Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for cozy comfort packed into a cookie, these Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies are about to become your new baking obsession. Think: the best parts of a crumbly coffee cake, now reimagined with gooey cinnamon filling, buttery streusel, and a sweet vanilla glaze—all in a cookie! Whether you’re a fan of coffee cake or simply adore a cookie with personality, this recipe is guaranteed to light up your kitchen and wow anyone who’s lucky enough to steal one fresh from the pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather your favorite mixing bowls, because the ingredient list here is simple but thoughtfully layered—each component adds something magical to the texture, flavor, or signature swirl of these Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies. From the warmth of cinnamon to the crisp crumble of oats, every item works together for total dessert harmony.
- Unsalted butter (melted & room temp): Essential for that soft, rich texture in both filling and cookie dough—use high-quality for extra butteriness.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a caramel note and helps create chewy, moist cookies with depth.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart of the recipe, infusing warmth and that classic coffee cake aroma.
- Cornstarch: The secret to tender, melt-in-your-mouth centers.
- Kosher salt: Elevates all the sweet flavors and ensures nothing tastes flat.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure to both the cookies and the crumb topping—don’t skip the proper measuring!
- Rolled oats: Adds classic streusel crunch and a hint of wholesomeness.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar and lightens the crumb.
- Large egg yolks: Just the yolks ensure rich, custardy dough (it’s worth the extra step).
- Vanilla paste or extract: Boosts those bakery vibes; vanilla paste gives tons of flavor, but extract works beautifully too.
- Baking powder & baking soda: The dynamic duo for the perfect rise and slight chew.
- Powdered sugar: Key for a glossy, sweet glaze to finish your cookies in style.
- Water or milk: Loosens the glaze—choose milk for extra creaminess.
How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies
Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
Start with that all-important gooey center. In a bowl, mash together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and salt until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. This cinnamon-bomb core gives the cookies their signature swirling surprise. Form the mixture into ½ tablespoon balls, place them on a parchment-lined plate, and stash them in the fridge to firm up a bit while you carry on.
Step 2: Prepare the Streusel Topping
Next up, the crunchy, cozy topping reminiscent of classic coffee cake. Mix brown sugar, flour, rolled oats, cinnamon, salt, and more melted butter together with a fork. You want the mixture to form clumps and crumbles—that’s what creates that irresistible streusel. Set it aside and move on to the cookie base!
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer and some elbow grease), cream the room-temperature butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed. Let it go for a good five minutes—you’re looking for the mixture to get fluffy, pale, and super smooth. Scrape down the sides so nothing gets left out!
Step 4: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Toss in the egg yolks and vanilla paste or extract, then beat on medium for another two minutes. Don’t skip this step: letting the eggs and vanilla mix in thoroughly ensures a rich, even dough. Scrape down the bowl again to keep things even.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add this dry mix to your creamed base. Mix on low until it just comes together—don’t overmix! Finish by folding any rogue flour in by hand with a rubber spatula for perfectly tender cookies.
Step 6: Assemble the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F and wrap two cookie sheets in parchment. Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out the dough and arrange six per sheet. Flatten each scoop slightly, then grab one of your cinnamon sugar filling balls. Give each ball a gentle squish between your fingers to soften, then nestle it into the dough.
Step 7: Shape and Fill
Gently fold the dough up and around the filling, then roll the whole thing in your hands until it’s nice and smooth. Repeat for all your cookies, giving each one a gentle press with your palm to flatten them to about 1cm thick.
Step 8: Add the Streusel Topping
Take the prepared streusel and give it a quick fluff with a fork. Pile a generous scoop onto each cookie, pressing it in slightly so it bakes up nice and crunchy. Don’t be shy—these Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies are all about that crumbly crown!
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake one pan at a time for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just set. If you like soft, doughy centers, keep a close eye so they don’t overbake. When they’re just out of the oven, use a round cutter or spoon to “scoot” the cookies and tidy up those sides—this trick gives you picture-perfect circles.
Step 10: Cool and Glaze
Let your cookies cool completely right on the pan (they finish baking gently as they rest). While you wait, whisk powdered sugar with a bit of water or milk to create a thick but pourable glaze. Once the Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies are cool, give them a gorgeous zigzag drizzle for extra sweetness and that signature bakery finish.
How to Serve Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a handful of toasted chopped pecans can take these cookies to another level. For full coffee cake vibes, amp up the cozy by dusting them with a touch of powdered sugar right before serving.
Side Dishes
Naturally, a hot mug of coffee or creamy chai pairs like a dream with Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies. If you’re serving these as part of a brunch spread, slice up some fresh fruit or offer a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack several cookies on a pretty cake stand or tiered platter for a dessert table that pops. Or, for a sweet and surprising gift, package a few cookies in a cellophane bag tied with baker’s twine—they keep their fresh flavor for days, making them perfect for sharing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, stash Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and crumbly on your counter for up to three days—if they last that long! A layer of parchment or wax paper between layers helps keep the streusel topping in perfect shape.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze baked cookies (sans glaze) in a ziptop bag or sealed container for up to two months. You can also freeze unbaked, assembled dough balls—just add streusel after they thaw, then bake as directed for that fresh cookie magic any time.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings back their soft, gooey centers. For a crispier streusel top, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. Add glaze after reheating if freezing ahead.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of all brown sugar?
You can substitute in granulated sugar for some of the brown, but the cookies will lose a bit of their signature chew and caramel flavor. Brown sugar really helps these Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies stay moist and rich!
Why only egg yolks, not whole eggs?
Egg yolks add extra richness and give the cookies that dense, tender crumb you expect from a great coffee cake. Using whole eggs would make the cookies lighter and less decadent.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour and use certified gluten-free oats. The results will be slightly more delicate but still delicious.
Do I have to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling needed in this recipe—thanks to the cornstarch and the dough’s consistency, you can bake right away without worrying about spreading too much.
What’s the best way to drizzle the glaze?
A fork or small spoon works just fine for a casual drizzle, or pour your glaze into a ziptop bag, snip the corner, and zigzag over the cooled Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies for bakery-worthy stripes.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, give these Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies a spin and you’ll have a new go-to treat for everything from lazy breakfasts to late-night cravings. Share them—or keep them all to yourself—you honestly can’t go wrong. Happy baking!
Print
Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful blend of a classic coffee cake and a soft, chewy cookie, perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 5 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Streusel Topping:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3–4 teaspoons water or milk
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Filling: Mash together melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and salt. Roll into balls.
- Make Streusel Topping: Mix brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until crumbles form.
- Prepare Dough: Cream butter and sugars, then add egg yolks and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Assemble Cookies: Flatten cookie dough, add cinnamon sugar filling, fold dough around filling, and top with streusel.
- Bake: Bake at 350℉ for 8-10 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool and Glaze: Cool cookies on the pan, then drizzle with glaze.
Notes
- You can store these cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to customize the filling with nuts or chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies, Coffee Cake Cookies, Cinnamon Cookies
