As I pulled my cookies from the oven, the comforting aroma of cinnamon wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. These Chewy Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Crumb Topping encapsulate that nostalgic essence, combining a delightful chewy texture with the warmth of spices that feels like a warm hug. With quick prep time and a gluten-free option available, these cookies are not only a breeze to whip up but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re curling up with a cup of coffee or needing a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these treats will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Ready to bake something special that’s bound to impress? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!
Why are these cookies a must-try?
Irresistible aroma: Freshly baked, these cookies fill your kitchen with warm scents of cinnamon and vanilla, making your home feel cozy.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, everyone will love the unique twist of coffee cake brought into cookie form!
Quick prep: Busy schedule? These cookies come together in no time, making them an excellent choice for instant gratification.
Gluten-free option: Everyone can enjoy them with a simple swap for gluten-free flour, making these cookies inclusive.
Versatile flavors: Customize by adding chocolate chips or adjusting spices to match your personal taste – endless possibilities!
Feeling inspired? Don’t forget to check out our delicious Soft Chewy Simply for more cookie fun!
Coffee Cake Cookies Ingredients
• Let’s gather what we need to create these delightful treats!
For the Cookies
- Butter – Adds richness and moisture; use cold for the best texture.
- Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness and a rich, molasses flavor; coconut sugar can be a substitute.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure; no direct substitutes recommended.
- Egg – Binds ingredients and adds moisture; substitute with flaxseed eggs for vegan options.
- Egg Yolk – Enhances richness; can be omitted if using a full egg replacement.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; almond extract can be swapped for a unique twist.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent; use fresh for optimal results.
- Baking Soda – Helps cookies rise.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; measure accurately to avoid overly salty cookies.
- Cinnamon – Adds warm flavor; adjust to your taste.
- Cornstarch – Contributes to chewy texture; can be omitted for a denser cookie.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; replace with 1:1 gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
For the Crumb Topping
- Flour – Adds structure to the crumb; use gluten-free flour if necessary.
- Brown Sugar – Sweetens and adds moisture.
- Cinnamon – Enhances flavor; adjust according to your preference.
- Salt – Enhances sweetness and flavor depth.
- Butter – Binds the crumb mixture; should be softened for easy mixing.
For the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and smooth texture in the glaze; sugar alternative can be used for a lower-calorie version.
- Cinnamon – Optional flavor enhancement.
- Milk – Adds moisture and helps create a smooth glaze; can be substituted with non-dairy milk for vegan options.
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s bake some unforgettable Coffee Cake Cookies!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chewy Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Crumb Topping
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring they are ready for your delightful Chewy Coffee Cake Cookies. This simple preparation ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a stand mixer, add the cold butter along with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, resembling a soft cloud. The color should lighten, indicating that air is being incorporated, which sets the base for your chewy texture.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Once the butter and sugars are creamed, add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, letting the flavors meld together. Avoid overmixing at this stage to keep your cookies soft and tender. You’ll see a smooth batter forming, ready for the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the baking powder, baking soda, salt, cornstarch, and all-purpose flour into the batter. Mix on low speed until no dry flour remains, scraping the sides with a spatula if needed. This step is crucial as the flour helps give your Chewy Coffee Cake Cookies their structure while maintaining that chewy magic!
Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough into evenly sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart. Gently create small indentations in the center of each cookie using your thumb; this will hold your delicious crumb topping later on, enhancing both texture and flavor.
Step 6: Make the Crumb Topping
In a separate bowl, prepare the crumb topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and softened butter with a fork until the mixture is crumbly. It should resemble wet sand. Fill the indentations in the cookie dough with this crumbly mixture, ensuring each cookie is generously topped for that delightful crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Carefully place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9-12 minutes. Watch closely as the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft and slightly puffed. A perfect bake will yield cookies that have a beautiful contrast between the crispy edges and chewy heart, capturing the essence of coffee cake.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. This initial cooling will help them firm up. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they are perfectly set before glazing.
Step 9: Prepare the Glaze
To create the sweet finishing touch, whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. The glaze should be drizzleable but not too runny. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed to achieve that perfect drizzle over your cooled Chewy Coffee Cake Cookies.
Step 10: Drizzle and Serve
Once your cookies have cooled fully, drizzle the glaze over each cookie, allowing it to set slightly. This sweet topping adds both flavor and an appealing finish to your Chewy Coffee Cake Cookies. Let them sit for a moment before serving, and enjoy these delightful treats with friends and family!
What to Serve with Chewy Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Crumb Topping
These delightful cookies create the perfect opportunity to enjoy a tasty meal or snack pairing, enhancing every moment spent savoring them.
- Bold Coffee: A strong cup of freshly brewed coffee beautifully complements the warm spices and sweetness of the cookies, enhancing your indulgence.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful chill and richness, contrasting beautifully with the cookie’s chewy texture.
