When the craving for something sweet and comforting strikes, there’s nothing quite like a batch of Coffee Cake Cookies. These delightful treats blend the fluffy, crumbly goodness of traditional coffee cake with the convenient, bite-sized form of a cookie. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet treat any time of day, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. With warm spices and a touch of sweetness, Coffee Cake Cookies offer a delightful twist that will have you reaching for more.
Why You’ll Keep Making It

These Coffee Cake Cookies are not just delicious; they are incredibly versatile and easy to make. The rich flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar combined with the buttery goodness create a cookie that is both chewy and tender. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a brunch, bringing a treat to a gathering, or simply indulging yourself at home. Each bite will remind you of your favorite coffee cake, but in a cookie form that is just as satisfying. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself making these cookies again and again!
Gather These Ingredients
To whip up a batch of these scrumptious Coffee Cake Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Essential Tools for Success
Before you start baking, make sure you have these essential tools ready:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to perfect cookies.
- Electric Mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugars effortless.
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy surface for baking your cookies.
- Parchment Paper: Optional, but it helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
Method: Coffee Cake Cookies

Follow these steps to create your Coffee Cake Cookies:
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all your ingredients and ensure your butter is at the right temperature—some cold and some softened.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cut in 3 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of room temperature unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 7: Assemble the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a spoon to create a small well in the center of each cookie. Spoon a small amount of the cinnamon sugar mixture into the well.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 9: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Seasonal Spins

These Coffee Cake Cookies are versatile, allowing for fun seasonal variations:
- Fall Delight: Add chopped apples or pumpkin puree for a cozy fall flavor.
- Holiday Cheer: Stir in some chopped nuts or dried cranberries for a festive touch.
- Spring Fresh: Incorporate lemon zest for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in chocolate chips for a rich twist on the classic recipe.
Troubles You Can Avoid
To ensure your Coffee Cake Cookies turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure your butter is at the right temperature—too soft or too cold can affect the texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough; this can lead to tough cookies.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies to ensure uniform baking.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; letting them cool properly helps them set.
Shelf Life & Storage
To keep your Coffee Cake Cookies fresh and delicious:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag, where they can last for up to 3 months.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly. Start with a 50/50 blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for the best results.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Coffee Cake Cookies, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
What can I substitute for the egg?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as an alternative.
Enhance your Coffee Cake Cookies experience with these delightful pairings:
Make It Tonight
There’s no better time than now to bake a batch of Coffee Cake Cookies! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious treat that will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth. Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a delightful cookie that tastes just like your favorite coffee cake.
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Coffee Cake Cookies, and share them with friends and family—or keep them all to yourself! Happy baking!

Coffee Cake Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric Mixer
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Cookie Scoop
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter cold
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
Coffee Cake Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all your ingredients and ensure your butter is at the right temperature—some cold and some softened.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cut in 3 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of room temperature unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a spoon to create a small well in the center of each cookie. Spoon a small amount of the cinnamon sugar mixture into the well.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Notes
- Make sure your butter is at the right temperature to achieve the perfect cookie texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies to ensure uniform baking.
- Allow cookies to cool properly before glazing to prevent melting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
