Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Topping Recipe

If you’re as obsessed with coffee cake as I am but want to enjoy it in a fun, bite-sized form, then you’re in for a real treat! This Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Topping Recipe takes all the cozy vibes of a classic coffee cake — think buttery cake, cinnamon, and crumbly streusel — and delivers them in cookie form. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll find yourself reaching for just one more (and then another!). Grab your apron, and let me walk you through the magic.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting your ingredients right makes all the difference in this Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Topping Recipe. Each component plays its part — from the dual flours that balance structure and tenderness, to the cold butter that creates that melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the main structure and chewiness in the cookie base.
• Cake flour: Adds a delicate, soft crumb, keeping these cookies from becoming too dense.
• Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the dough, giving the cookies a nice, soft texture.
• Cinnamon: The star warm spice that infuses everything with that classic coffee cake flavor.
• Baking soda & baking powder: Both leaveners that give the cookies the perfect lift without spreading too thin.
• Cold unsalted butter: Cubed to keep the dough cool and make for a tender, flaky texture.
• Brown sugar & granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, granulated brings a bit of crispness.
• Egg & egg yolk: Provide structure and richness; the extra yolk makes the cookies fudgier inside.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens flavor and pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
• For the streusel – flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and a pinch of salt: Mixed together to create that irresistible crumbly topping that’s quintessential to coffee cake.
• Icing ingredients – melted butter, heavy cream or milk, powdered sugar, vanilla, pinch of salt: The sweet vanilla glaze that adds a finishing touch and extra moistness.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Topping Recipe is so versatile. Over time, I’ve played around with toppings and mix-ins to suit every mood — and honestly, it’s fun to make it your own!

• Add nuts: I often sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel for some delightful crunch — it adds a lovely earthy flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
• Boost texture: Tossing in some shredded coconut to the streusel topping gives extra chew and tropical flair if you want to shake things up.
• Flavor twist: Sometimes I add a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to the cookie dough for a warm, aromatic twist besides cinnamon.
• Healthier swaps: You could try swapping some of the butter for coconut oil or using maple syrup in place of some sugar, but I’d recommend doing small test batches so you can tweak texture and sweetness to your liking.

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

Step 1: Whip Up That Dreamy Streusel

Start by combining the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Then, it’s super fun to use your fingers to rub the softened butter into the mixture until it clumps together in little crumbly pieces. This step is where the flavor and texture magic happens — don’t rush it! Once mixed, pop the streusel in the fridge so it firms up nicely while we make the dough.

Step 2: Prep Your Oven & Dry Mix

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats — this keeps your cookies from sticking and helps with even baking. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures a consistent blend of flavors and rise for your cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars to Perfection

Place the cold, cubed butter along with brown and granulated sugars into the mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment. Cream on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth and fluffy. This is a key step that traps air, helping the cookies become tender and light — don’t skip it!

Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Next, blend in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until just combined. I recommend stopping once blended to avoid overmixing — you want everything harmonized, but the dough still tender.

Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients

Slowly mix in dry ingredients about ¼ cup at a time. This helps avoid flour clouds and ensures even absorption. Once fully incorporated, your dough should feel soft but firm enough to hold its shape.

Step 6: Shape Cookies & Add Streusel

Scoop and roll your cookie dough into roughly 8 large balls (or smaller for more cookies). Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets. Then, using your thumb or a utensil like the end of a wooden juicer dipped lightly in flour, press an indent into each cookie. Fill each well with about a tablespoon of the chilled streusel. This step is so satisfying — seeing that crumbly topping nestled perfectly into each cookie is pure joy.

Step 7: Bake & Shape

Bake the cookies for 8-11 minutes or until the edges look set and just start to turn golden. Pull them out a bit early to avoid drying them. If you want show-stopper perfect circles, immediately swirl a cookie cutter or round glass around each hot cookie to smooth out the edges. Let them rest on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Drizzle On The Icing & Enjoy!

Finally, whisk together melted butter, heavy cream or milk, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to create a luscious icing. Once your cookies are fully cooled, drizzle generously over the tops. That sweet finish takes these Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Topping Recipe from delicious to unforgettable.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing my coffee cake cookies with a little sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking—it adds a subtle crunch and extra cinnamon kick. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top of the streusel for that gorgeous nutty touch that makes these cookies even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

These cookies are amazing alongside a steaming mug of your favorite coffee or chai latte. They also pair beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to serve them as an elevated dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange these Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Topping Recipe stacked on a tiered cake stand or presented in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin. Drizzle a little extra icing over the top just before serving to add a touch of elegance. They also make adorable gifts wrapped in cellophane tied with a cinnamon stick for a festive touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled and glazed, I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days — perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.

Freezing

I’ve also frozen both the dough balls (before baking) and the fully baked cookies with great success. To freeze dough, shape and place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. For baked cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Both keep well up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat cookies from frozen or refrigerated, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes — this warms them through without drying. If you want the icing to be extra fresh, drizzle a little more glaze after warming.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Topping Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it perfectly captures the nostalgia of classic coffee cake with a delightful cookie twist. Every bite is buttery, cinnamon-y, and crunchy on top — pure comfort food in cookie form. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe in your kitchen and discover how easy it is to bring a bit of joy and warmth to your day. Go ahead, bake a batch, savor the aroma, and treat yourself — these cookies are worth every crumb!

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