If you adore the comforting flavors of morning coffee cake and the satisfying chew of a cookie, you are in for a delightful treat with this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture all the classic notes of cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg with a buttery crumb base, topped with a streusel and finished with a luscious vanilla glaze. They are perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon breaks, or anytime you want to feel wrapped in a warm, nostalgic hug through your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity and the careful harmony of each ingredient. Every component plays a vital role – from the browned butter that brings a deep nutty flavor, to the cinnamon and nutmeg spices that evoke that classic coffee cake aroma.
- 1 stick of butter, browned: Adds a rich, toasty depth that elevates the entire cookie.
- 160g of flour: The base that gives the cookies structure and tenderness.
- 1 tbsp cinnamon: Essential spice for that coffee cake warmth.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and develop softness.
- ¼ tsp Morton’s Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 75g granulated sugar: Contributes crispness and sweetness to the dough.
- 85g packed brown sugar: Adds moistness and a subtle caramel note.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Provides aromatic richness.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds texture.
- 4 tbsp butter, melted (streusel): Creates that crumbly, buttery topping everyone loves.
- 60g flour (streusel): Helps form the crumbly texture on top.
- 100g brown sugar (streusel): Gives a deep sweetness to the topping.
- Pinch of salt (streusel): Balances the sugars in the streusel.
- 1 tsp cinnamon (streusel): Continues the warm spice theme.
- ½ tsp nutmeg (streusel): Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- 115g confectioner’s sugar (glaze): For a smooth, sweet finish.
- 1 tbsp melted butter (glaze): Adds silkiness to the glaze.
- 1 tbsp milk (glaze): Helps thin the glaze for drizzling.
- ½ tbsp vanilla extract (glaze): Infuses the glaze with delicate flavor.
How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by browning the butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat. This step takes about 5-8 minutes and is key for developing a beautiful nutty flavor that will shine throughout your cookie dough. Stir constantly, and once you notice a toasty aroma and the butter turns a golden brown, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry and Wet Ingredients
While your browned butter cools, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in one bowl. In a separate larger bowl, beat the browned butter together with both sugars and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This mixture becomes the cookie’s sweet, buttery heart. Then, beat in the egg until everything is just combined.
Step 3: Combine and Chill the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, blending everything until just combined for the perfect cookie texture. Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and set them on a lined baking sheet. Pop the baking sheet into the freezer for 15 minutes – this chilling step helps the cookies hold their shape and develops better flavor.
Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping
Mix the nutmeg, cinnamon, brown sugar, flour, and salt for the streusel topping. Pour in the melted butter and fork it together until the mixture resembles wet sand with clumps. This crumbly topping is what makes these cookies irresistibly coffee cake-esque.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Remove your dough balls from the freezer and press a gentle crater into each using a floured spoon. Spoon a bit of the streusel topping into each crater, then bake at 375ºF for about 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies are just set. Let them rest on the pan for five minutes before transferring to a rack.
Step 6: Drizzle Vanilla Glaze
Create the finishing touch by whisking confectioner’s sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle this sweet glaze over cooled cookies to add an irresistible visual and flavor boost just like a classic coffee cake.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a few finely chopped toasted nuts for a lovely crunch and added warmth, making each cookie feel even more special and homey.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot mug of coffee or a creamy chai latte. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait to balance the sweet with some fresh brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them in a rustic mason jar lined with parchment paper for gifting or presentation. You could also arrange them on a wooden board, dusted lightly with powdered sugar, perfect for sharing during cozy get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and chewy without drying out.
Freezing
To freeze, place individual cookies on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a sealed freezer-safe container or bag. This way, they can last up to 3 months without losing their deliciousness.
Reheating
Warm the cookies briefly in the microwave or oven to bring back that fresh-baked softness and to revive the vanilla glaze’s shine. Just 10-15 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes at 300ºF works wonders.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of browning it?
While you can use regular melted butter, browning it adds a toasty, nutty layer of flavor that really makes this Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe stand out. It’s worth the extra few minutes!
What if I don’t have nutmeg for the streusel?
You can skip the nutmeg if needed, or substitute a pinch of allspice or cloves. Nutmeg adds warmth, but the cinnamon and brown sugar still create a lovely coffee cake flavor.
How large should I scoop the cookie dough?
Use about 1-inch diameter scoops. This size gives the perfect balance of a soft inside and a browned outer edge with room for the streusel topping.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just be sure to check that your baking soda and other ingredients meet your dietary needs.
Will the cookies keep well without the vanilla glaze?
Absolutely! The glaze adds sweetness and moisture but the cookies are delicious on their own, especially when fresh out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite indulgences to share — there’s nothing quite like the cozy, warmly spiced bite of coffee cake paired with a cookie’s perfect chew. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own little moment of comfort and joy. Once you taste them, you’ll see why they’re a dream for any coffee or cookie lover!
Print
Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 cookies
Description
Indulge in the perfect cozy treat with these Coffee Cake Cookies, inspired by the beloved Gilmore Girls. Featuring a rich browned butter cookie base, a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping, and a sweet vanilla glaze, these cookies bring the comforting flavors of coffee cake into a delightful handheld form. Perfect paired with your favorite cup of coffee for a warming snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Base:
- 1 stick butter, browned
- 160g all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp Morton’s Kosher salt
- 75g granulated sugar
- 85g packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Streusel Topping:
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 60g all-purpose flour
- 100g brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Vanilla Glaze:
- 115g confectioner’s sugar
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: In a light-colored pan over medium heat, melt the cubed butter and stir continuously with a wooden or rubber spoon. Allow it to foam and sizzle, then cook for another 5-8 minutes until the butter turns golden brown and emits a toasty, nutty aroma. Remove immediately from heat and transfer to a heat-proof container to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Preheat the oven to 375ºF. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. In a medium bowl, beat the browned butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and mix until just combined. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, scraping down the sides to ensure an even mix.
- Form and Chill Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Freeze the dough balls for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Make the Streusel: Combine nutmeg, cinnamon, brown sugar, flour, and salt in a bowl. Add melted butter and mix with a fork until the mixture resembles wet sand with clumps.
- Assemble Cookies: Remove dough balls from freezer and using a floured metal spoon, press the back of the spoon into each ball to create a small crater. Spoon the streusel topping into each crater, gently pressing the topping onto the dough.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until just set. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: Whisk confectioner’s sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the cooled cookies. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use a light-colored pan to better monitor the browning of the butter to prevent burning.
- Freezing the dough balls before baking helps maintain shape and improves texture.
- The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and milk with almond or oat milk.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
