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Coffee Cake Cookies – Soft, Cinnamon-Swirled Cookies with a Crumbly Streusel Finish

If you love the cozy flavor of classic coffee cake but want something easier to serve and snack on, these Coffee Cake Cookies are the perfect solution. They capture everything you adore about coffee cake—warm cinnamon, soft buttery crumb, and sweet streusel topping—all wrapped into a tender, bakery-style cookie. These cookies are ideal for breakfast treats, afternoon snacks, brunch tables, or whenever you want something comforting with your coffee or tea. They’re soft in the center, lightly crisp at the edges, and topped with a crumbly cinnamon streusel that melts slightly into the cookie as it bakes. If you’re searching for coffee cake–inspired desserts, cinnamon cookies, or soft bakery cookies, this recipe delivers nostalgic flavor with a modern, handheld twist.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
bake & Chill Time 42 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 2 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup cake flour
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup brown sugar packed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 15 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Streusel
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 pinches salt
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Small bowl (for streusel)
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel
  1. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, cinnamon, salt, and heavy cream or milk until a thick, crumbly glaze forms. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and creamy. This step creates soft, bakery-style cookies.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
  1. Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Dough
  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
  1. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances flavor.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
  1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing cookies evenly.
Step 8: Add Streusel Topping
  1. Spoon a small amount of the cinnamon streusel onto each cookie. Gently swirl or spread slightly.
Step 9: Bake
  1. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers remain soft. The tops should look lightly crackled.
Step 10: Cool
  1. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
Refrigeration
Refrigerate for up to 5 days for extra softness
Reheating
Warm briefly in the microwave for 8–10 seconds
🥄 Variations
Extra Cinnamon: Add more cinnamon to the streusel
Glaze Finish: Drizzle additional powdered sugar glaze after baking
Mini Cookies: Scoop smaller portions and reduce bake time
Crunchy Topping: Add a light crumble texture to the streusel
Brunch Style: Serve with fruit and warm drinks
❓ 10 FAQs
Do these cookies taste like coffee?
No, they pair perfectly with coffee but contain no coffee flavor.
Why use cake flour?
It creates a softer, lighter texture.
Can I skip chilling the dough?
Chilling is recommended for best shape and texture.
Are these cookies soft or crisp?
They are soft and tender with lightly set edges.
Can I make the streusel thicker?
Yes, add more powdered sugar.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Yes, especially adding the topping.
Do these freeze well?
Yes, freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Can I double the batch?
Absolutely, it scales very well.
Are these good for breakfast?
Yes, they’re perfect with tea or coffee.
What makes these cookies special?
Their coffee-cake flavor, soft texture, and cinnamon streusel topping.
🏁 Conclusion
These Coffee Cake Cookies deliver all the comfort of a classic coffee cake in a soft, handheld cookie form. Warm cinnamon, buttery dough, and a sweet crumbly topping make them irresistible for any time of day.
Whether you’re baking for brunch, guests, or yourself, these cookies bring cozy bakery vibes straight to your kitchen.