Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel and Icing Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for a little baking magic that combines everything you love about cozy mornings and sweet treats, you’re in for a treat. This Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel and Icing Recipe is honestly one of my all-time favorites — it’s like the best parts of coffee cake wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie, topped with that irresistible cinnamon streusel and a drizzle of sweet icing. Trust me, once you try these, your cookie game will never be the same!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its own star role in this Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel and Icing Recipe. From the flours that create the tender crumb to the butter that adds richness, I’ve got some tips to help you shop smart and bake like a pro.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and balance; spoon and level it to avoid dense cookies.
• Cake flour: Adds softness and lightness, giving these cookies an almost cakey texture.
• Cornstarch: A secret weapon to keep cookies soft and tender.
• Cinnamon: Essential for that signature coffee cake spice note—don’t be shy!
• Baking soda & baking powder: Work together to give just the right lift and texture.
• Butter (both cold and softened): Cold butter in dough ensures a lovely flaky texture, while softened butter in streusel makes it crumble just right.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and that deep caramel flavor in both dough and streusel.
• Granulated sugar: Helps with sweetness and slight crispness.
• Egg and egg yolk: Provide richness and bind everything together beautifully.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
• Heavy cream or milk: Makes the icing smooth and drizzle-perfect.
• Powdered sugar: For that classic, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth icing texture.
• Salt: A little goes a long way to amplify all the sweetness.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the reasons I adore this Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel and Icing Recipe is how forgiving and versatile it is. You can easily make it your own without losing any of its charm!

• Variation: I often sprinkle finely chopped pecans into the streusel for a little crunch—it adds a lovely texture contrast to the soft cookie.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a non-dairy milk for the icing to make this treat dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
• Extra Streusel: Double the streusel and reserve some to sprinkle on top just before baking for extra delightful crumble.
• Lemon Zest: For a fresh twist, add a pinch of lemon zest to the icing; it brightens up the cinnamon flavors gorgeously.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel and Icing Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Streusel Filling

Start by mixing your flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt — this combo already smells like warmth and comfort. Then, using your fingers, rub in the softened butter until the mixture forms little clumps. It’s okay if it’s crumbly and uneven; that’s the streusel’s charm! Pop this in the fridge while you prepare the dough—this little chill time helps the streusel hold its shape when baked.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cookie Base

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Then mix all your dry ingredients like flours, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures even distribution of raising agents and spices for that consistently delicious bite.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, cream your cold butter cubes with both brown and granulated sugar until fluffy and smooth—about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is crucial. I learned the hard way that under-creaming can make the cookies dense, but over-creaming can cause excess spreading.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in your egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything combines well. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides with a spatula; sometimes bits hang around and mess with the texture.

Step 5: Slowly Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add your dry mix bit by bit, about a quarter cup at a time, mixing just till everything comes together. The dough will be soft but manageable. Resist the urge to overmix here — you want tender cookies!

Step 6: Shape and Fill Your Cookies

Roll your dough into large balls—about 8 for big muffins-style cookies or more for smaller bites. Arrange them on the sheet with a bit of space apart. Using your thumb or the end of a spoon, press an indentation gently into the center of each ball. I like to dust the tool lightly with flour to keep the dough from sticking. Fill each indentation with a tablespoon of that chilled streusel. Now you’re almost ready to bake!

Step 7: Bake and Perfect Shape

Bake for 8 to 11 minutes until the edges are just set and start turning golden. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing. Don’t overbake—these cookies soften more on the hot sheet after you pull them out. For a polished look, immediately after baking, spin each cookie gently inside a round cookie cutter or a glass rim—this helps smooth out any uneven edges without squashing the cookie.

Step 8: Drizzle the Icing

While your cookies cool on a wire rack, whisk together melted butter, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to make your icing. Wait until the cookies are fully cool before drizzling to avoid it melting away. Then, generously drizzle over the top and savor that first bite of sweet, cinnamon-y heaven.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel and Icing Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra flair and crunch, I often sprinkle a few toasted chopped walnuts or pecans right on top of the icing once it sets. Sometimes, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar adds a perfect touch of sparkle and spice. These garnishes add texture and make the cookies look as great as they taste.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. If you’re serving them for brunch, I love setting them alongside fresh fruit, like sliced apples or berries. For an indulgent touch, a simple dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone on the side elevates the whole experience.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve had great fun arranging these Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel and Icing Recipe on wooden platters sprinkled with cinnamon sticks and fresh herbs like rosemary for an unexpected pop. For holiday gatherings, stacking them in a pyramid or tying bundles with rustic twine makes for a charming presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—for up to three days they stay perfectly soft and flavorful. Let them come to room temperature before serving if they’ve been chilled, to get that fresh-baked feel back.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these delights later, they freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months! When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To warm up your frozen or leftover Coffee Cake Cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave briefly (about 10-15 seconds). This softens the cookie and revives that fresh-from-the-oven softness. Avoid overheating so the icing doesn’t melt away too much!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel and Icing Recipe is like a warm hug from the inside out—a little bit nostalgic, a little bit fancy, and full of flavors that make every bite feel special. I’ve baked these for quiet mornings, busy afternoons, and get-togethers with friends, and they never fail to put smiles on faces. Give them a try, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite cookie to turn to whenever you need a comforting sweet pick-me-up. Happy baking, friend!

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