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 sugar and buttery streusel creates an irresistible taste that will delight your taste buds.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for parties, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy afternoon treat with coffee.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Versatile Size Options: You can make them as large or small as you prefer—perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
• Stunning Presentation: The drizzle of icing adds a beautiful finish, making these cookies as appealing as they are tasty.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a consistent texture in your dough.
• Baking sheets: A good quality baking sheet provides even heat distribution, leading to perfectly baked cookies.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: These surfaces prevent sticking and make clean-up easy.

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
• 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 (using fingers works best). Refrigerate while you prepare 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, mix together the following dry ingredients:
– All-purpose flour
– Cake flour
– Cornstarch
– Cinnamon
– Baking soda
– Baking powder
– Salt

Set this mixture aside for later.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

Place the cold cubed butter and both sugars into your stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Blend until well combined using a rubber spatula to scrape down any mixture stuck on the sides of the bowl.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the prepared dry ingredients about ¼ cup at a time until fully incorporated into the dough.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop out portions of cookie dough and roll them into balls—aim for about 8 large balls or smaller ones for around 22-24 cookies total. Place them onto your prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Create Indentations

Make an indent in each cookie using your thumb or another utensil (like a spoon). Dust it lightly with flour if it sticks.

Step 9: Fill Cookies with Streusel

Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of streusel filling into each indent before placing them in the oven to bake.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake for about 8-11 minutes or until edges appear slightly golden but still soft in the center since they will continue cooking after removal from the oven.

Step 11: Perfecting Shape (Optional)

For perfectly round cookies, immediately after taking them out of the oven; use a circular cookie cutter larger than the cookie itself to gently spin around each cookie to smooth out edges.

Step 12: Cool and Drizzle Icing

Let cookies rest on their sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cooled, whisk together icing ingredients and drizzle over each cookie before serving!

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies

Coffee cake cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your experience. Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy these treats.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Enjoy the warm, cozy combination of coffee and cookies. The rich flavors of coffee enhance the sweetness of the cookies, making for a perfect match.

As an Afternoon Snack

• These cookies make a great pick-me-up during your afternoon slump. Grab one or two with a glass of cold milk for a satisfying snack.

At a Holiday Gathering

• Serve these cookies at any holiday party or gathering. Their festive flavor and appearance will surely impress your guests.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair with slices of fresh fruit, such as apples or pears. The crispness and acidity of the fruit contrast beautifully with the soft, sweet cookie.

As a Dessert Platter

• Create a dessert platter by arranging these cookies alongside other sweet treats like brownies or mini cakes for a delightful variety.

How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies

Making perfect coffee cake cookies is easier when you know some key tips. Here’s how to achieve cookie perfection every time.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps in creaming the butter and sugar effectively, leading to a lighter texture.

• Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and avoid toughness.

• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough before baking can help develop flavors and prevent spreading.

• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.

• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; pulling them out slightly early ensures they remain soft and chewy.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies

Coffee cake cookies can be enjoyed with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here’s a list of fantastic pairings.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balance to your cookie indulgence.

2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that pairs well with sweet cookies.

3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda that contrast nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.

4. Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea can provide a calming effect while enhancing the cookie’s warm spices.

5. Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

6. Nut Mix: A small bowl of mixed nuts offers crunch and saltiness that perfectly offsets the sweetness of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Coffee Cake Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

• Boldly skip the chilling step: Failing to refrigerate the streusel filling can lead to a filling that melts away during baking. Always chill it for better texture.
• Boldly overmix the dough: Mixing the cookie dough too much can result in tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a soft, tender cookie.
• Boldly ignore ingredient temperatures: Using cold butter directly from the fridge can affect your dough’s consistency. Allow butter to soften at room temperature for best results.
• Boldly forget about oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven baking. Always preheat your oven properly before baking.
• Boldly overlook cooling time: Transferring cookies too soon from the baking sheet can lead to breakage. Let them cool for a few minutes before moving them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Coffee Cake Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Coffee Cake Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• You can freeze them for up to three months for best quality.

Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on high for about 10-15 seconds; enjoy warm and gooey!
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid. Warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Coffee Cake Cookies.

How do I make my Coffee Cake Cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, ensure you don’t overmix the dough and use softened butter instead of cold butter.

Can I use different flours?

Yes! You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends if needed; just ensure they measure similarly to all-purpose flour.

How long does it take to make Coffee Cake Cookies?

The total time is about 25 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of baking time.

Can I customize the streusel filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits into the streusel mixture for extra flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

These Coffee Cake Cookies blend two delightful desserts into a delicious treat perfect for any occasion. With their cinnamon sugar flavor and buttery streusel filling, they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings!