I’ve combined two of my favorite desserts into one and made these dreamy Coffee Cake Cookies. These cookies bring together the delightful flavors of coffee cake in a soft, chewy cookie. With a cinnamon sugar base, a buttery streusel filling, and a sweet drizzle of icing on top, they are perfect for any occasion — from holiday gatherings to cozy afternoon treats. Get ready to impress friends and family with this unique dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a warm, comforting taste that everyone will love.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for serving at parties, as gifts, or enjoying with your morning coffee.
- Creative Twist: These cookies combine two favorite desserts into one delightful treat that’s sure to stand out.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Coffee Cake Cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars easy, ensuring a smooth cookie dough.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills or messes.
- Baking sheets: Provides a flat surface for even baking of your cookies.

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 flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt together. Work in the softened butter until small clumps form using your fingers to mix it well. Refrigerate until needed.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your 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 mixing bowl, blend together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
Place the cold cubed butter along with brown and granulated sugars into your stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream them together at medium speed for about 1-2 minutes until smooth.
Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients
Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the mixture in the stand mixer. Blend until fully combined; scrape down sides as needed with a rubber spatula.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the dry ingredient mixture about ¼ cup at a time while mixing on low speed until fully incorporated into a dough.
Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough
Scoop out approximately 8 large balls of cookie dough (or smaller if preferred; you can yield about 22-24 cookies). Place them on prepared baking sheets with sufficient space between each ball.
Step 8: Create Indentations
Using your thumb or another utensil like a spoon handle (dusted in flour), make an indent in each cookie ball to hold the streusel filling.
Step 9: Fill Cookies with Streusel
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of streusel filling into each indent on the cookies before placing them in the oven.
Step 10: Bake Cookies
Bake in preheated oven for about 8-11 minutes or until edges are set and lightly golden brown. Remember that cookies will continue to bake slightly after removing from oven.
Step 11: Shape Cookies if Necessary
If you want perfectly circular cookies post-baking, use a circular cookie cutter or drinking glass immediately after pulling them from the oven to gently reshape them.
Step 12: Cool & Drizzle Icing
Allow cookies to rest on their sheet for around five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Whisk together icing ingredients; once cooled completely, drizzle icing over each cookie before serving.
Enjoy these delightful Coffee Cake Cookies fresh out of the oven or as a sweet treat throughout your week!
How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies
These dreamy coffee cake cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon or a festive gathering, here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
With Coffee
- Pair these cookies with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The rich flavors of the cookie complement the bold taste of coffee beautifully.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Transform your cookies into ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. This adds a creamy texture and makes for a fun dessert.
Afternoon Tea
- Serve alongside a selection of teas for a charming afternoon tea experience. The spices in the cookies enhance the flavors of different tea varieties.
Gift Packaging
- Stack them neatly in a decorative box and tie with a ribbon for thoughtful gifts during holidays or special occasions.
Dessert Platter
- Arrange these cookies on a dessert platter with other baked goods. This creates an inviting display that is sure to impress guests.
How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies
Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your coffee cake cookies is essential. Here are some tips to ensure success.
- Use room temperature ingredients – Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough – Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until combined for a tender bite.
- Chill the dough – For thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape.
- Check oven temperature – Ensure your oven is properly calibrated; an accurate temperature guarantees even baking.
- Watch baking time closely – Cookies can quickly go from perfectly baked to overdone, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
- Store properly – Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies
These coffee cake cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing their delightful taste. Here are some top picks:
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast that balances the cookie’s texture.
- Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese to create a savory-sweet combination that elevates dessert time.
- Nut Mix – A crunchy nut mix provides an excellent textural contrast while adding healthy fats and protein.
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce – Melted chocolate sauce for dipping adds indulgence and richness, perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Savory Scones – Offer savory scones as a counterpoint to sweet treats; options like cheddar or herb scones work well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Coffee Cake Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.
- Bold measurement errors: Always measure your flour accurately. Too much can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon and level method for best results.
- Bold neglecting the streusel: Don’t skip the streusel filling! It adds flavor and texture. Ensure you refrigerate it properly before using.
- Bold overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on baking time. Remove them from the oven when they look slightly underdone; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet.
- Bold ignoring cooling time: Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them. This helps maintain their shape and texture.
- Bold rushing the icing: Wait until your cookies are completely cool before icing them. This prevents melting and ensures a beautiful drizzle.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Coffee Cake Cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Coffee Cake Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies
- Bold oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Bold microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Bold stovetop: Place a skillet over low heat and warm cookies for 2-3 minutes, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Coffee Cake Cookies?
Coffee Cake Cookies are delicious treats that combine elements of coffee cake with cookie dough, featuring a cinnamon sugar flavor and streusel filling.
Can I customize my Coffee Cake Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to vary the flavors and textures according to your preference.
How do I make these Coffee Cake Cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Coffee Cake Cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that can be used cup-for-cup.
How long do Coffee Cake Cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies last up to 5 days at room temperature or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
These Coffee Cake Cookies are not only easy to make but also deliciously versatile. With their perfect balance of sweetness and spice, they’re great for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings or toppings according to your taste!

Coffee Cake Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Coffee Cake Cookies, a unique dessert that brings together the soft, chewy texture of cookies with the warm flavors of traditional coffee cake. With a cinnamon sugar base, a buttery streusel filling, and a sweet drizzle of icing on top, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy afternoon treat or a festive gathering. Impress your family and friends with this creative twist on two beloved desserts!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- pinch salt
- 5 Tbsp. softened unsalted butter
- 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
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Prepare the streusel filling by mixing flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Incorporate softened butter until small clumps form. Refrigerate until needed.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream cold cubed butter with brown and granulated sugars in a stand mixer until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients to form a dough.
- Shape dough into balls and create indents for the streusel filling.
- Fill each indent with about 1 tablespoon of streusel.
- Bake for 8-11 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool slightly before drizzling icing made from melted butter, cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 143
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 21mg