Introduction
If you love the warm, sweet, and slightly spiced taste of coffee cake but want something quick and easy to enjoy anytime, these Coffee Cake Cookies are perfect for you! They capture all the flavors of a traditional coffee cake—think cinnamon, brown sugar, and buttery crumble—but in a small, portable cookie form.
These cookies are soft, moist, and slightly crumbly, just like a fresh coffee cake slice. The best part? They are simple to make and don’t require any fancy equipment. You can enjoy them with a cup of coffee, tea, or even as a sweet snack on the go. By the end of this recipe, you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies that are sure to impress your friends and family—and they are so easy that even beginners can make them without stress.
Ingredients – Coffee Cake Cookies
Here’s what you need to make these delicious Coffee Cake Cookies:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Step by Step Process – Coffee Cake Cookies
Follow these simple steps to make your coffee cake cookies perfectly soft and flavorful:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies may turn out tough.
Step 5: Add Optional Mix-ins
If you want extra flavor and texture, fold in your chopped nuts or chocolate chips at this stage.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, scoop portions of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. Spoon a small amount of this mixture onto each cookie and gently press it into the top. This gives the cookies that signature coffee cake crumble.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Remember, cookies continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so avoid overbaking.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee, milk, or your favorite beverage.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 85 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 15 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
Q2: Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely! Bake the cookies first, then let them cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven before serving.
Q3: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can substitute margarine in a pinch. Keep in mind the flavor and consistency may slightly change.
Q4: Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes! Replace butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Use a dairy-free chocolate chip if adding mix-ins.
Q5: How do I make the cookies extra soft?
Avoid overbaking and make sure to slightly underbake the cookies by a minute or two. This keeps the centers soft and moist.
Final Thoughts
These Simple Coffee Cake Cookies are the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. They give you the flavor of a classic coffee cake in a fun, easy-to-eat cookie form. Whether you’re making them for a casual afternoon snack, a party, or just because you love cookies, they are sure to bring smiles all around.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginners can make these cookies successfully. Plus, you can customize them with nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of icing for extra fun. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and enjoy the warm, cinnamon-scented joy of these coffee cake cookies today!
