Coffee Cake Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these Coffee Cake Cookies because they bring the best of both worlds—cake and cookies—into one delicious treat. They have the tender, light texture of cake but in a perfectly portable cookie form. The cinnamon sugar swirl provides that classic coffee cake flavor, while the buttery crumble topping adds a satisfying crunch. These cookies are sweet without being overwhelming, making them the ideal snack with your morning coffee or a special treat for gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

For the Crumble Topping:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• Pinch of salt

(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat together ½ cup unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.

Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

6. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon. Set aside.

Make the Crumble Topping:

7. Prepare the Crumble: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp softened butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Assemble the Cookies:

8. Form the Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

9. Add the Cinnamon Sugar: Use your finger or a small spoon to make a small indent in the center of each dough ball. Sprinkle a generous amount of the cinnamon sugar mixture into the center of each cookie.

10. Top with Crumble: Sprinkle the crumble topping over the cinnamon sugar-filled indents on each cookie.

Bake the Cookies:

11. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden around the edges and set in the center.

12. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 18-20 cookies, depending on the size. Prep time is about 15 minutes, with a baking time of 10-12 minutes. These cookies are best served fresh but can be stored for several days in an airtight container.

Variations

These cookies are flexible and can be customized in several ways:

• Add nuts: For a little crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping or sprinkle them over the cinnamon sugar swirl.

• Change up the spices: If you prefer a different spice blend, feel free to add a pinch of allspice or ginger to the dough for a new flavor twist.

• Add a glaze: For extra sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies.

Storage/Reheating

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, microwave for 5-10 seconds to warm them up and bring back their soft, cake-like texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser cookie, or use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Be mindful that the texture may change slightly.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature before forming the cookies and baking.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, just place the frozen dough balls on the baking sheet and bake for a few extra minutes.

Can I use a different filling instead of cinnamon sugar?

Yes, you can try different fillings, such as brown sugar and chocolate chips, or fruit preserves for a different flavor experience.

Can I skip the crumble topping?

Yes, if you prefer a simpler cookie, you can skip the crumble topping. The cinnamon sugar filling in the center will still provide plenty of flavor and sweetness.

Conclusion

These Coffee Cake Cookies are the perfect balance of soft, cake-like texture with a sweet cinnamon sugar filling and crunchy crumble topping. They combine the best flavors of classic coffee cake in an easy-to-make cookie form, making them an ideal treat for any time of day. Whether you’re pairing them with your morning coffee or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!