Coffee Cake Cookies

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When fall rolls around and I find myself craving warm, spiced desserts, coffee cake always lands at the top of my list. But lately, I’ve been wanting something a little more shareable, a little more playful — and that’s how these Coffee Cake Cookies came to life. Soft and chewy, with a buttery crumble topping and a sweet drizzle of icing, they bring all the cozy vibes of classic coffee cake into one perfectly portable treat.

These cookies are a crowd-pleaser — ideal for a bake sale, brunch table, or an afternoon pick-me-up with your favorite cup of coffee. The texture is out of this world: the cookie base is tender and spiced, the streusel topping adds a crumbly crunch, and the icing ties it all together with a sweet finish. It’s like the best part of coffee cake got a portable upgrade.

Why You’ll Love These Coffee Cake Cookies

These cookies have everything you love about coffee cake: a moist, spiced base, a cinnamon crumble topping, and a sweet vanilla glaze. But unlike the traditional slice, these are easy to take on-the-go and don’t require a fork. They freeze well, make beautiful gifts, and pair perfectly with hot drinks — from coffee and tea to chai lattes.

What Kind of Crumble Topping Works Best?

For that authentic coffee cake feel, the crumble should be buttery, slightly sandy, and hold together in small clusters. I like to use a mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and cold butter. Mixing it by hand ensures the butter stays in chunks, creating that signature crumbly texture when baked. Avoid over-mixing — you want clumps, not a paste.

Options for Substitutions

Don’t have brown sugar? White sugar with a splash of molasses works just as well. Want to make these gluten-free? A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend holds up beautifully here. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk in the glaze. And if you’re feeling festive, swap the cinnamon for pumpkin spice or add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth.

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Ingredients for Coffee Cake Cookies

• All-purpose flour – The structure of the cookie. Use spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft.
• Ground cinnamon – Adds that cozy coffee cake flavor.
• Salt – Balances out the sweetness and deepens the flavor.
• Unsalted butter – Key for both the cookie dough and crumble topping; brings richness and helps with texture.
• Brown sugar – Provides moisture and a hint of molasses that enhances the warm, spiced flavor.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and gives a slight crisp edge.
• Egg – Binds everything together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract – Deepens the cookie’s overall flavor profile.
• Powdered sugar – Used for the glaze, giving a smooth, sweet finish.
• Milk or cream – To loosen the glaze to a drizzle-able consistency.

Step 1: Make the Crumble Topping

In a bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until it forms pea-sized crumbs. Set aside in the fridge while you make the dough — keeping it cold helps it stay crumbly when baked.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and spices.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air into the dough, resulting in a tender texture.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything mixes evenly.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain — don’t overwork the dough or the cookies will be tough.

Step 6: Scoop and Top with Crumble

Scoop out cookie dough balls using a 2-tablespoon scoop. Place on a lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Gently press each ball to flatten slightly, then press a generous amount of crumble topping into the center of each cookie.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look just set. Don’t overbake — they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, whisk powdered sugar with a splash of milk or cream to make the glaze, then drizzle over the top of each cookie.

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How Long to Prepare Coffee Cake Cookies

These cookies are surprisingly quick to whip up, especially considering how impressive they look and taste. The active prep time is around 20 minutes — that includes making the cookie dough, preparing the crumble, and forming the cookies.

Once the cookies are assembled, the baking time is just 10 to 12 minutes per batch. You’ll need to let them cool for about 15 minutes before adding the glaze, so the full start-to-finish time is about 45 minutes. That means you can have a fresh batch ready in under an hour!

Tips for Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies

• Use cold butter for the crumble topping to help keep those signature chunky crumbles intact during baking.
• Don’t skip chilling the crumble — it helps keep the topping from melting too much into the cookie.
• Slightly underbake the cookies. They’ll continue to cook as they cool and stay chewy.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly.
• Let the cookies cool fully before drizzling with glaze so it sets nicely on top.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the dough – This can lead to dense, tough cookies. Mix just until the flour is incorporated.
• Adding warm butter to the crumble – It will turn into paste rather than forming crumbs.
• Overbaking – The cookies might look slightly underdone in the center when they come out, but that’s exactly when you should pull them.
• Applying glaze too early – If the cookies are still warm, the glaze will melt off.
• Skipping the cooling rack – This can make the bottoms soggy if left too long on the hot pan.

What to Serve With Coffee Cake Cookies?

1. Hot Coffee

A classic pairing. The spiced cookie and rich coffee are a perfect match.

2. Chai Tea Latte

The spices in chai complement the cinnamon in the cookie beautifully.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn your cookie into a dessert sandwich or serve it crumbled over a scoop.

4. Apple Cider

For autumn gatherings, this combo is warm and nostalgic.

5. Greek Yogurt with Honey

For a sweet breakfast twist, pair the cookie with yogurt and drizzle with honey.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigeration: You can refrigerate the unbaked dough for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature slightly before baking.

Freezing: Freeze baked cookies (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and glaze fresh after thawing. You can also freeze the cookie dough balls and bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per cookie, assuming recipe makes 18 cookies)

• Calories: ~210
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: <1g
• Sodium: 120mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Can I make these vegan?

Absolutely — use a flax egg, vegan butter, and plant milk for the glaze.

Do I need to chill the cookie dough?

Not necessarily, but chilling helps if you want a thicker cookie that spreads less.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, though it adds a nice sweetness and visual appeal. They’re still delicious without it!

What if my crumble topping melts into the cookie?

Make sure your butter is cold and that you’ve chilled the crumble before baking.

Conclusion

Coffee Cake Cookies are the best of both worlds — soft, sweet, and spiced like your favorite slice of cake, but with the portability and ease of a cookie. Whether you bake them for a fall treat, a cozy brunch, or just to satisfy your cinnamon cravings, they’re bound to become a seasonal favorite. Make a batch, share the love, and don’t forget the glaze!

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