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 finished with a drizzle of powdered sugar icing on top. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of warm coffee. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cookie!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of cinnamon and brown sugar gives these cookies a rich taste that will delight your palate.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or just an afternoon snack with coffee.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these cookies quickly.
• Impressive Presentation: The drizzle of icing on top makes them look fancy but requires minimal effort.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: With a buttery streusel filling, each bite is melt-in-your-mouth good.

Tools and Preparation

To make the perfect Coffee Cake Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. These items help ensure your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together, ensuring a smooth mixture.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheets for easy removal.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly, preventing sogginess.

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

For the Icing:

• 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 ingredients for the streusel filling:
1. Mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Work in the softened butter until small clumps form using your fingers.
3. Refrigerate while preparing the cookie dough.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Mix together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. Set aside for later use.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer:
1. Add cubed cold butter along with both sugars.
2. Cream on medium speed for about 1-2 minutes until smooth.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

With the mixer still running:
1. Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix until fully blended; use a rubber spatula to scrape down sides if necessary.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in your prepared dry ingredients:
1. Do this about 1/4 cup at a time until well incorporated into the batter.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop out portions of dough to form balls:
– Aim for about 8 large balls or smaller ones if preferred (you can make around 22-24 cookies).
– Place them on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 8: Create Indents

Using your thumb or another tool:
– Make an indent in each cookie ball to hold the streusel filling without piercing through.

Step 9: Fill Cookies

Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of streusel filling into each indent on the cookies.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about:
– 8-11 minutes or until edges are set and slightly golden.
– Remember they will continue cooking when taken out; don’t over-bake!

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for approximately:
– 5 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack.

Step 12: Drizzle Icing

Once cooled completely:
– Whisk together icing ingredients until smooth.
– Drizzle over each cookie generously before serving!

Enjoy your delightful Coffee Cake Cookies!

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies

Serving Coffee Cake Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. These cookies pair wonderfully with various beverages and sides, making them perfect for any occasion.

With Coffee

• A classic pairing that enhances the flavors of both the coffee and cookies. Brew a fresh cup of your favorite coffee to enjoy alongside the cookies.

With Tea

• Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of tea offers a delightful balance. Choose a spiced chai or a calming chamomile for a cozy treat.

As Dessert Platter

• Arrange Coffee Cake Cookies on a dessert platter with other baked goods. This makes for an inviting presentation at gatherings or parties.

With Ice Cream

• For a decadent twist, serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold creates an irresistible dessert.

With Fresh Fruit

• Complement the sweetness of the cookies with slices of fresh fruit, like strawberries or apples. This adds freshness and balances the richness.

How to Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies

To ensure your Coffee Cake Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies.

• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dry results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal rise and texture in your cookies.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Bake in Batches: If using multiple trays, bake them in batches to ensure even baking and consistent texture across all cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Coffee Cake Cookies can enhance their flavor profile. Here are some excellent options:

1. Cold Brew Coffee: A smooth, refreshing drink that complements the warm spices in the cookies.
2. Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy yogurt balances sweetness while adding protein; consider drizzling honey on top.
3. Chocolate Milk: A nostalgic treat that pairs well with sweet baked goods, offering a rich taste contrast.
4. Cheese Board: Include a variety of cheeses; sharp cheeses provide a nice counterbalance to sweet flavors.
5. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, cutting through the richness of the cookies.
6. Nutty Granola: Serve alongside for added crunch; granola’s texture provides an interesting contrast.
7. Spiced Cider: A warm beverage that highlights fall flavors; perfect for cozy gatherings during cooler months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and making Coffee Cake Cookies is no exception. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

• Using the wrong flour: Not all flours are equal! Stick to all-purpose and cake flour as specified in the recipe for the best texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: If you skip refrigerating the streusel filling, it may become too soft and lose its crumbly texture. Always chill it before use.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft, tender bite.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Use a spoon and leveled cup for flour to avoid dense cookies. Accurate measurements are key!
• Ignoring baking times: Check your cookies a minute or two before the recommended time. They continue to cook on the sheet after you take them out.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Coffee Cake Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Coffee Cake Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Reheating Coffee Cake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Heat cookies for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Warm one cookie at a time for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a pan on low heat and warm cookies covered for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding Coffee Cake Cookies that you might find helpful.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coffee Cake Cookies?

Yes, you can use different types of sugar or butter alternatives if needed, but it may change the final flavor and texture.

How do I make Coffee Cake Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

What can I add to my Coffee Cake Cookies?

Feel free to mix in nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for added flavor!

Can I use this recipe as a base for other flavors?

Absolutely! You can experiment by adding extracts like almond or lemon zest for a unique twist on these delicious cookies.

Final Thoughts

These Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors that combine comfort and sweetness. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various add-ins or glazes. Whether you’re enjoying them with coffee or sharing them at gatherings, you’re sure to impress everyone who tries them!