If you’re a fan of cozy, comforting treats that bring a smile with every bite, these Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe are exactly what your dessert dreams are made of. Imagine all the warm, buttery, and cinnamon-spiced goodness of a classic coffee cake packed into perfectly crunchy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside cookies. Whether you want an afternoon pick-me-up or a sweet companion to your morning coffee, these cookies deliver the magic with their tender crumb and irresistibly crumbly cinnamon streusel topping. Trust me, once you try this Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that golden hue we all love in coffee cake treats. From the soft butter enriching every bite to that hint of cinnamon tying it all together, everything is simple yet essential.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure and a tender crumb to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just right without being fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds a little lift and helps with browning.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that classic coffee cake warmth and spice.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and ensures a soft, buttery texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering any other flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and provide moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the aroma and deepens the overall flavor.
- ¾ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt): Makes the cookies tender and moist with a slight tang.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Forms the base of the crispy topping.
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar (for streusel): Adds sweetness and chewiness to the crumble.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel): Enhances the spice in the topping layer.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold, for streusel): Creates that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth streusel texture.
How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This step ensures even cooking and prevents the cookies from sticking, so you get that perfect golden crunch when they bake.
Step 2: Mix Up the Batter
In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until fluffy to bring in that lightness and rich flavor. Then, add eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream or Greek yogurt — this combo gives the cookies a moist, tender texture. Slowly combine the wet and dry mixtures for a dough that’s soft but manageable.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel
Streusel is the indulgent star of this Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe. Combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the cold pieces of butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly, like coarse sand. This crumbly goodness will create a delightful contrast on top of your cookies.
Step 4: Shape and Top the Cookies
Portion out the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, then slightly flatten each mound to help them bake evenly. Generously sprinkle and press the cinnamon streusel on top of each cookie, making sure it sticks — this topping is what transforms the cookie into something extraordinary.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until their edges turn a beautiful golden brown. The cookies will still be soft in the center, so allow them to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. This resting time helps them set perfectly without falling apart.
Step 6: Time to Enjoy!
Serve these treating Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe warm or at room temperature. Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy indulgence that’s hard to beat.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are already bursting with flavor, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze can elevate them further. A sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts adds some delightful crunch and a nutty aroma that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your coffee cake cookies with a creamy latte, a black tea with milk, or even a simple cup of hot chocolate. For a full breakfast vibe, enjoy alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries that cut through the sweetness with a bit of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or gift-giving, stack these cookies tied with rustic twine or nestled in a decorative tin with parchment paper. You could also serve them warm with a dollop of flavored cream cheese or mascarpone on the side, transforming them into a dessert centerpiece that dazzles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to four days. If your kitchen is warm, consider refrigeration but bring them back to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls wrapped well in plastic wrap or within a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to bake, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with the streusel topping and baking as usual.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm after storage, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave briefly in 10-second intervals. This brings back the soft, fresh-baked charm instantly.
FAQs
Can I substitute the sour cream with yogurt?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt works perfectly as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe and will keep the cookies moist and tender while adding a slight tang.
What if I don’t have brown sugar for the streusel?
You can use white sugar, but brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor that makes the streusel extra special. If you only have white sugar, consider mixing in a little molasses or maple syrup for similar richness.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free baking blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.
How do I make sure the streusel sticks to the cookies?
Press the streusel gently onto the slightly flattened dough before baking—this ensures it adheres well and bakes into a crisp topping.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the cookie dough?
Yes! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans blend nicely with the cinnamon flavor. You could even add mini chocolate chips for a fun twist, just adjust the streusel topping accordingly to maintain balance.
Final Thoughts
Ready to transform your cookie game? This Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe is the perfect treat when you want to cozy up with something sweet and cinnamon-spiced without the fuss of traditional coffee cake. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies deliver maximum comfort and flavor in every bite. Give them a go—you’ll be making them again and again, just like I do!
Print
Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Coffee Cake Cookies featuring a tender, cinnamon-infused dough topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel. Perfectly baked to golden edges, these cookies combine the flavors of classic coffee cake into a convenient, handheld treat ideal for pairing with your favorite coffee or tea.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold and cut into small pieces)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: Combine flour, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse sand.
- Shape Cookies and Add Topping: Portion the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet using a spoon or cookie scoop, spacing them evenly. Gently flatten each dough portion slightly to create cookie shapes. Sprinkle the cinnamon streusel topping evenly over each cookie, pressing lightly so it adheres.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a golden brown and the centers are set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm. These cookies are perfect when enjoyed with coffee or tea.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a slightly tangier flavor.
- Ensure the butter for the streusel topping is cold to achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping.
