Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something special about treating yourself and your loved ones to cookies that taste like a warm hug. Coffee Cake Cookies are just that—delightfully soft and bursting with flavors that remind you of lazy Sunday mornings. Picture this: a plate of golden-brown cookies gently dusted with a sweet crumb topping, waiting for you as you sip on your first cup of coffee or tea.
These cookies are not just for dessert. Imagine bringing them to a busy brunch with friends or packing them into your kids’ lunchboxes. They’re perfect for bake sales, or even for just enjoying quietly on the couch with a good book. The aroma of cinnamon and sugar baking in the oven wraps around you like a cozy blanket. It’s pure joy, my friends.
how to make Coffee Cake Cookies
Let’s dive into the delightful process of making these cookies! You’ll find it’s as easy as pie—or should I say, cookies? Just gather your ingredients, and we’ll walk through each step together.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the crumb topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
First things first, let’s preheat your oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer if you have one; it’ll make the job easier. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, and you can see a lovely pale yellow color coming through.
Now, beat in the eggs one at a time. Add them slowly, following up with the vanilla extract. The smell of vanilla will fill your kitchen and make you feel instant comfort.
Take another bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix; we want these cookies to be soft and tender.
For the crumb topping, grab a small bowl. Combine melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This will give your cookies that irresistible crunch on top.
Now comes the fun part! Scoop tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. You want them to have room to spread while baking. Then, sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each cookie. Imagine the crunchy sweetness waiting for you on top!
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Your kitchen will smell divine at this point. Let the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes; then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
how to serve Coffee Cake Cookies
Serving these cookies is just as fun as making them! One cozy idea is to stack them on a lovely plate and enjoy them warm right out of the oven. You could also drizzle a little melted chocolate on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
If you’re feeling creative, try pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for an afternoon treat. They also make a lovely side for a warm cup of your favorite coffee or a comforting herbal tea. The flavors complement each other so beautifully!
how to store Coffee Cake Cookies
To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week—but I’m not sure they’ll last that long! If you prefer, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer bag with layers of parchment paper in between, and they’ll be ready for you when that cookie craving kicks in again.
tips to make Coffee Cake Cookies
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Soften Your Butter: For the best texture, let your butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start. It’ll cream more easily and lead to softer cookies.
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Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, and that’s not what we want!
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are within their expiration dates. Fresh ingredients will make a world of difference in the rise and texture of your cookies.
variation (if any)
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor and texture. Chopped walnuts or pecans bring a nice crunch, while chocolate chips can satisfy those chocoholic cravings.
Another twist could be to substitute the cinnamon with nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a hint of fall flavor.
Pro Tips for Success
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Chill the Dough: If you find your dough is too sticky to scoop, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
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Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookies, consider using a cookie scoop. This little tool helps in measuring out even portions, making sure all your cookies bake evenly.
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Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary in temperature, so it’s best to start checking your cookies at the 10-minute mark. They’re done when the edges are golden but the centers look a bit soft. This will ensure a chewy texture.
Serving Ideas
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Brunch Delight: Serve these cookies at your next brunch gathering alongside a fresh fruit platter and a variety of drinks. It’s a lovely way to share something homemade with friends.
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Gift from the Heart: Package a dozen cookies in a pretty box or tin and give them as a thoughtful gift to a neighbor or friend. It’s a sweet way to brighten someone’s day.
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Cozy Movie Night: Craving some comfort? Pair these cookies with a family-friendly movie and some hot cocoa. It’s a great way to wind down after a busy day.
FAQs
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Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to a pinch. It will still taste great. -
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures like regular flour. -
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it soften slightly before baking. -
What can I do with leftover crumb topping?
You can sprinkle it on yogurt or oatmeal for an extra treat! It adds a sweet crunch that’s hard to resist.
Quick Recap
These Coffee Cake Cookies are a joy to bake and a pleasure to share. Their warm flavors and comforting aromas will fill your kitchen with happiness. Bake them this weekend, and you’ll be glad you did! Friends, family, and soft cookies await—what could be sweeter? Enjoy every bite!
Coffee Cake Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Let your butter sit at room temperature for best texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Ensure it's fresh for best results.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Ensure it's fresh for best results.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Can substitute with nutmeg or pumpkin spice.
For the Crumb Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping.
Baking
- Scoop tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.