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 perfect for any occasion.
• Versatile Serving Options: These cookies are great for holiday gatherings, coffee breaks, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these tasty cookies.
• Perfectly Soft Texture: The blend of all-purpose and cake flour gives these cookies a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or swap out the icing for a simple glaze if you prefer less sweetness.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools for an efficient baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Baking sheets
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Helps achieve the perfect creamy texture when combining butter and sugars effortlessly.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for separating dry ingredients from wet ones, ensuring even mixing.
• Baking sheets: Provide a sturdy surface for baking without warping in the oven.

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 unsalted butter

For the Cookies:

• 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 unsalted butter, 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
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
• 3 Tbsp. heavy cream or milk

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Pinch salt

How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Filling

In a medium-sized bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt together. Then work in the butter until small clumps form (I just use my fingers). Refrigerate while preparing the cookie dough.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Cake flour
• Cornstarch
• Cinnamon
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Set aside once mixed.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

Place cubed cold butter and both sugars into the bowl of your stand mixer. Secure the paddle attachment and turn on the mixer to cream until smooth (about 1-2 minutes).

Step 5: Add Egg Mixture

Add in one large egg, one egg yolk, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Blend until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Gradually Mix Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in your dry ingredient mixture about ¼ cup at a time until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Form Cookie Dough Balls

Scoop and roll cookie dough into approximately eight large balls (or smaller if desired). You can yield about 22-24 cookies this way. Place them on prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Create Indents for Filling

Make an indent in each cookie using your thumb or another tool like a spoon handle dipped in flour to prevent sticking.

Step 9: Fill with Streusel Mix

Spoon roughly 1 tablespoon of streusel filling into each cookie indent and bake for about 8-11 minutes or until edges appear set and slightly golden.

Step 10: Shape Cookies (Optional)

Immediately after removing from oven, use a circular cookie cutter or glass larger than the cookie to gently spin around each one for perfectly circular shapes.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Let cookies rest on the sheet for approximately five minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 12: Drizzle Icing

Whisk together icing ingredients until smooth. Once cooled completely, drizzle icing over tops of cookies before enjoying!

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies

Coffee cake cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. They pair wonderfully with beverages and can also be used as part of a dessert spread. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a perfect match that enhances the cinnamon flavor.
• Tea: Pair them with herbal or chai tea for a soothing afternoon snack.
• Hot Chocolate: The rich taste of hot chocolate complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Cookies: Combine these cookies with other favorites like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin for variety.
• Brownies: Add fudgy brownies to your platter for a decadent combination.
• Fruits: Fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries add freshness and color to the dessert spread.

For Special Occasions

• Holiday Gatherings: Serve them during festive seasons as a sweet treat for guests.
• Birthday Parties: Use these cookies as an alternative to traditional birthday cake; decorate them with sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies

To ensure your coffee cake cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips. They will help you achieve the right texture and flavor.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps in achieving a smoother batter and better incorporation of ingredients.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance flavors and prevent spreading.
• Check Oven Temperature: Always use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even results.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Remove cookies from the oven when they are slightly underbaked to maintain softness, as they will continue to cook on the pan.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies

Coffee cake cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that pairs well with coffee cake cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses such as brie or goat cheese; their creaminess pairs nicely with the spiced flavor of the cookies.
4. Ice Cream Sundae: Scoop vanilla or caramel ice cream on top of warm cookies for an indulgent dessert experience.
5. Nut Mix: A selection of almonds, walnuts, and cashews adds crunch and richness that contrasts well with soft cookies.
6. Spiced Hot Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider alongside these cookies for a cozy autumnal treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Coffee Cake Cookies can be simple, but there are common errors that can lead to disappointing results. Here are mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the chilling step: Failing to refrigerate the streusel filling can result in a runny texture. Always chill it until it firms up.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can make cookies dry. Spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
• Overbaking the cookies: Leaving cookies in the oven too long will make them hard. Pull them out just before they look done; they’ll continue baking on the pan.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Cold butter can affect how well ingredients mix and how cookies rise. Always use softened butter unless otherwise specified.
• Forgetting to sift powdered sugar: Un-sifted powdered sugar can clump in your icing, leading to a lumpy drizzle. Sift it before mixing for a smooth finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep cookies separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Coffee Cake Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for optimal freshness.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally for even warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Coffee Cake Cookies:

How do I achieve the best texture for Coffee Cake Cookies?

The key is using a blend of all-purpose and cake flour, which gives the cookies a tender crumb while still being sturdy.

Can I customize the flavor of my Coffee Cake Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or other spices like nutmeg to create your unique version of Coffee Cake Cookies.

What drinks pair well with Coffee Cake Cookies?

Coffee is an excellent match, but these cookies also go well with tea or milk, enhancing their sweet and buttery flavor.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute the egg with a flax egg or applesauce and use plant-based butter alternatives.

Final Thoughts

These Coffee Cake Cookies combine two beloved treats into one delightful dessert. They are perfect for any occasion and can be customized with various toppings or fillings. Try this recipe today and impress your friends and family with these scrumptious cookies!