Introduction to Coffee Cake Cookies
Why Coffee Cake Cookies Are the Perfect Treat?
Have you ever craved a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the richness of a cookie with the comforting flavors of coffee cake? Enter coffee cake cookies! These irresistible treats offer a unique twist on the classic coffee cake, capturing its warm, cinnamon spice while delivering the satisfying chewiness of a cookie. They’re ideal for any occasion, from casual coffee breaks to special gatherings with friends.
What makes coffee cake cookies so appealing? For starters, they're incredibly easy to whip up, making them a go-to recipe for both seasoned bakers and novice cooks alike. The versatility of flavors—think cinnamon, brown sugar, and buttery crumbs—ensures that each bite transports you to a cozy bakery. Plus, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser; whether you’re serving them at brunch or packing them for a midday snack, they’re bound to win hearts.
If you're looking to elevate your dessert game, these cookies can be dressed up with a simple glaze or kept simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Want to learn how to make these delectable treats? Let’s dive into the full recipe!

Ingredients for Coffee Cake Cookies
Creating delightful coffee cake cookies starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here's what you'll need to whip up this delicious treat.
Essential Ingredients for the Cookies
To form the base of your cookies, make sure you have:
- ½ cup (113.5 g) butter: Softened for easy mixing
- ½ cup (110 g) brown sugar: For that rich, molasses-like flavor
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar: Just a touch of sweetness
- 1 large egg & 1 egg yolk: Essential for a rich, moist texture
- 2 teaspoons vanilla: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor
- ½ teaspoon baking powder & baking soda: For that perfect rise
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that elevates the cookie taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Keeps them soft
- 1¾ cups (245 g) all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookie
Ingredients for the Crumb Topping
Don’t forget the crumb topping, which brings that coffee cake essence:
- ½ cup (62.5 g) flour
- ⅓ cup (73.33 g) brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons butter: Softened for easy blending
Ingredients for the Glaze
Finally, for that finishing touch, here’s what you’ll need for the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetness and a smooth texture
- Good sprinkle of cinnamon: Flavor boost
- 1-2 tablespoons milk: To achieve the desired consistency
With these ingredients on hand, you’re well on your way to baking these delightful coffee cake cookies. Happy baking!
Preparing Coffee Cake Cookies
When it comes to baking, having a well-organized station makes everything smoother. By setting up your baking area first, you're ensuring a seamless process for creating your delicious coffee cake cookies. Here’s how to get started!
Prepping your baking station
Before diving into mixing ingredients, take a few moments to clear your countertop and gather all necessary tools and ingredients. Make sure you have:
- Mixing bowls
- A stand mixer (if available)
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A spatula and cookie scoop
With everything at hand, you’ll feel more relaxed and focused while baking. And hey, don’t forget to preheat your oven to 375 F—this is a critical step to guarantee that your cookies bake evenly!
Creaming the butter and sugars
Start by placing the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in your stand mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step not only helps your coffee cake cookies achieve the right texture but also combines the flavors beautifully.
Mixing in the eggs and vanilla
Next, add in the large egg, yolk, and vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients on low speed will ensure they combine seamlessly without splattering—nobody wants a flour explosion in the kitchen, right?
Combining the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cornstarch, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, being careful not to over-mix. It's okay if some flour is still visible; just gently fold it into the dough.
Portioning the cookie dough
Using your cookie scoop, easily portion out about 3 tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Place them about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheets. For that rustic look, use the backside of the scoop or your fingers to create gentle indentations in the center of each dough ball.
Making the crumb topping
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add the softened butter and use a fork or your fingers to combine until crumbly. This crumb topping is the magic touch that makes your coffee cake cookies truly irresistible.
Shaping and topping the cookies
Take small handfuls of the crumb topping and sprinkle it generously over the indented cookie dough. This adds a delightful crunch and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
Baking to perfection
Pop your baking sheets into the oven and let those cookies bake for 9-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown. A quick tip: run a spoon or spatula around the cookie edges immediately after baking to help maintain that perfect round shape.
Glazing the cooled cookies
Once your cookies have cooled completely, mix the powdered sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a tablespoon or two of milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this lovely mixture over your cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
And there you have it! With these steps, you’re on your way to creating warm, delectable coffee cake cookies that are sure to impress friends and family. So, are you ready to start baking? Enjoy every bite!

