Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
If you love the classic taste of coffee cake but crave the simplicity and fun of a hand-held treat, Coffee Cake Cookies are about to steal your heart (and maybe your breakfast routine). These cookies are pillowy soft with a touch of tang thanks to sour cream, crowned with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumb, then finished with a delicate drizzle of vanilla glaze. If you’re a fan of cozy baked goods that impress both your tastebuds and guests, Coffee Cake Cookies might just become your new go-to recipe for everything from weekend brunch to weekday pick-me-ups.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Coffee Cake Cookies so delightful is their reliance on simple, familiar ingredients—each one plays a starring role in building flavor and texture. Gather these kitchen staples and prepare for a cookie that tastes like a hug with every bite.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their soft, rich texture and is key to making both the dough and crumb topping tender.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides balanced sweetness and helps create that classic soft, cake-like crumb.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Adds a mellow, caramel undertone and a bit of extra moisture to the cookies.
- Large egg: Binds the dough together and supplies richness—room temperature is best for even mixing.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Warms up the overall flavor profile and complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups for cookies, 1/3 cup for crumb): Acts as the foundation for both cookie and crumb, creating the tender bite and signature topping.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures gentle lift for a soft, not-too-dense cookie.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the sweetness and highlights the buttery notes.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon for cookies, 1 teaspoon for crumb): Brings classic coffee cake warmth to both the cookie dough and the crumbly topping.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): The secret to a melt-in-your-mouth texture with the perfect, subtle tang—don’t skip it!
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup, packed for crumb topping): Creates sweet, crunchy pockets in the crumb topping.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted for crumb): Helps the crumb form those desirable clumps and adds flavor.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup for glaze): Makes a satiny-smooth glaze for that bakery-style finish.
- Milk (2–3 teaspoons for glaze): Loosens the glaze to perfect drizzling consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon for glaze): Lends a hint more warmth and depth to the sweet glaze.
How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only keeps the cookies from sticking but makes cleanup a breeze. Before you begin mixing, set out your butter and egg to reach room temperature, ensuring everything combines smoothly for that signature coffee cake softness.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This essential step builds the foundation for tender Coffee Cake Cookies, so give it a good few minutes. The air incorporated here makes a world of difference in cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just incorporated. You’ll notice the dough take on a velvety sheen—this means you’re building that smooth, cake-like quality everyone loves in coffee cake treats.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing in two batches and alternating with the sour cream. Gently stir until just combined, taking care not to overmix; this is how your Coffee Cake Cookies stay deliciously soft and tender.
Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping
For that irresistible crumb, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir in the melted butter until you have a sandy, clumpy mixture—this crumbly topping is what sets these cookies apart and gives every bite a taste of classic coffee cake.
Step 6: Shape and Top the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one. With the back of a spoon, flatten each ball slightly. Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over each cookie, pressing it in ever so gently so it adheres and creates that signature crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide your trays into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are heavenly golden and the centers are barely set. Be careful not to overbake—you want the middles to stay tender. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack for the final cooling and topping step.
Step 8: Glaze and Enjoy
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth—adjust the milk for your desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle this sweet glaze over the completely cooled Coffee Cake Cookies using a fork or a piping bag for those pretty bakery-style streaks. Now, marvel at your gorgeous creation (and maybe sneak a warm cookie while the glaze sets!).
How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, top your Coffee Cake Cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a few chopped toasted pecans or walnuts add lovely crunch and visual appeal, too.
Side Dishes
These cookies are wonderful on their own but absolutely shine when paired with a mug of coffee, chai, or a creamy latte. They also play well with fresh fruit—think a side of mixed berries or sliced pears for a bright, fresh contrast to the warm, spiced flavor of the cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Coffee Cake Cookies on a pretty tiered cake stand for brunch, or package them in a bakery box tied with ribbon for a heartfelt gift. Try assembling a “cookie and coffee” basket for a friend or offering mini versions at a brunch buffet so everyone gets a taste of their own personal coffee cake treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Coffee Cake Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to protect the crumb topping and prevent sticking.
Freezing
Want to savor Coffee Cake Cookies later? Freeze the baked, unglazed cookies in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and add the glaze just before serving to preserve that fresh, drizzly look.
Reheating
To bring back a just-baked feel, warm individual cookies in the microwave for a few seconds or in a low oven for about 5 minutes. If you’re reheating glazed cookies, allow them to cool briefly before enjoying so the glaze sets again.
FAQs
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to Coffee Cake Cookies?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries add a delightful twist and complement the cinnamon crumb topping beautifully. Just fold them into the dough before scooping, or sprinkle on top with the crumb mixture.
Can I make Coffee Cake Cookies gluten free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The cookies will still be soft and delicious, just be sure to check the texture of your dough, as some blends may require a splash more or less liquid.
Why is sour cream important in this recipe?
Sour cream is the magical ingredient that gives Coffee Cake Cookies their ultra-tender, almost cake-like texture and a subtle tang that enhances all the buttery, cinnamon notes. Don’t substitute unless you absolutely must; Greek yogurt is a great stand-in if needed.
How do I prevent the crumb topping from falling off?
Press the crumb topping gently but firmly onto the flattened dough before baking. Some loose crumbs are normal (and delicious!), but this step will help most of the crumble cling to each cookie as it bakes.
How do I know when my Coffee Cake Cookies are done?
Look for edges that are just turning golden and centers that are still soft—about 10 to 12 minutes. They’ll continue to set as they cool, so be careful not to overbake if you want that signature tender bite.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these unforgettable Coffee Cake Cookies—they truly capture everything we love about classic coffee cake in an irresistible cookie format. Trust me, once you taste the combination of tender crumb, cinnamon topping, and vanilla glaze, they’ll become a staple in your baking rotation. Happy baking and even happier snacking!
Print
Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Coffee Cake Cookies combine the flavors of a classic coffee cake in a delightful cookie form. Soft, buttery cookies topped with a cinnamon crumb topping and a sweet glaze, these treats are perfect with a cup of coffee or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Crumb Topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 teaspoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions, alternating with the sour cream, mixing until just combined.
- Prepare crumb topping: In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly, sprinkle with crumb topping, and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Make glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
- For extra coffee cake flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
