Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Crumb Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that feels like your favorite morning coffee cake but in a perfectly portable cookie form, you’re going to adore this Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Crumb Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies blend that classic cinnamon crumb topping with a soft, chewy cookie base, finished off with a delicate cinnamon glaze that makes each bite feel like a warm hug. When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked—not just because they taste amazing, but because they’re surprisingly easy to make. Keep reading and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to nail these cookies every time.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Crumb Recipe, I stick to pantry basics that come together to create that nostalgic coffee cake flavor and crumbly topping. A few tips: use room temperature eggs for a smooth batter and opt for unsalted butter so you can control the salt content better.

• Butter: Use unsalted, softened butter to get a fluffy cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and richness to both dough and crumb topping.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps balance sweetness and texture.
• Egg and Egg Yolk: Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily for a silky dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cookie flavor.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work together for the right rise and chew.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, don’t skip it!
• Cinnamon: The star spice that ties the whole coffee cake experience together.
• Cornstarch: Helps keep the cookies soft and tender.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for the dough and crumb topping.
• Powdered Sugar: For the glaze that adds a sweet finishing touch.
• Milk: Just a splash to thin the glaze for easy drizzling.

Variations

I love playing around with this Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Crumb Recipe to match the season or my mood. You’re totally welcome to do the same—whether it means swapping out spices or making them a little healthier, there’s room to get creative.

• Gluten-Free: I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend with great results—just be sure to check your blend for xanthan gum.
• Nutty Twist: Sometimes I toss in chopped pecans or walnuts to add crunch and a nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
• Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the crumb topping can elevate the flavor and surprise your taste buds.
• Less Sweet: For a less sweet option, cut back on the powdered sugar in the glaze or skip the drizzle altogether; the crumb topping is flavorful enough on its own.

How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Crumb Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars until Fluffy

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper—trust me, it makes cleanup a breeze. In your mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key because it creates air pockets that give the cookies that delicate crumb and chewiness. Don’t rush—take your time getting that perfect fluff.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla for Smoothness

Next, add in your room temperature whole egg, extra yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed just until everything is smooth and combined. Pro tip: beating on too high a speed here can incorporate unwanted air and make your dough harder to shape later, so take it slow and steady.

Step 3: Carefully Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Now add baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cornstarch, and all-purpose flour. I like to add these gradually and mix on low, stopping when I still see a little bit of flour around the bowl rather than overmixing. This is what I learned from experience—overworking the dough can make the cookies tough instead of tender and chewy. You’ll see tiny bits of flour, and that’s perfectly fine.

Step 4: Shape and Indent Your Cookie Dough Balls

Scoop out dough balls about 3 tablespoons each—that size is perfect for these cookies. Place six per baking sheet, giving them enough space to spread. Here’s a trick: use the back of your cookie scoop or your fingers to gently press an indentation in each dough ball. This little well will hold the delicious crumb topping so it doesn’t slide off during baking. It’s just one of those small touches that make a big difference.

Step 5: Make and Add the Cinnamon Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt for your crumb topping. Then, combine with softened butter using a fork or your fingers until it clumps together into a crumbly mixture. Take a generous handful and press it firmly into the indentation on each dough ball. This topping bakes up golden and crunchy—just like your favorite coffee cake crumb.

Step 6: Bake and Shape with Care

Bake the cookies for 9 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. As soon as they’re out of the oven, gently run a spoon or spatula around each cookie to round out their shape while still warm. This keeps them looking perfect and inviting. Then, let them cool completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 7: Drizzle the Cinnamon Glaze and Enjoy

To finish, whisk powdered sugar with a good sprinkle of cinnamon and 1 or 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and drizzle-worthy—it should be thick but pourable. I usually use a spoon or a small piping bag to drizzle the glaze artistically over the cooled cookies. This glaze is what really ties the whole Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Crumb Recipe together, giving it that lush, sweet finish you crave. Then sit back, take a bite, and enjoy—these cookies disappear fast in my house!

How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Crumb Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve these cookies, I love adding just a tiny extra sprinkle of cinnamon over the glaze to amp up the spice aroma. Sometimes I dust a little powdered sugar on top for a snowy look that’s festive and pretty. Freshly ground nutmeg sprinkled lightly on the crumb topping before baking also gives them a warm spice note that my family can’t get enough of.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine on their own but I like pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to echo their flavors. For brunch, a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt on the side complements the cinnamon richness beautifully. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears also makes a lovely, refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy gathering, I’ve arranged these cookies on a wooden board with cinnamon sticks and little bowls of extra glaze for dipping—guests love customizing their bites. Around the holidays, I tie a few cookies with rustic twine and place them in small gift boxes—it’s such a sweet homemade gift! You can also stack several with parchment paper in between to create a cookie “cake” centerpiece that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Crumb Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I like to place parchment paper between layers to keep the crumb topping intact and prevent sticking. This method keeps them soft and tender, just like freshly baked.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing both unbaked cookie dough balls and fully baked cookies. For dough, freeze balls on a tray for a few hours then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months—bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too; just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To refresh leftover cookies, I pop them in a 300°F oven for around 5 minutes to bring back that just-baked softness and warmth. Avoid microwaving as it can turn them a bit gummy. For frozen baked cookies, thaw first then warm gently in the oven for best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Crumb Recipe is one of those gems I love having in my back pocket when I want something that tastes indulgent but doesn’t take hours to make. It’s cozy, cinnamony, and a little nostalgic—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time. If you try it, I’d bet you’ll come back to making these again and again, just like my family and I do!

Print