Coffee Cake Cookies

There is something magical about the aroma of freshly baked coffee cake wafting through the kitchen in the morning. For many, it’s a nostalgic scent that brings back childhood memories of cozy breakfasts with family. Inspired by that comforting experience, these coffee cake cookies bring the best of both worlds—soft, chewy cookies infused with warm cinnamon and topped with a buttery streusel.

Coffee Cake Cookies is perfect for beginner bakers because it doesn’t require complicated techniques or advanced equipment. The steps are straightforward, the ingredients are pantry staples, and the result is a batch of cookies that taste like they came from a professional bakery. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast treat, a midday snack, or a dessert to pair with your favorite coffee, these coffee cake cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient in this recipe has a purpose, contributing to the texture, flavor, or structure of the cookies. Here’s a breakdown of why they matter and some possible substitutions for flexibility.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and chewiness to the cookie base. If you prefer a softer texture, you can replace part of it with cake flour.
• Cake Flour: Adds a delicate, tender crumb that mimics the texture of coffee cake. If you don’t have it, simply use more all-purpose flour.
• Cornstarch: Prevents the cookies from spreading too much and enhances their softness.
• Cinnamon: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their signature warm spice.
• Unsalted Butter: Used in both the cookie dough and the streusel topping, butter adds richness and depth of flavor. Using unsalted butter allows for better control of the overall salt content.
• Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a subtle caramelized flavor. You can use dark brown sugar for a deeper taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps create a slight crispness on the edges.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a hint of warmth.
• Egg & Egg Yolk: The combination of whole egg and extra yolk ensures a chewy and tender texture.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work together to give the cookies just the right amount of rise and softness.
• Streusel Topping (Butter, Flour, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Salt): This mixture forms the crumbly, buttery topping that makes these cookies taste like coffee cake. For extra crunch, you can add finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
• Icing (Powdered Sugar, Butter, Heavy Cream, Vanilla, Salt): A sweet drizzle that ties everything together. If you prefer a tangier icing, add a splash of lemon juice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Baking these cookies is a simple process, even for beginners. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have bakery-quality treats in no time.

Step 1 – Prepare the Streusel: In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the softened butter using your fingers or a fork until the mixture resembles small crumbs. Place the streusel in the refrigerator while you prepare the cookie dough.

Step 2 – Make the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3 – Cream the Butter and Sugars: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cold cubed butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, making the cookies soft and chewy.

Step 4 – Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract, whole egg, and extra egg yolk. Beat until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Step 5 – Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 6 – Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie.

Step 7 – Fill with Streusel: Spoon a generous amount of the prepared streusel mixture into the center of each cookie.

Step 8 – Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. They may seem slightly underbaked in the center, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 9 – Cool and Drizzle with Icing: Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Whisk together the icing ingredients and drizzle over the cooled cookies.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Refrigerate the Streusel: Keeping the streusel chilled prevents it from melting too quickly while baking, ensuring a perfect crumbly texture.
• Use Cold Butter for the Dough: Unlike most cookie recipes that call for softened butter, using cold butter helps create a more structured cookie with a slightly crisp edge and a soft center.
• Check for Doneness Carefully: These cookies should be slightly soft when they come out of the oven. If they bake too long, they can dry out.
• Customize the Flavor: Add a dash of nutmeg for extra warmth, or swap cinnamon for cardamom for a unique twist.
• Icing Alternative: If you prefer less sweetness, dust the cookies with powdered sugar instead of drizzling with icing.

Serving Suggestions

These coffee cake cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. For an extra special treat, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. To enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.

Conclusion

Coffee cake cookies are the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence, making them an excellent choice for beginner bakers looking for an easy yet impressive recipe. With their warm cinnamon flavor, buttery streusel topping, and sweet drizzle of icing, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with friends and family.

Try this recipe, and let us know in the comments how your cookies turned out. We’d love to hear your baking stories and any creative variations you tried. Happy baking!

FAQ About Coffee Cake Cookies

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