Need a sweet treat fix? Try these easy homemade Coffee Cake Cookies made with cinnamon and crumbly topping, perfect for a quick weeknight dessert, save for later

Coffee Cake Cookies

Introduction

Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that embodies the warm, comforting essence of a traditional coffee cake, complete with the sweetness of cinnamon and sugar and the delightful crunch of a streusel topping. These Coffee Cake Cookies are a creative twist on classic flavors, using everyday ingredients to create something truly special. What’s more, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for a batch of cookies that are sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a little creativity and a lot of flavor to their baking repertoire.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg provides a perfect balance of sweet and spice, while the use of common pantry ingredients makes this recipe accessible to everyone.
• Ease of preparation: With a simple dough that comes together in minutes and a topping that requires just a few ingredients, these cookies are quick to prepare and require no advanced baking techniques.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite their ease of preparation, these cookies deliver big on flavor and texture, making them perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in these Coffee Cake Cookies include all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a streusel topping made from flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and chopped walnuts. For practical substitutions, you can use margarine instead of butter, almond extract instead of vanilla, or pecans instead of walnuts. Additionally, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the butter and mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and nutmeg, then add this mixture to the dough and mix until evenly distributed.
4. Step 4: To make the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cold butter in a small bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped walnuts. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Top each cookie with a spoonful of the streusel topping. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

Handy Tips

• For the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients, including real butter and pure vanilla extract. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

Heat Control

To ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t overcook, keep an eye on them after 10 minutes of baking. The ideal temperature for baking these cookies is 375°F (190°C), and they should be done in 12-15 minutes. Check for doneness by looking for lightly golden brown edges and a soft, set center. If you prefer a crisper cookie, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Crunch Factor

The streusel topping on these cookies provides a delightful crunch, while the center remains soft and chewy. To achieve this texture, make sure not to overmix the dough, and don’t overbake the cookies. If you prefer a crunchier cookie, you can bake them for an additional minute or two, but keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For an extra crispy streusel topping, try baking the cookies for 5 minutes, then broiling them for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
• To make cleanup easier, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, and use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough.

Storage Tips

• These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, then thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
• For the best flavor and texture, store the cookies in a single layer in the container, rather than stacking them. If you need to stack them, separate the layers with parchment paper or wax paper.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These cookies make a wonderful gift for friends, family, or coworkers. Consider packaging them in a decorative tin or jar, or wrapping them individually in cellophane bags and tying with a ribbon. You can also include a packet of gourmet coffee or a bag of artisanal tea to complement the coffee cake flavors.

Flavor Variations

• 🌟 Different spices: Try adding a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the dough for a unique flavor twist.
• 🌟 Creative toppings: In addition to the streusel topping, consider adding other toppings like chopped pecans, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries to the cookies before baking.
• 🌟 Ingredient swaps: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use margarine instead of butter or almond extract instead of vanilla.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your cookies turn out too hard or too soft, adjust the baking time accordingly. If they’re too dense, try adding a little more leavening agent or using a combination of white and brown sugar.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your cookies after 10 minutes of baking. If they’re lightly golden brown around the edges and set in the center, they’re done. If they’re too pale, bake for an additional minute or two. If they’re too dark, they’re overcooked.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, then thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to make a larger batch of cookies. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as the cookies may take a few minutes longer to bake.

Conclusion

With their perfect balance of sweet and spice, soft and chewy texture, and delightful crunch from the streusel topping, these Coffee Cake Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal effort for impressive results. So go ahead, get creative with the ingredients and toppings, and enjoy the process of baking something truly special. Happy baking!