Good morning, cookie lovers! Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with these irresistible coffee cake cookies. They’re the perfect blend of soft, buttery cookie and crumbly coffee cake topping, making them the ultimate morning indulgence.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of soft cookie base and crumbly topping mimics the beloved texture of traditional coffee cake.
- Using brown sugar in the cookie dough adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with coffee.
- The cinnamon streusel topping is generously applied, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- These cookies are incredibly versatile, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a midday snack.
- They’re easy to make, requiring no fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- For the streusel topping: 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. The mixture should look pale and creamy, a sign that it’s properly creamed.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract. The vanilla not only adds flavor but also enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
Step 4: Fold in Sour Cream
Gently fold in the sour cream until the dough is uniform. The sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
Step 5: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Generously sprinkle each with streusel topping. Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
Tips and Tricks
For the best results, ensure your butter is truly softened to room temperature before creaming. Cold butter won’t incorporate as well, leading to uneven cookies. When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing too much flour into your cookies. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the streusel topping. These spices complement the cinnamon beautifully.
Recipe Variations
- Add a glaze: Drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze for extra sweetness.
- Chocolate chips: Mix a half cup of chocolate chips into the dough for a chocolatey twist.
- Nutty crunch: Stir in a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Fruit filling: Press a small indentation into each cookie before baking and fill with jam or fruit preserves.
- Espresso powder: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough for a more intense coffee flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls and streusel topping separately, then bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain yogurt can be a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe. Just make sure it’s full-fat for the best texture and flavor. Greek yogurt will also work but may make the dough a bit thicker.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Cookies can spread if the butter is too soft or if the dough is too warm before baking. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes if your kitchen is particularly warm. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh, as it can lose its potency over time.
Summary
These coffee cake cookies are a delightful twist on the classic coffee cake, perfect for any time of day. With their soft texture, crumbly topping, and irresistible flavor, they’re sure to become a new favorite.