Coffee Cake Cookies are basically the lovechild of a classic cinnamon coffee cake and your favorite soft cookie. They’re sweet, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and just the right kind of soft and chewy that makes your morning coffee feel like a celebration.
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Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Coffee Cake Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with sweet cinnamon-sugar swirls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or coffee time, they combine all the flavors of classic coffee cake in cookie form.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon for swirl
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Cream butter and sugars, then beat in egg and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients until combined.
- Flatten dough slightly, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar swirl, and gently fold in.
- Place dough balls on the sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Cookies can be frozen after baking for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
Table of Contents
Ingredients for the Best Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Smart ingredient swaps for healthier or allergy-friendly options
If you want to tweak this recipe, it’s flexible. You can swap butter for margarine or coconut oil, use whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier cookie, or replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor note. For a dairy-free version, non-dairy milk and vegan butter work just fine. Even the cinnamon-sugar swirl can be modified with a touch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth. These swaps keep the Coffee Cake Cookies delicious while adapting to your kitchen needs.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup (1 stick) | Adds richness and tender texture |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | Sweetens dough and balances flavors |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup | Adds moisture and subtle caramel notes |
| Large egg | 1 | Binds ingredients and adds moisture |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Enhances overall flavor |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups | Structure and body of the cookie |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | Helps cookies rise |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Balances sweetness |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons | Key flavor for swirl |
| Additional brown sugar + cinnamon | 2 tablespoons | Swirl topping for classic coffee cake flavor |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Coffee Cake Cookies
Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. The result should be a soft, slightly sticky dough that’s ready for the cinnamon-sugar swirl. Proper mixing ensures even texture and soft cookies every time.
Step 2: Adding the cinnamon sugar swirl
To create the signature coffee cake flavor, combine 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Take small portions of dough and flatten them slightly in your hand, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Gently fold or swirl it into the dough so each cookie has that sweet, spiced ribbon running through it. This step is what transforms ordinary cookies into Coffee Cake Cookies, giving them that warm, comforting flavor reminiscent of classic coffee cake.
Step 3: Baking to perfection
Place the prepared dough balls on the lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The cookies firm up slightly as they cool, keeping a soft and chewy center with a subtle crisp edge. Serve warm with coffee or store in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Tips for Perfect Coffee Cake Cookies Every Time
Achieving soft, chewy texture
To get that signature soft and chewy texture, start with room-temperature butter and eggs. Creaming the butter and sugar properly incorporates air, which helps the cookies rise without becoming cakey. Avoid overmixing the dough once the flour is added, as too much stirring can make cookies tough. For extra softness, slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish cooking on the baking sheet as they cool. Using a mix of granulated and brown sugar also contributes to the chewiness, as brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor.
Avoiding common cookie mistakes
Several common mistakes can affect Coffee Cake Cookies. For instance, using cold butter can lead to dense cookies, while overbaking will result in a dry texture. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate; even a small difference can change baking times. Spacing cookies properly on the baking sheet prevents them from spreading into each other. Finally, don’t skip the cinnamon-sugar swirl—this is what gives these cookies their signature coffee cake flavor. Following these simple tips ensures every batch comes out soft, flavorful, and irresistible.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
Best ways to keep cookies soft
Coffee Cake Cookies stay soft and chewy when stored properly. Use an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture, keeping the cookies soft longer. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as it can dry them out. Proper storage ensures every bite remains tender and flavorful, just like the day they were baked.
Freezing and thawing without losing flavor
These cookies freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or gifting. Arrange baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for 30–60 minutes, or warm them slightly in the oven for a fresh-baked feel. Using this method preserves the soft texture, cinnamon flavor, and chewy center of each Coffee Cake Cookie.
Serving Suggestions for Coffee Cake Cookies
Pairing with beverages
Coffee Cake Cookies shine when paired with warm beverages. Classic options include a fresh cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa. The cookies’ buttery, cinnamon-sugar flavor complements the richness of coffee and the spice of chai perfectly. For a lighter touch, pair them with milk or almond milk, which balances the sweetness and keeps the flavor harmonious. Whether it’s a morning treat or an afternoon snack, these cookies elevate any beverage into a cozy moment.
Coffee Cake Cookies for breakfast or dessert
These cookies are versatile enough to serve as both a sweet breakfast and a dessert. Serve them alongside a fruit bowl for a balanced breakfast or as part of a dessert platter for gatherings. They also work well for brunch spreads, offering a portable option for guests without compromising flavor. Because Coffee Cake Cookies are soft, sweet, and satisfying, they’re a simple way to bring the cozy flavors of coffee cake to your table without slicing a full cake.
FAQs About Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Can I make Coffee Cake Cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. The cookies will remain soft and chewy while keeping the cinnamon-sugar flavor intact.
How do I keep Coffee Cake Cookies soft for days?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread helps maintain moisture. Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry the cookies out. Proper storage ensures they stay tender and chewy for up to five days.
Can I freeze Coffee Cake Cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked feel. They keep well for up to three months.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the cookies?
Yes! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch, and mini chocolate chips enhance the flavor without overpowering the cinnamon-sugar swirl. Mix them into the dough before baking for even distribution.
Conclusion
Coffee Cake Cookies are the perfect blend of soft, chewy cookies and classic cinnamon coffee cake. With a buttery dough, sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, and optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate, they bring cozy, nostalgic flavors to every bite. Easy to bake, versatile, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snack time, these cookies are a treat the whole family will love. Whether served warm with coffee or stored for later, Coffee Cake Cookies deliver comfort, sweetness, and convenience in every bite.