If you’ve ever fallen in love with the cozy, cinnamon-swirled sweetness of a classic coffee cake but wished you could pop it into your mouth cookie-style, then this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe is going to feel like a dream come true. These tender, buttery cookies are a delightful marriage of soft cookie dough, a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping, and a smooth vanilla glaze that brings it all together. Every bite offers that perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and a little bit of tang from the sour cream, making these cookies truly irresistible. Trust me, once you try this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe, they’ll quickly become your go-to treat for breakfast or anytime you need a warm hug in cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen is what makes this coffee cake cookies recipe so special. Each component plays a part in building that classic flavor and tender texture, whether it’s the brown sugar adding moisture and depth, or the cinnamon that brings that signature warmth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides rich, creamy flavor and a tender crumb in the cookie dough.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure and browning.
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Imparts a subtle molasses flavor that’s essential in coffee cake.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Makes the cookies wonderfully tender and adds a slight tang that balances sweetness.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie providing structure and chew.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise gently for a soft texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the sour cream to create a light, tender crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The iconic spice that defines the coffee cake experience.
- For the streusel topping: 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter — these combine into a buttery, crumbly topping with that classic crunch.
- For the glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract bring a sweet, glossy finish to each cookie.
How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Preparing your workspace early means the dough and streusel will come together smoothly without any interruptions.
Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping
Mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Then pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture turns crumbly. This streusel topping is the signature crunch on your cookies, and its buttery cinnamon notes are pure magic once baked.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy and light. This step is crucial—it traps air and sets the stage for soft, tender cookies packed with flavor.
Step 4: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream until everything is well combined. The sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly without overpowering the cinnamon notes.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined—overmixing can make your cookies tough, and we want that soft crumb you expect from great coffee cake.
Step 6: Shape and Top the Cookies
Scoop cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets using a tablespoon or cookie scoop. Gently press down to flatten the dough balls slightly, then generously sprinkle your streusel topping over each cookie, pressing it lightly to adhere.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, and the streusel has crisped to perfection. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—this helps set the shape without losing the delicate texture.
Step 8: Drizzle the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the cooled cookies for that final touch of sweetness and a beautiful, glossy finish. It’s the perfect way to bring everything together!
How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts adds an extra layer of texture and visual appeal. Garnishes make your coffee cake cookies feel even more special and inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve these coffee cake cookies alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or spiced tea for the ultimate cozy experience. Their cinnamon and vanilla flavors make them the perfect companion to your favorite warm beverage, bridging breakfast and dessert effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Look beyond just a cookie plate—arrange the cookies in a charming stack wrapped with twine, or place them in a decorative tin as a thoughtful homemade gift. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a jar for a rustic kitchen display. With the Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe, presentation can be simple yet heartwarming.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your coffee cake cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft, moist, and full of flavor, just like they were the day you baked them.
Freezing
You can freeze unglazed coffee cake cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and drizzle the glaze fresh before serving.
Reheating
Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes. This revives their soft texture and brings out the buttery, cinnamon notes, making every bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of unsalted butter?
While margarine can be substituted, unsalted butter offers a richer flavor and better texture for these coffee cake cookies. Butter’s natural fats help achieve that tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s so wonderful here.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk in equal amounts. Both options provide the necessary acidity and moisture to keep the cookies soft and tender.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This particular recipe is made with all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose blends made for baking—it might require some small adjustments, but the flavor will still shine through!
How long do Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe keep fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about 4 days. Beyond that, their texture and flavor might start to decline, but they’re still great if warmed up slightly.
Can I make these cookies larger or smaller?
Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time accordingly—larger cookies may need a couple more minutes, while smaller ones will bake faster. Keep an eye on the edges for that perfect golden color and crunch.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe that combines the familiarity of a classic coffee cake with the convenience of a cookie. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, enjoying a quiet morning, or packing a sweet surprise for someone you love, these cookies bring warmth and joy to every occasion. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and start baking today. Trust me, you’ll want these treats in your life again and again.
Print
Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these soft and flavorful Coffee Cake Cookies, featuring a tender cookie base swirled with cinnamon and topped with a crumbly streusel and a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for coffee breaks or dessert, they combine the comfort of classic coffee cake in a convenient, handheld form.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Streusel Topping
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Then add the melted butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly, setting aside the streusel topping.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and mix until just incorporated.
- Scoop and Assemble Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, pressing each cookie slightly to flatten. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each cookie.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed for desired consistency), and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature to achieve the creamiest texture when mixing.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding dry ingredients to keep cookies tender.
- You can adjust the thickness of the glaze by varying the amount of milk added.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the cookie dough.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
