Name: Coffee Cake Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cinnamon Filling:; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1/3 cup light brown sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup cornstarch; Cookie Dough Base:; 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Streusel Topping:; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; Vanilla Glaze:; 1 cup powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Coffee Cake Cookies are the ultimate dessert mashup: soft, buttery cookies filled with a sweet cinnamon center, topped with a crumbly streusel and finished with a delicate vanilla glaze. These cookies take all the best parts of a classic coffee cake and turn them into portable, indulgent bites perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of coffee cake, you’re going to love these cookies. They’re soft and chewy with layers of texture and flavor—from the gooey cinnamon filling to the crisp streusel topping. They’re perfect for brunch, dessert tables, or cozy mornings with a cup of coffee. Best of all, they’re simple to make and deliver bakery-quality results at home.

Coffee Cake Cookies

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cinnamon filling:

unsalted butter, melted
light brown sugar
ground cinnamon
cornstarch

For the cookie dough base:

all-purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter, softened
light brown sugar
granulated sugar
large eggs
vanilla extract

For the streusel topping:

unsalted butter, melted
brown sugar, packed
granulated sugar
ground cinnamon
all-purpose flour

For the vanilla glaze:

powdered sugar
heavy cream
vanilla extract

Directions

Make the cinnamon filling: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Mix with a fork until fully combined. Measure into twelve ½-tablespoon portions, roll into balls, and place on a parchment-lined plate. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Make the cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Fold in the dry ingredients with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined.
Assemble the cookies: Use a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto the baking sheets (6 per sheet). Flatten each dough ball, place a cinnamon filling ball in the center, then fold the dough around it and roll into a smooth ball. Press each cookie gently to create a flat surface.
Make the streusel topping: Mix melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl until crumbly. Generously sprinkle over each cookie.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over warm cookies. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 cookies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 14 minutes
Total time: 34 minutes

Variations

Add nuts: Mix finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel for extra crunch.
Espresso twist: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cinnamon filling for a mocha flavor.
Pumpkin spice: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal variation.
Cream cheese glaze: Swap the vanilla glaze for a tangy cream cheese drizzle.
Mini version: Make smaller cookies using a 1½-tablespoon scoop and adjust the baking time to 9–11 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying. To warm them slightly, microwave each cookie for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely. Form the dough balls with the cinnamon filling inside and freeze them on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen with a couple of extra minutes added.

Do I need to chill the cookie dough?

No chilling is required in this recipe, making it quick and convenient.

What kind of cinnamon is best?

Ground Ceylon or cassia cinnamon both work, but cassia has a stronger, more classic “bakery” flavor.

Can I substitute the cornstarch in the filling?

Cornstarch helps thicken the filling. If needed, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute.

Why is there both brown and granulated sugar in the dough?

Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight chewiness, while granulated sugar contributes to a light, crisp texture.

Can I make these cookies smaller?

Yes, just use a smaller scoop and reduce the baking time accordingly. Make sure to adjust the cinnamon filling size too.

Are these cookies overly sweet?

They are sweet like traditional coffee cake, but the cinnamon filling and streusel are balanced by the mild vanilla glaze.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Make sure to completely seal the dough around the filling and roll it into a smooth ball before baking.

What’s the best way to drizzle the glaze?

Use a spoon or a small piping bag for more control. Drizzle while cookies are still slightly warm for a beautiful finish.

Conclusion

Coffee Cake Cookies are the perfect marriage of tender cookie, spiced filling, and buttery streusel—all topped with a creamy vanilla glaze. They’re as satisfying as they are impressive, making them a great choice for coffee dates, celebrations, or cozy nights in. Whether you’re a coffee cake lover or just craving something sweet and spiced, these cookies are a must-bake.