Delicious Coffee Cake Cookies Ready in 30 Minutes

Baking has always been my way of bringing warmth and comfort into my kitchen, and few recipes capture that feeling as perfectly as these Coffee Cake Cookies. I remember the first time I tried them—I was instantly captivated by the tender, buttery texture, lightly sweet cinnamon swirls, and the subtle crunch of the streusel topping. It felt like a tiny celebration in every bite, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. Since then, they’ve become a go-to treat for cozy mornings, afternoon snacks, or whenever I need a quick homemade pick-me-up.

You will love this recipe because it combines the best elements of a classic coffee cake with the portability of a cookie. The cookies maintain a soft, tender crumb while still holding their shape beautifully, making them ideal for gifting, packing in lunchboxes, or serving at casual gatherings. Plus, the sweet cinnamon-sugar topping adds that extra layer of indulgence that makes these cookies irresistible.

What’s great about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily tweak it by adding your favorite nuts, drizzling a simple glaze on top, or even swapping in different spices for a seasonal twist. Whether you want a traditional flavor or a creative variation, this recipe adapts beautifully to your taste.

It’s also very affordable. The ingredients are pantry staples, and there’s no need for expensive specialty items. You can whip up a batch without breaking the bank, making it perfect for weekly baking or spontaneous cookie cravings.

Ingredients for Coffee Cake Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)

• ½ cup brown sugar (for streusel topping)

• 1 tsp cinnamon (for streusel topping)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for streusel topping)

These cookies are a celebration of flavor, texture, and aroma, perfect for anyone who loves the comforting taste of coffee cake in a handheld form.

How to Prepare Coffee Cake Cookies

Making these Coffee Cake Cookies is easier than it looks, and the process is both fun and rewarding. With step-by-step instructions, even beginner bakers can achieve soft, tender cookies with a perfectly crisp cinnamon topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

1. Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

2. Cream the butter and sugars
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is crucial for the cookies’ tender texture.

3. Add eggs and vanilla
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated. The batter should be smooth and slightly glossy.

4. Combine dry ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.

5. Mix dry and wet ingredients
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.

6. Prepare the streusel topping
   In a small bowl, combine ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 2 tbsp melted butter. Stir until crumbly. If desired, fold in chopped nuts for added texture.

7. Shape the cookies
   Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Top with streusel
   Sprinkle a generous amount of the prepared streusel topping over each cookie ball. Gently press down so the topping sticks.

9. Bake the cookies
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even baking.

10. Cool and serve
    Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm for a soft, melty experience, or at room temperature for a firmer texture.

Quick and Easy Tips

• Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for the perfect dough consistency.

• Use room temperature eggs to ensure smooth mixing.

• For faster preparation, you can prepare the streusel topping while the dough rests in the fridge.

Customizable Options

• Add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or different nuts for variety.

• Drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.

• Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the streusel for a balanced flavor.

Popular With Many People

These cookies are consistently a hit at bake sales, coffee mornings, and family gatherings. Their soft, buttery texture combined with the sweet, crunchy topping makes them a crowd favorite for all ages.

Delicious Coffee Cake Cookies Ready in 30 Minutes

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These Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic coffee cake, combining a soft, tender cookie base with a sweet cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or sharing with friends, they’re simple to make, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser.

• Author: Lura Skye
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 15
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
• ½ cup brown sugar (for streusel topping)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (for streusel topping)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for streusel topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the butter mixture on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Prepare streusel topping by combining ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 2 tbsp melted butter in a small bowl. Add nuts if desired.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions and roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart.
8. Sprinkle streusel topping generously on each dough ball and gently press to adhere.
9. Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are set. Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking.
10. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Optional: add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or a drizzle of glaze.

Use room temperature butter and eggs for best results.

Store in an airtight container to keep cookies soft.

FAQs About Coffee Cake Cookies

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld and makes shaping the cookies easier. Baked cookies can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

2. Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?
Absolutely. Cookie dough balls can be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen for later enjoyment.

3. How do I keep the cookies soft?
To maintain softness, avoid overbaking. Once the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set, remove them from the oven. Storing cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread helps retain moisture.

4. Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes. You can swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour, use dairy-free butter for a vegan version, or replace nuts with seeds if desired. Make sure substitutions maintain the proper dough consistency.

5. Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
Certainly. Adjust baking time accordingly: smaller cookies need slightly less time, while larger cookies require a few extra minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

6. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, they’re perfect for gifting. Once cooled, place them in decorative tins or wrap them individually in parchment paper. They maintain their flavor and texture for several days.