If you love the cozy flavors of cinnamon-spiced coffee cake but want something a bit more portable and snackable, this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe is absolutely perfect for you. With tender, buttery cookies topped with a sweet and crumbly cinnamon streusel and finished with a delicate vanilla glaze, each bite feels like your favorite coffee shop treat—just in cookie form! Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as an irresistible afternoon pick-me-up, these cookies bring comfort and delight with every crumb.

Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe is how it relies on simple, classic baking ingredients that you probably already have at home. Each component plays a key role: from the butter that ensures a rich, tender crumb, to the cinnamon that adds that signature morning warmth, and the vanilla glaze that ties everything together with sweetness and shine.

Unsalted butter, 1 cup softened: Provides the rich, creamy texture essential for tender cookies and luscious streusel.
Granulated sugar, ¾ cup: Sweetens the dough evenly without overpowering the flavors.
Light brown sugar, ½ cup packed plus ½ cup for streusel: Adds moisture and depth with its caramel notes, crucial in both dough and topping.
Large eggs, 2: Bind ingredients while adding richness and structure.
Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons plus ½ teaspoon for icing: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, fragrant touch.
All-purpose flour, 3 cups plus 1 cup for streusel: Provides the structure and density for the perfect coffee cake texture in cookie form.
Baking powder, 1 teaspoon: Helps the cookies rise just the right amount, keeping them tender and soft.
Baking soda, ½ teaspoon: Balances acidity and adds a subtle lift.
Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Brightens all the sweet flavors and balances richness.
Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: The star spice lending those iconic coffee cake vibes to the streusel.
Powdered sugar, 1 cup: The base for the smooth, sweet glaze that crowns each cookie.
Milk, 2 tablespoons: Thins the powdered sugar for perfect drizzle consistency.

How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

The journey to these delightful cookies begins by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help your cookies bake evenly with a golden edge and soft center. This simple prep step sets the stage perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth and creamy—this ensures a tender dough with a balance of sweetness. Slowly incorporate the eggs one at a time, blending in vanilla extract for aroma and flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the rising agents. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until they just come together, avoiding overmixing to keep the cookies soft and tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

Mix flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl until combined. Add melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This streusel is the signature crumbly sweetness that will crown your cookies with that iconic coffee cake texture and flavor burst. Don’t be shy with it—it’s the best part!

Step 4: Form and Top the Cookies

Scoop out about two tablespoons of dough per cookie and arrange them on your prepared baking sheets with about two inches in between to allow spreading. Press down each scoop slightly to flatten the dough, ensuring even baking. Next, generously sprinkle the streusel on top, pressing it into the dough gently so it stays put during baking and bakes into a beautifully crunchy topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden color while the centers remain soft. Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes—this helps them set before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This careful cooling step keeps your cookies from breaking apart and ensures they hold their perfect texture.

Step 6: Whisk and Drizzle the Icing

Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl, whisking until the glaze is smooth and slightly runny but not too thin. Drizzle this over the cooled cookies for a sweet, glossy finish that beautifully complements the crumbly streusel and buttery cookie base.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Pair these cookies with your favorite hot coffee or tea and prepare for a blissful treat that brings the comforting flavors of coffee cake into a delightful cookie experience. They’re perfect for sharing—or savoring all on your own.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of cinnamon sugar before baking or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top of the streusel can elevate the cookies’ texture and flavor. For an extra special touch, add a few fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream when serving.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine when paired with warm beverages like coffee, chai, or spiced latte. They also make a lovely companion to a bowl of fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait, turning snack time into a complete, satisfying treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your coffee cake cookies in decorative tins or stack them tied with a rustic ribbon for gifting. For brunches or parties, serve them on tiered cake stands alongside matching muffins or scones to create a charming, coordinated spread.

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. Proper sealing ensures the cookies retain their tender texture and the streusel topping remains crisp.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

For a just-baked feel, warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives the buttery aroma and soft texture, making each bite as delightful as fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted in this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall saltiness, but salted butter will still yield delicious results.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free for the best outcome.

How do I prevent streusel from falling off the cookies?

Pressing the streusel gently into the cookie dough before baking helps it adhere better. Also, avoid over-handling the baked cookies to keep the topping intact.

Can I skip the icing or replace it with something else?

The icing adds a lovely touch of sweetness and visual appeal, but you can skip it for a more rustic cookie or drizzle melted chocolate as an alternative to add richness.

How large should I make each cookie portion?

About two tablespoons of dough per cookie is ideal. This size ensures even baking with a perfect balance of cookie to streusel, yielding a delightful bite every time.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a warm, nostalgic favorite into a handheld treat that’s perfect for any time of day. From the tender dough to the crumbly cinnamon topping and sweet glaze, every element comes together to create magic. I promise once you try these, they’ll become a beloved go-to recipe you’ll want to bake again and again. So grab your mixing bowl and oven mitts, and get ready to fall in love with coffee cake all over again.