Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Topping Recipe

If you adore coffee cake and love cookies, then you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Topping Recipe. Imagine the tender, cakey texture of coffee cake baked into little handheld cookies, loaded with a luscious buttery cinnamon streusel on top—and to finish it all off, a sweet vanilla drizzle. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a household favorite, perfect for everything from casual coffee breaks to special brunches. Ready to get started? Let me walk you through every step so your batch turns out just right.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, let’s talk ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating that classic coffee cake feel, but in cookie form. I always recommend using fresh spices and quality butter—it really makes the difference.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives structure to the dough without being too dense.
• Cake flour: This lightens up the cookies. If you don’t have cake flour, a homemade substitute with cornstarch works too!
• Cornstarch: Adds tenderness by reducing gluten formation—key for a soft crumb.
• Cinnamon: The star spice, giving those lovely warm notes throughout the cookie and the streusel.
• Butter (cold and softened): Cold butter in the dough keeps the cookies tender and flaky, while softened butter in the streusel binds that topping perfectly.
• Brown and granulated sugars: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, granulated sugar contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges.
• Vanilla extract: For that comforting, sweet aroma and well-rounded flavor.
• Egg and egg yolk: Provide richness and help bind everything together.
• Baking soda & baking powder: Give the dough lift so the cookies aren’t too flat, keeping them soft but slightly puffy.
• Heavy cream (or milk): Keeps the icing silky smooth and pourable for that picture-perfect drizzle.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for smooth, sweet icing without grit.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!

Tweak to Your Taste

I often customize this Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Topping Recipe based on my mood or what I have on hand—feel free to get creative! You could amp up the cinnamon for a spicier kick or throw in some nuts for crunch.

• Add-ins: I sometimes fold in shredded coconut or finely chopped pecans into the streusel for extra texture; it adds such a lovely rustic touch.
• Chocolate twist: For a fun twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the dough—coffee and chocolate lovers will thank you!
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter for a vegan butter substitute and use almond milk in the icing to make these dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
• Less Sweet: If you prefer your treats less sweet, reduce the sugar in the icing slightly or skip it altogether—the cookies themselves are delicious on their own.

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

Step 1: Prepping the Streusel Magic

Start by mixing the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Grab your softened butter and work it in with your fingers until you see those delightful little clumps forming—that’s exactly what you want. This crumbly mixture is the secret to that irresistible streusel crunch. Pop it into the fridge to chill while you work on the dough. I like to make this in advance because it makes things super smooth on baking day.

Step 2: Get Your Oven and Baking Sheets Ready

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This step ensures your cookies won’t stick and will brown evenly; trust me, it really makes cleanup easier too!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Dough

Take a large bowl and sift together or whisk your all-purpose and cake flours, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This mixture sets the foundation for those soft, fluffy cookies you’re about to make.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

Next, toss the cold cubed butter and both sugars into the mixing bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This is such a satisfying step because you start to smell that buttery-sugalicious aroma.

Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Drop in your egg, yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix these in well. I usually scrape down the sides with a spatula halfway through to make sure everything is well incorporated. This combo gives the dough its structure and richness.

Step 6: Blend in Dry Ingredients Gradually

With the mixer on low, start adding your dry ingredients a bit at a time—about a quarter cup per addition—until everything comes together into a soft dough. Don’t overmix here; just enough to combine.

Step 7: Shape Your Cookies and Add Streusel

Scoop the dough and roll into roughly 8 large balls—or make smaller ones if you want more cookies (around 22-24). Arrange them on your prepared sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Then, create a good-sized indent in each cookie with your thumb or a spoon. I love to use the end of a wooden citrus juicer dipped lightly in flour so the dough doesn’t stick—a little trick I picked up along the way!

Step 8: Fill and Bake

Spoon about a tablespoon of that chilled streusel mixture into each indent. Bake for 8-11 minutes, watching carefully—you want the edges to look set and a little golden, but don’t wait for a deep brown or you risk drying them out. They’ll keep baking a bit on the sheet after you pull them out, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly underbaked.

Step 9: Optional—Make Them Perfectly Round

This next trick is one I adore: right after removing the cookies from the oven, place a cookie cutter or even a drinking glass larger than the cookie around it and give the cookie a gentle spin. This smooths out any uneven edges for a neat, round shape. It’s a small detail that makes your batch look bakery-worthy.

Step 10: Cool and Drizzle the Icing

Let your cookies rest on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Mix up the icing by whisking melted butter, cream (or milk), powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Drizzle generously over the cooled cookies and get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a light drizzle of vanilla icing, but sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or chopped toasted walnuts on top for a festive touch. If you’re serving these for guests, a dusting of powdered sugar makes them look extra special and inviting.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a fresh cup of coffee or a creamy latte. For brunch, serve alongside a fruit salad or a yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness. They also make a fantastic afternoon snack with tea and some fresh berries on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love arranging these cookies on a tiered dessert stand with fresh flowers or sprigs of mint. Wrapping a few up in cellophane tied with twine makes a charming gift for neighbors or coworkers. Another fun idea is to sandwich a thin layer of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an indulgent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay wonderfully soft for up to three days. If you like your streusel topping crisp, just refresh them in the oven briefly before serving.

Freezing

Freezing works great—wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. When you want a quick treat, just thaw at room temperature or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes.

Reheating

I reheat my coffee cake cookies by placing them on a baking sheet in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This warms them through while reviving that delicate crispness in the streusel topping—just like fresh-baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel Topping Recipe are one of those joyfully simple desserts that always bring people together. I love how approachable they are but still feel special enough to offer guests or share as a thoughtful homemade gift. If you’re looking for a new cookie recipe that feels like a warm hug with every bite, this one’s the recipe to try. So, grab your apron and let’s make some magic in the kitchen—you’re going to love every crumb!

Print