Name: Coffee Cake Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version); 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil/vegan butter for dairy-free); ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup packed brown sugar; 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan: 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of having a soft, buttery treat that melts in your mouth and fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and sugar, Coffee Cake Cookies are exactly what you need. These irresistible cookies combine the tender crumb of a coffee cake with the convenience and charm of a cookie—perfect for satisfying your sweetest cravings anytime. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning or hosting friends, these cookies bring a comforting, homemade feel that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and Tender Texture: These cookies strike the perfect balance between cakey and chewy, making each bite an absolute delight.
Warm Cinnamon Swirls: The cinnamon-sugar mixture swirled throughout creates that classic coffee cake taste in cookie form.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookies a quick crowd-pleaser.
Versatile Snack: Great for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a cozy dessert after dinner.
Perfectly Portion-Controlled: All the flavor of coffee cake without needing to slice a whole cake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up these delicious Coffee Cake Cookies anytime you want. Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing the soft, buttery, cinnamon-infused magic to life.

All-purpose Flour: Provides structure for a soft yet sturdy cookie that holds the cinnamon crumble perfectly.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tender crumb, making each bite buttery and melt-in-your-mouth.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookie base gently without overpowering the cinnamon notes.
Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and subtle caramel flavor, enhancing the cookie’s depth.
Egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to the soft, cakey texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and amplifies the sweetness and cinnamon flavors.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Give the right rise and tender crumb.
Cinnamon: The star spice for that classic coffee cake flavor.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out all the flavors vividly.
Sugar and Cinnamon for Topping: A sweet, crunchy cinnamon-sugar swirl that defines these cookies.

Variations for Coffee Cake Cookies

Feel free to get creative with these Coffee Cake Cookies. Whether you want to add a twist or accommodate dietary needs, this recipe adapts beautifully.

Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for extra crunch and flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend without losing softness.
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in mini chocolate chips to add a touch of melty sweetness.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil or vegan butter and a flax egg for an allergy-friendly treat.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a more complex flavor profile.

Best Coffee Cake Cookies to Satisfy Sweet Cravings

How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming together softened unsalted butter with the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.

Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

Mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Use this to gently fold into the cookie dough or to sprinkle between layers when forming the cookies, giving you that delightful swirl every bite.

Step 4: Shape and Chill

Scoop portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For an extra-defined cinnamon swirl, you can roll half the dough in cinnamon sugar before layering or gently folding together. Chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and prevent spreading while baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. This ensures that signature soft texture synonymous with coffee cake.

Pro Tips for Making Coffee Cake Cookies

Room Temperature Butter: Using softened butter rather than melted will give you the best cookie texture.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until the dry ingredients are absorbed to keep cookies tender.
Chill the Dough: Chilling controls spreading and deepens flavors, leading to a richer taste.
Use Fresh Cinnamon: The fresher the cinnamon, the brighter and more aromatic your cookies will be.
Watch Your Oven: Remove cookies just as edges turn golden to prevent overbaking and dryness.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies

Garnishes

Dust a little powdered sugar or cinnamon on top of your cooled Coffee Cake Cookies for a simple yet elegant finish. You can also drizzle a light vanilla glaze for added sweetness and a professional touch.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a steaming mug of your favorite coffee, chai latte, or hot chocolate to highlight the classic flavors. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples can also complement the cinnamon spice beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Coffee Cake Cookies on a rustic wooden board with a selection of jams, whipped cream, or cream cheese for a delightful brunch spread. Stack them in a cookie jar for a charming gift or a convenient grab-and-go snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Coffee Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and fresh. Separating layers with parchment paper prevents sticking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm your cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to restore their freshly baked softness and melt the cinnamon sugar topping.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sugar in Coffee Cake Cookies?

Yes! While granulated and brown sugar provide the best texture and flavor combination, you can substitute coconut sugar or maple sugar for a different sweetness profile, though texture may vary slightly.

How do I prevent my Coffee Cake Cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, chill the dough before baking, and avoid overmixing the batter. These steps help maintain the shape and softness of each cookie.

Are these cookies suitable for kids?

Absolutely! Coffee Cake Cookies are kid-friendly with a mild sweetness and a soft texture, making them perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, by using vegan butter or coconut oil and substituting the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water), you can create a delicious vegan version.

What’s the best way to get a pronounced cinnamon swirl?

For a more visible swirl, fold in cinnamon sugar just before baking or layer cinnamon sugar between two cookie dough scoops. Swirling lightly but visibly is key.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Coffee Cake Cookies—they bring together the comforting flavors of coffee cake in a perfectly portable, charming form. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these cookies offer a warm hug of cinnamon and sweetness with every bite. Don’t wait to try this recipe and make your kitchen smell like pure bliss!