Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel and Vanilla Glaze Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel and Vanilla Glaze Recipe because it combines the best of both worlds: the moist, tender crumb of coffee cake and the delightful portability of a cookie. When I first tried baking these, I was immediately hooked by how the cinnamon streusel melts into the dough, creating those perfect pockets of sweet, crumbly goodness that just explode with flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re making these for a cozy weekend brunch or an afternoon coffee break, they always bring a little extra joy to the table. Plus, the vanilla glaze on top adds just enough sweetness and shine to make them look as good as they taste—trust me, your friends and family will be asking for the recipe once they try these!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel and Vanilla Glaze Recipe plays an important role, from providing structure to layering flavor and texture. I always recommend using fresh, high-quality butter and pure vanilla extract to get the best results.

• All purpose flour: Essential for the cookie base and the streusel, use a spoon-and-level method for accurate measuring.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich caramel flavor, both in dough and streusel.
• Cinnamon: Brings warmth to the streusel and dough, key for that classic coffee cake taste.
• Butter, unsalted: Use softened butter for the streusel and cold butter cubes for creaming in the dough to ensure proper texture.
• Cake flour: Adds tenderness to the cookie crumb—don’t substitute with all-purpose flour for best results.
• Cornstarch: Helps achieve a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Both work together to help the cookie rise just right.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with structure in the dough.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth in both dough and glaze.
• Egg and egg yolk: Provide richness and moisture, making the dough soft and chewy.
• Heavy cream or milk: Used in the glaze for smoothness and to thin it to the perfect drizzling consistency.
• Powdered sugar: The base of the vanilla glaze for that sweet finishing touch.

Variations

I love how flexible this Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel and Vanilla Glaze Recipe is—you easily can make it your own with simple tweaks to the streusel or glaze. Don’t be shy to experiment! It’s always fun to mix it up for holidays or personal preferences.

• Add Nuts: I like to toss in chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for added crunch and a toasty flavor, which gives the cookies a bit more texture and depth.
• Coconut Streusel: For a tropical twist, shredded coconut mixed into the streusel adds pleasant chewiness and a hint of natural sweetness.
• Glaze Variations: Swap vanilla for almond extract in the glaze for a different aroma and taste that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon.
• Mini Cookies: Make smaller-sized cookies to serve at parties as bite-sized treats—just reduce baking time by a few minutes and watch closely.

How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel and Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Filling

Start by mixing all your streusel dry ingredients—flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt—in a medium bowl. Then, work in the softened butter with your fingers until you get small clumps of crumbly goodness. This hands-on step is so satisfying and ensures that nice crumbly texture in your cookies. Pop the streusel in the fridge while you prep the dough—it firms up and is easier to scoop later.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

Next, whisk together your dry ingredients for the dough: both flours, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl—set aside. Then, cream your cold butter cubes with brown and granulated sugar using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated. Don’t forget to scrape sides with a spatula to avoid any unblended bits.

Step 3: Combine and Shape Your Cookies

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the butter mixture in batches, mixing until just combined. The dough will feel soft and a tad sticky—that’s perfect. Using a scoop or your hands, roll dough into about 8 large balls (or more if you want smaller cookies). Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Then, use your thumb or a utensil dipped in flour (I like my wooden juicer stick for this—it works wonders) to press a small well into the center of each cookie. Fill each well with a generous tablespoon of that chilled streusel.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 400°F for about 8-11 minutes. Watch for cookie edges to set and turn lightly golden; they’ll continue to firm up on the baking sheet after removal. Here’s a trick I learned: Remove them a little before they look completely done to keep them from drying out. For perfect circles, try the “spin” method once out of the oven—place a glass or cookie cutter around each warm cookie and gently spin to smooth edges.

Step 5: Drizzle the Vanilla Glaze

While your cookies cool on a wire rack, whisk together melted butter, heavy cream or milk, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle over the glaze in a zigzag pattern. This finishing touch takes the Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel and Vanilla Glaze Recipe to the next level—sweet, glossy, and irresistible.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel and Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnish simple because the streusel and glaze already make these cookies shine. But sometimes I’ll sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or finely chopped toasted nuts on top right after glazing for a rustic, inviting look and a bit of crunch.

Side Dishes

These cookies go perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea—hence the name, right? For brunch, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream, which balances out the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these cookies on tiered dessert trays surrounded by fresh berries and mint leaves. Another fun idea is to place a single cookie atop mini dessert plates with a shot of espresso on the side—an elegant and delicious treat for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay fresh for up to three days. Keep them in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking or crumbling.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling, I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and stash them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When I’m ready for a sweet treat, I just thaw a few at room temperature for an hour.

Reheating

To revive frozen cookies, I pop them in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes. The slight crisp on the outside returns, and the inside stays soft and luscious, almost like they were freshly baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Coffee Cake Cookies with Streusel and Vanilla Glaze Recipe has become one of my go-to recipes for gifting, entertaining, or just enjoying a little homemade luxury with my morning coffee. They’re simple enough to make on a weekday but special enough to bring smiles at any gathering. I hope you give this recipe a try—you’re going to love how the warm cinnamon, buttery streusel, and sweet glaze come together. It’s like having your favorite coffee cake in cookie form! Happy baking, friend!

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