tea: A soothing herbal or black tea complements the sweetness of the cookies and adds a refreshing note.
• Hot Chocolate: For those with a sweet tooth, hot chocolate makes an indulgent match.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Fruit: Fresh berries or sliced apples can add a bright and healthy contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an extra creamy dessert experience.
• Cheese: A mild cheese like cream cheese or mascarpone can enhance the flavor profile beautifully.

At Special Occasions

• Celebrations: Coffee Cake Cookies are great for birthdays, holiday parties, or family gatherings. They can be served alongside other desserts for variety.
• Gift Giving: Package them nicely in a box as a sweet homemade gift for friends and family.

How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies

Creating the perfect Coffee Cake Cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter and eggs are at room temperature for better blending and texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy. This prevents dense cookies.
• Chill Dough if Necessary: If your dough is too soft, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain shape during baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be slightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or different spices to customize your cookies according to your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Coffee Cake Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries provide a juicy freshness that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a creamy contrast that complements the cookie’s texture.
3. Cinnamon Roll Casserole: A warm and gooey dish that echoes the cinnamon flavor found in the cookies while adding richness.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda along with some crackers to create an inviting snack spread.
5. Apple Slices with Nut Butter: Crisp apple slices dipped in almond or peanut butter offer crunch and nutty flavor that pairs well with cookies.
6. Chai-Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with chai spices can provide an aromatic crunch that enhances your coffee cake cookie experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and even small mistakes can affect your Coffee Cake Cookies. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly skip the chilling step: Not refrigerating the streusel filling can lead to a soggy texture. Always chill to maintain clumpiness.
• Boldly ignore ingredient temperature: Using cold butter instead of softened can prevent proper creaming, affecting the cookie’s texture. Make sure butter is at room temperature.
• Boldly rush the mixing process: Overmixing the dough after adding dry ingredients can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a tender bite.
• Boldly neglect cookie spacing: Crowding cookies on the baking sheet may cause them to merge while baking. Leave enough space between each cookie for optimal growth.
• Boldly skip the cooling rack: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet too long can lead to steaming and sogginess. Always transfer to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking cookies.

Freezing Coffee Cake Cookies

• Freeze cookies in single layers on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds or until warm.
• Bold Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions that might arise when making these delicious Coffee Cake Cookies.

Can I use other types of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or almond flour, but results may vary.

How do I make these cookies without eggs?

Use flaxseed meal or applesauce as an egg substitute. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water or use 1/4 cup of applesauce.

Are Coffee Cake Cookies customizable?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to suit your taste preferences.

What is the best way to store leftover cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness without losing texture.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Look for slightly golden edges and set centers. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Final Thoughts

These Coffee Cake Cookies combine rich flavors and textures that are sure to delight your taste buds. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they offer versatility through easy customization options like adding nuts or swapping spices. Try making them today and enjoy every delightful bite!