Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Recipe

Hey friend! If you’re a fan of coffee cake’s cozy cinnamon-sugar vibes but want something a bit more portable and bite-sized, you’re going to love this Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Recipe. These little gems pack all the warm, crumbly goodness of a classic coffee cake but in a cookie that’s perfect with your afternoon cup of joe or as a sweet snack anytime. I’ve made these countless times, and trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to treat for cozy mornings or casual get-togethers. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips so you nail them on your first try!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Recipe relies on everyday pantry ingredients, but each plays a special role. From mixing two flours for softness to creaming cold butter and sugars for that melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s all designed to give you a cookie that’s cozy, crumbly, and utterly addictive.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of most cookies, providing structure without making them tough.
• Cake flour: Adds softness and helps keep the cookies tender and cakey.
• Cornstarch: A little magic ingredient that lightens the texture so your cookies stay soft.
• Cinnamon: Woven through the dough and streusel for that signature warm spice flavor.
• Baking soda & baking powder: Work together to give lift and ensure the cookies don’t spread too much.
• Cold unsalted butter: Cubed so it can be creamed smoothly without melting — key for the right texture.
• Brown sugar & granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and chew, while granulated sugar balances sweetness and crunch.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and gives a lovely aroma.
• Egg & egg yolk: The egg white adds structure and the yolk adds richness for a perfectly balanced dough.
• For the streusel – flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, pinch of salt: These combine to form that irresistible crumbly topping we all crave.
• Icing ingredients – melted butter, heavy cream or milk, powdered sugar, vanilla, pinch of salt: A smooth sweet drizzle that finishes the cookies with a touch of indulgence.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I really enjoy about this Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Recipe is how flexible it is. Over time, I’ve played around with variations based on what I have on hand or the occasion – and honestly, it’s only made the cookies more exciting. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

• Variation: Sometimes I add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the streusel for a little crunch, which pairs perfectly with the cinnamon. It gives a nice texture contrast and a deeper nutty flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use a non-dairy milk in the icing for a dairy-free twist that still tastes indulgently buttery.
• Extra Streusel: I often double the streusel recipe and refrigerate the extra for sprinkling on top right before baking, making the topping extra thick and satisfyingly crunchy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Recipe

Step 1: Whip up the Streusel That Makes The Magic

Start by mixing your streusel ingredients. I love using my fingers here to rub the cold butter into the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until you get small clumps of crumbly goodness. Don’t rush this—the clumps are what give the topping its fantastic texture. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you tackle the cookie dough.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients for the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This combo ensures your cookies have the perfect rise and softness. Having these dry ingredients ready to go keeps things moving smoothly once you start mixing the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars Like a Pro

Pop the cold, cubed butter into your stand mixer bowl with the brown and granulated sugars. Use the paddle attachment and whip them together on medium until smooth—about 1-2 minutes. This step is where that tender and chewy texture starts forming, thanks to the sugar creaming into the butter. If you don’t have a stand mixer, a handheld mixer or even a sturdy spoon works fine; just take your time and get it nice and creamy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Blend them in well, scraping down the sides with a spatula as needed so everything combines evenly. This adds richness and helps bind the dough together perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients Gradually

Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, about a quarter cup at a time, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Don’t overmix here—you want your cookies soft, not tough!

Step 6: Form Cookie Balls and Create Indents for Streusel

Now for the fun part: scoop and roll the dough into balls. I usually make about eight large ones, but smaller cookies are great too! Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving enough space to spread. Then, press a small indent into the center of each cookie using your thumb, the end of a wooden spoon, or something similar. I like dipping the tool in flour so it doesn’t stick to the dough. This nook will hold the streusel beautifully.

Step 7: Fill with Streusel and Bake

Spoon about a tablespoon of the chilled streusel into each indentation and pop the trays into a preheated 400°F oven. Bake for 8 to 11 minutes—watch for the edges to look set with a slight golden hue. Keep a close eye so they don’t overbake, since cookies continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Shape and Cool

Right when the cookies come out, if you want perfectly circular edges, place a round cookie cutter or glass over a warm cookie and gently swirl it to smooth out any unevenness. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—this resting step helps them set without breaking.

Step 9: Drizzle with Icing and Enjoy

Whisk together melted butter, heavy cream (or milk), powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt for your icing. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle it over the tops. It adds a lovely sweet finish that makes you want to reach for another immediately—trust me on that!

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Recipe

Garnishes

I love to keep the garnishes simple because the cookies already have that rich streusel icing combo. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle a few extra cinnamon sugar crystals on top of the icing or add finely chopped pecans for both flavor and crunch. For holiday baking, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snow-like finish that’s just dreamy.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic alongside a hot brew of your favorite coffee or spiced chai. For brunches, I like pairing them with fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait to balance the sugary richness. They also steal the show when brought as a sweet treat to afternoon tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve decorated cookie platters with autumn leaves or seasonal flowers and nestled the cookies among them. Another favorite trick is stacking several with parchment paper between layers and tieing with rustic twine, making for an adorable homemade gift. For kids’ parties, I iced them with colorful glaze variations and sprinkles — so fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly soft and fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, just make sure the container seals tightly to avoid any drying out.

Freezing

If I’m making a big batch, I often freeze some cookies after they’ve cooled completely. I wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temp when I want a quick treat.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked vibe, I warm leftover cookies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This softens the cookie and refreshes the streusel topping without melting the icing too much. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave works too—just watch closely!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I can’t recommend this Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Recipe enough. It hits that perfect cozy note every time—warm cinnamon, buttery crumbs, soft, tender cookie dough, and just enough icing to make it feel special. It’s become my favorite thing to bake when I want something comforting but easy to share. Give it a try; I’m sure your family and friends will be asking for the recipe (and a second cookie) too!

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