- Warm Apple Cider: The spiced notes in warm apple cider pair flawlessly, creating a cozy drink that warms you from the inside out.
- Chocolate Milk: For a fun twist, serve these cookies with chocolate milk to satisfy both kids and adults while adding a nostalgic touch.
- Mixed Berry Compote: Drizzle a tangy berry compote over the cookies, lending a fresh note that balances the sweetness and adds vibrant color.
- Nutty Granola Parfaits: Layer your cookies in parfaits with yogurt and granola for an inviting breakfast option, combining textures and flavors harmoniously.
Imagine indulging in these comforting treats while sipping your favorite beverage, enveloped in warmth and happiness – the perfect experience!
Coffee Cake Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you explore these delightful variations for your Coffee Cake Cookies!
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies accessible to everyone.
- Vegan: Substitute eggs with flaxseed eggs and butter with coconut oil. These adjustments will keep the chewy texture while being plant-based!
- Chocolate Lovers: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, chocolatey twist that pairs perfectly with the coffee cake flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and added depth of flavor in each bite. The nuts enhance both texture and taste.
- Spicy Kick: Feel adventurous by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger for a unique, spicy variation. It’s a delightful surprise with the cinnamon!
- Glaze Alternatives: Try a simple vanilla glaze instead of the traditional icing by mixing powdered sugar with vanilla and milk for a different flavor experience.
- Mini Cookies: For bite-sized treats, scoop smaller balls of dough and reduce the baking time. These little delights are perfect for parties or as a sweet snack!
- Seasonal Spice: Adjust the spices according to the season! Experiment with pumpkin pie spice in autumn or a hint of peppermint extract during the holidays for a festive touch.
Explore these tempting variations to create your signature Chewy Coffee Cake Cookies! If you’re looking for more cookie recipes that satisfy cravings, don’t miss our irresistible Soft Chewy Simply or a classic favorite!
How to Store and Freeze Coffee Cake Cookies
Airtight Container: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for the best freshness and taste.
Refrigeration: If you need them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week. Just be sure to keep them sealed!
Freezing: Freeze Coffee Cake Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They’ll last for 2-3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your cookies warm, reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. They’ll taste freshly baked again!
Expert Tips for Coffee Cake Cookies
- Cold Butter Advantage: Use cold butter to maintain the cookies’ chewy texture. Room temperature butter can lead to flat cookies, so keep it chilled!
- Ingredient Measurement: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level off with a knife for accuracy. This simple technique prevents your Coffee Cake Cookies from turning dense.
- Mix with Care: Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies. Mix until just combined for the perfect chewy bite.
- Cool Before Glazing: Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the glaze. This ensures the glaze sets beautifully without sliding off.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days, or freeze it for three months. Fresh cookies are just a bake away!
Make Ahead Options
These Chewy Coffee Cake Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by chilling it in the refrigerator; simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months — just scoop the dough onto baking sheets and flash freeze them before transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; simply add an extra minute to the baking time. For the crumb topping, you can mix it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to sprinkle it on right before baking for that delightful crunch! These prep-ahead strategies not only save you time during busy weeknights but also ensure your cookies come out just as delicious when you’re ready to serve them.
Chewy Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Crumb Topping Recipe FAQs
What should I look for in selecting the right ingredients?
Absolutely! When choosing your ingredients, prioritize freshness—particularly for your baking powder and baking soda, as expired leavening agents can compromise your cookies. For butter, use the cold variety to achieve that perfect chewy texture. If opting for gluten-free, select a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best results.
How should I store leftover cookies, and how long will they last?
Store your Chewy Coffee Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness. If you’re extending their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they’re sealed well, as cookies can easily absorb odors!
Can I freeze these cookies, and what’s the best way to do it?
Very! To freeze your cookies, first let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for 2-3 months in the freezer. Just reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes when you’re ready to enjoy!
What if my cookies didn’t turn out chewy? Any troubleshooting tips?
If your cookies came out less chewy than expected, there could be a few reasons. First, make sure your butter was cold when you started—warm butter leads to flat cookies. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop too much gluten. If your cookies tend to spread too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Are these cookies suitable for people with dietary restrictions, like gluten intolerance?
Absolutely! You can easily make these Chewy Coffee Cake Cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that all your other ingredients are also gluten-free, particularly the baking powder and any flavored extracts. Always check labels for cross-contamination if you’re baking for someone with severe allergies.
Chewy Coffee Cake Cookies That Will Wow Your Taste Buds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the cold butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix on low until just combined.
- Gradually incorporate the baking powder, baking soda, salt, cornstarch, and all-purpose flour until no dry flour remains.
- Scoop the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, creating small indentations.
- Prepare the crumb topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and softened butter until crumbly.
- Fill the indentations in the cookie dough with the crumb topping mixture.
- Bake for 9-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, and milk for the glaze until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies and let them set before serving.
