Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Coffee cake cookies combine the best of both worlds: the moist, crumbly texture of coffee cake and the delightful portability of a cookie. Imagine taking a bite of your favorite coffee cake, but without needing a fork, and with the perfect balance of cinnamon, sugar, and a buttery, tender crumb. Whether you’re looking for a fun twist on a classic dessert or a way to elevate your coffee break, coffee cake cookies are the perfect treat.
Introduction
Coffee cake is a beloved classic, often served as a sweet accompaniment to coffee during brunch or as a light dessert. But what if you could have that same comforting, spiced flavor in a convenient cookie form? Enter the Coffee Cake Cookie—a delicious hybrid that merges the essence of coffee cake with the ease of a cookie. These cookies capture the warmth and flavor of a traditional coffee cake, with a slightly chewy, tender texture that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Coffee cake is typically characterized by its cinnamon streusel topping, buttery crumb, and a touch of vanilla and sour cream or yogurt for richness. Coffee cake cookies replicate these elements, providing the same satisfying experience, but in a fun, individual-sized treat.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Before you begin, gather your kitchen tools to ensure a smooth and efficient baking process. These tools will make it easier to create perfectly shaped, delicious coffee cake cookies.
- Mixing bowls: Use at least two bowls, one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: For mixing the dough, a hand mixer or stand mixer will make it much easier to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is important for baking, so use the appropriate measuring cups for both liquid and dry ingredients.
- Baking sheet: A standard baking sheet lined with parchment paper will help prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cooling rack: Once baked, a cooling rack will allow the cookies to cool evenly and prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Pastry cutter or fork: To make the streusel topping, you can either use your hands or a pastry cutter to combine the butter with the dry ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake at the right temperature. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter to the mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set the streusel topping aside.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor in the cookies.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie texture.
Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs provide structure and moisture to the dough, while the vanilla adds depth to the flavor profile.
Step 6: Add the Sour Cream
Mix in the sour cream or yogurt until fully combined. This adds moisture to the dough, making the cookies soft and cake-like. If you’re using yogurt, choose a plain variety for the best results.
Step 7: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 8: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 9: Add the Streusel Topping
Sprinkle the cinnamon streusel topping over each cookie dough ball. Press the streusel lightly into the dough to help it stick during baking. This will create a lovely crumbly texture that mimics the streusel topping on a traditional coffee cake.
Step 10: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center of the cookies is set. The cookies should still be soft but not raw. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 11: Make the Glaze (Optional)
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the optional glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies for a sweet, glossy finish.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients: For the best results, ensure that your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This allows the ingredients to blend more easily, creating a smoother dough and better texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing the cookie dough can result in dense cookies. Mix the dough just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Cold butter for the streusel: Using cold butter in the streusel ensures that the crumbs stay firm and create that perfect crunchy topping. If your butter is too soft, the streusel won’t form properly.
- Chill the dough: If your dough seems too soft to shape, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm it up before baking. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Don’t skip the streusel: The streusel topping is what gives these cookies their coffee cake appeal. Be generous with it for a delicious crunch.
- Watch the baking time: Since oven temperatures can vary, keep an eye on your cookies. They are ready when the edges are golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat: This will prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and allow them to bake evenly.
Creative Variations
While the classic coffee cake cookie recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to get creative and make these cookies your own.
Add-ins:
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add an extra layer of texture and flavor. Fold them into the dough or sprinkle them on top of the streusel for added crunch.
- Berries: Fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries can be folded into the cookie dough for a fruity twist that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon flavor.
- Chocolate chips: For those with a sweet tooth, add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough. The chocolate will melt into the cookies, creating pockets of sweetness.
- Spices: Experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon for a more complex flavor profile.
Healthier Alternatives:
- Whole wheat flour: Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and more fiber.
- Greek yogurt: Instead of sour cream, use Greek yogurt to boost the protein content of the cookies.
- Reduce sugar: You can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the dough or streusel by ¼ cup if you’re looking for a less sweet treat.
Common Troubleshooting
- Cookies are too flat: If your cookies spread too much, try refrigerating the dough before baking. Also, make sure you’re using enough flour and that the butter is at the right temperature.
- Streusel isn’t crumbly: Ensure the butter is cold when you make the streusel. If it’s too warm, the streusel will not form properly.
- Dry cookies: If your cookies turn out too dry, it could be due to overmixing the dough or overbaking. Be sure to mix until just combined and check your cookies regularly while baking.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Coffee cake cookies pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or breakfast treat. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- With a hot beverage: Serve these cookies alongside a cup of your favorite coffee, cappuccino, or a warm chai latte.
- Brunch or tea time: These cookies make a great addition to a brunch spread or afternoon tea, alongside other pastries, muffins, and fruit.
- Ice cream sandwich: For a decadent treat, use two coffee cake cookies to make an ice cream sandwich. Vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel ice cream would pair perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Coffee cake cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat, offering all the flavors of coffee cake in a portable, cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, treating yourself to a sweet snack, or sharing them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
With the perfect blend of cinnamon, butter, and a crumbly streusel topping, these cookies offer a cozy and comforting flavor that everyone will love. Enjoy experimenting with different add-ins and variations, and don’t forget the glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Coffee cake cookies combine the best of both worlds: the moist, crumbly texture of coffee cake and the delightful portability of a cookie. Imagine taking a bite of your favorite coffee cake, but without needing a fork, and with the perfect balance of cinnamon, sugar, and a buttery, tender crumb. Whether you’re looking for a fun twist on a classic dessert or a way to elevate your coffee break, coffee cake cookies are the perfect treat.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Make the Streusel Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms pea-sized crumbs. Set aside.
3. Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Form the Cookies:
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a bit of space between each cookie.
5. Top with Streusel:
- Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping generously over each cookie.
6. Bake:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden and the centers are set. Be careful not to overbake!
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Optional Glaze:
- For an extra sweet touch, you can drizzle a simple glaze on top of the cooled cookies. To make the glaze, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tsp milk until smooth, then drizzle over the cookies.