If you adore the cozy, cinnamon-swirled goodness of coffee cake and crave the convenient hand-held charm of cookies, you are about to meet your new obsession: the Streusel-Stuffed Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe. This delightful treat combines the best of two worlds—a tender, buttery cookie exterior with a sweet, crunchy streusel center, all topped with a luscious glaze. Each bite offers a wonderful balance of soft textures and crisp topping that makes mornings brighter, coffee breaks sweeter, and gatherings simply memorable. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be reaching for this recipe over and over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients for this Streusel-Stuffed Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a critical role in creating that perfect taste and texture. From the rich, creamy butter to the fragrant cinnamon, every component adds a unique layer that transforms humble ingredients into a spectacular treat.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for tender cookies and a sturdy streusel base.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep molasses notes and moisture to both dough and streusel.
- Cinnamon: Infuses warm, spicy sweetness—essential for that coffee cake vibe.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Used in various forms for richness and flakiness, both softened and cold for perfect dough and streusel texture.
- Cake flour: Creates a delicately soft crumb in the cookies.
- Cornstarch: Adds a tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality to the cookies.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give the right rise and softness.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar with a bit of crispness when baked.
- Vanilla extract: Lifts and deepens all the flavors beautifully.
- Egg and egg yolk: Provide structure and richness for the dough.
- Heavy cream or milk: Used in the glaze for that perfect silky finish.
- Powdered sugar: The star of the sweet vanilla glaze that crowns these cookies.
How to Make Streusel-Stuffed Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Filling
First things first, let’s make the magic inside. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Then, work in the softened butter until you get crumbly clusters—this mixture is your streusel filling. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you work on the cookie dough. This step ensures the streusel stays perfectly chunky and flavorful when baked.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. A hot oven is crucial here for that golden edge and soft center combination that makes this recipe so divine.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This mix forms the base of the cookie dough, guaranteeing a soft yet structured cookie that holds together beautifully around the streusel filling.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the cold butter cubes with the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is key—it traps air that helps the cookies rise and keeps them tender and light.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The eggs add richness and moisture, while the vanilla introduces a sweet fragrant note that’s hard to resist.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet blend, mixing just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so keep it gentle and do it with love.
Step 7: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Roll the dough into balls and press an indent in the center of each one. Spoon a generous amount of that chilly streusel filling into each cavity—don’t be shy, this is where the magic happens!
Step 8: Bake and Shape
Bake the cookies until their edges are set and golden, usually about 10-12 minutes. When they come out, you can optionally use a cookie cutter to shape them while they’re still warm—a step that makes presentation fun and tidy.
Step 9: Cool and Glaze
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, cream (or milk), and a pinch of salt to create a smooth glaze, and drizzle it over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag. The glaze adds that perfect finishing touch of sweet creaminess that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Streusel-Stuffed Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a gorgeous presentation, drizzle with extra glaze and sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or crushed nuts on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can also mimic the feel of a morning coffee cake. It’s those little touches that make these cookies feel extra special.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte, making them ideal for brunches or afternoon tea. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn them into a dessert-worthy treat too.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies on a pretty plate and drizzle with warm caramel or chocolate sauce for parties. You can even serve them alongside fresh fruit or a cheese platter to add an unexpected sweet note to any snack spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The glaze might soften slightly but the cookies will remain tender and delicious, perfect for a quick grab-and-go treat.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop cookies into a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave briefly for about 10 seconds. This revives the buttery softness and gives the streusel a bit of that original crispness.
FAQs
Can I make the streusel filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the streusel filling a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the cookies. It actually helps develop flavors and keeps it perfectly crumbly.
What if I don’t have cake flour? Can I substitute something else?
If cake flour isn’t on hand, you can make a simple substitute by removing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour per cup and replacing it with the same amount of cornstarch. This helps mimic that tender texture cake flour provides.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
You can, but reduce or eliminate any extra salt added to the recipe to avoid over-salting. Unsalted butter allows more control over seasoning, but both work fine.
Can these cookies be made vegan or dairy-free?
With a few swaps like vegan butter, non-dairy milk, and an egg substitute, you can definitely experiment. The texture and flavor might differ slightly, but it’s a fun challenge for those with dietary restrictions.
Why do the cookies need both baking soda and baking powder?
Using both helps achieve the ideal texture: baking soda neutralizes acidity and aids browning, while baking powder gives a gentle lift, resulting in soft yet structured cookies that hold the streusel filling beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Streusel-Stuffed Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe enough. It’s the perfect blend of cozy coffee cake vibes with the ease and fun of cookies. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe will become a go-to favorite that sparks smiles and satisfies sweet cravings in the best way. So go ahead, try it out and watch these cookies disappear faster than you can say “yum.”
Print
Streusel-Stuffed Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Streusel-Stuffed Coffee Cake Cookies combine the delightful flavors and textures of a classic coffee cake and a soft, chewy cookie. Each bite reveals a cinnamon-sugar streusel filling nestled inside a tender, buttery cookie, finished with a light powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for breakfast treats, coffee breaks, or dessert, these cookies offer a deliciously moist and flavorful experience.
Ingredients
Streusel Filling
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch salt
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 3/4 cup cake flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
Icing
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 Tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Prepare the streusel filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Work in the 5 tablespoons softened butter with your fingers until small clumps form. Place the mixture in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the dough.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine dry ingredients for the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup cake flour, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer, place the 8 tablespoons cold cubed butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add 1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until incorporated and a dough forms; avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Form cookie dough balls: Scoop and roll the dough into individual balls. Make an indent in the center of each ball using your thumb or a small spoon to create space for the streusel filling.
- Fill with streusel and bake: Spoon a small amount of the chilled streusel mixture into the indentation of each dough ball. Place the filled cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden brown.
- Optional shaping: While the cookies are still warm, use a cookie cutter to gently shape them for a uniform appearance if desired.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies rest for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare and drizzle icing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, 1 cup sifted powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Using cake flour helps create a tender, soft cookie texture.
- Chilling the streusel filling before baking prevents it from melting completely into the dough.
- You can substitute milk for heavy cream in the icing for a lighter glaze.
- Ensure not to overmix the dough to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