Variations on Coffee Cake Cookies
Nutty Coffee Cake Cookies
For a delightful twist, add chopped nuts to your coffee cake cookies dough. Walnuts or pecans not only provide a satisfying crunch but also a rich, earthy flavor. Simply fold in about ½ cup of your preferred nuts into the dough before baking. Not a nut fan? Consider swapping in some oats for a chewy texture that complements the cookie's crumb topping beautifully.
Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Cookies
If you’re a chocolate lover, try mixing in chocolate chips for an indulgent take on coffee cake cookies. Just ½ to 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can elevate your cookies to another level of sweetness. These cookies are perfect for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up or an after-dinner treat. For tips on balancing flavors, check out our guide on baking with chocolate here.
Baking Notes for Coffee Cake Cookies
Tips for Achieving Soft Cookies
To ensure your coffee cake cookies come out soft and delicious, make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start. This helps in creaming it with the sugars effectively, which in turn helps to trap air. For a tender texture, avoid overmixing the dough once you add flour. It's okay to have a few lumps; these contribute to softness. Lastly, remove them from the oven when the edges are just turning golden, as they'll continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet.
How to Prevent Spreading
To prevent your coffee cake cookies from spreading too much, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling the dough solidifies the fats, leading to thicker cookies. Additionally, ensuring you're using cold baking sheets or parchment paper can help maintain their shape during baking. A sprinkle of cornstarch in the dough also helps keep cookies fluffy instead of flat.
For more baking tips, check out King Arthur Baking for expert insights!

Serving suggestions for Coffee Cake Cookies
Pairing with coffee or tea
Nothing complements coffee cake cookies quite like a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea. The cookies’ rich, buttery flavor pairs beautifully with a smooth latte or a robust black coffee. If tea is more your style, consider a fragrant chai or calming chamomile—both enhance the cookies' cinnamon notes. For an adventurous twist, try serving them with cold brew for a refreshing touch!
Serving at gatherings and events
Whether it’s a cozy get-together or a festive holiday party, coffee cake cookies shine as a delightful treat. Arrange them on a chic platter, drizzle with a light glaze, and watch your guests’ eyes light up! They also make thoughtful gifts when boxed with a handwritten note. When you’re hosting, consider including them in a dessert bar alongside other treats—variety is always a crowd-pleaser! For more ideas on incorporating these delicious cookies into gatherings, check out Good Housekeeping for entertaining tips.
Time details for Coffee Cake Cookies
Preparation time
Making your coffee cake cookies is a breeze! Set aside about 10-15 minutes to gather your ingredients and whip up the dough.
Baking time
Once you pop those delightful dough balls into the oven, they’ll need about 9-12 minutes to transform into golden brown goodness.
Total time
In total, from start to enjoying your first bite of these delicious coffee cake cookies, expect to spend roughly 30-40 minutes. Perfect for a quick treat any day!
For more on cookie baking methods, check out King Arthur Baking. They're a fantastic resource for all things baking!
Nutritional Information for Coffee Cake Cookies
Calories per Cookie
Each delightful coffee cake cookie contains approximately 345 calories. This makes for a delicious treat without overwhelming your daily calorie allowance.
Sugar Content
With 32 grams of sugar per cookie, these sweet bites are perfect for satisfying your cravings. Just be mindful if you're watching your sugar intake!
Protein and Fat Details
Coffee cake cookies pack about 4 grams of protein and 14 grams of fat, including 8 grams of saturated fat. While they’re indulgent, they also offer a bit of energy to keep you going throughout your day.
For more on how to balance your sugar intake while enjoying treats, check out the American Heart Association and their recommendations on sugar consumption!
FAQs about Coffee Cake Cookies
How do I adjust the sweetness?
If you find the desire for a less sweet bite, you can easily adjust the coffee cake cookies recipe. Simply reduce the amount of granulated or brown sugar by a few tablespoons based on your preference. Remember, though, sugar also adds moisture, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of flour to balance things out!
Can these cookies be frozen?
Absolutely! These delightful coffee cake cookies freeze wonderfully. After baking, let the cookies cool completely. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, layering parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
What can I substitute for common ingredients?
Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem! Here are some easy swaps:
- Butter: Use coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free option.
- Egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) works well as a vegan substitute.
- Flour: You can use almond flour or a gluten-free blend for gluten-free coffee cake cookies.
For more tips, check out this guide on ingredient substitutions. Enjoy baking!
Conclusion on Coffee Cake Cookies
In summary, these coffee cake cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, blending the comforting flavors of traditional coffee cake into a portable dessert. They’re simple to make, and with that signature crumb topping, they’re sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy baking!

Coffee Cake Cookies: The Best Indulgent Treat for Every Occasion
Equipment
- Stand Mixer
- baking sheets
- Parchment Paper
- small bowl
- Fork
Ingredients
Cookies
- ½ cup butter softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg room temp
- 1 large egg yolk room temp
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
Crumb Topping
- ½ cup flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch salt
- 4 tablespoon butter soft
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- cinnamon good sprinkle
- 1-2 tablespoon milk
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place the butter and sugars in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add egg, yolk and vanilla, mix until smooth on low speed.
- Slowly mix in baking powder, soda, salt, cornstarch and flour, being careful not to over mix.
- Scoop the dough into 3 tablespoon size balls and place 6 cookies on cookie sheet.
- Make an indention in each cookie dough ball.
- Mix together flour, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add soft butter and mix until it all comes together.
- Place crumb topping in the indention of the cookie dough.
- Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Allow to cool completely before adding the glaze.
- Mix together the glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cookies. Enjoy!





Leave a Reply