© Original Recipe By Megan May ©
🍪☕️ Delectable Coffee Cake Cookies: The Perfect Easy Thanksgiving Dessert
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a stunning way to elevate your Thanksgiving dessert table, look no further than these irresistible coffee cake cookies. Combining the rich aroma of coffee cake with the delightful portability of cookies, this treat offers a flavorful experience that will delight all your guests. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie swirled with cinnamon and topped with a crumbly streusel—truly a comforting fall favorite in cookie form.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Minimal prep and simple steps mean you can whip these up quickly, leaving more time for family and festivities.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving: These cookies incorporate classic flavors like cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter, making them a fitting Thanksgiving treat.
- Portable and shareable: Serve them on a platter or gift them to friends—these cookies are as versatile as they are delectable.
- Customizable: Add nuts or a drizzle of glaze for an extra special touch.
3. Ingredient Notes
To craft the ultimate coffee cake cookies, high-quality ingredients are essential. Use genuine unsalted butter for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth feel, and choose fresh cinnamon for an aromatic punch. Light brown sugar adds a subtle caramel note, enhancing the coffee cake flavor profile.
For the streusel topping, blend all-purpose flour with cold butter and cinnamon until it resembles coarse crumbs. A splash of vanilla extract in the dough and streusel can amplify the comforting scents and flavors. Opt for fresh eggs to bind everything beautifully, and consider using high-grade vanilla extract for added depth.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer in Scorched Orange is perfect for mixing the buttery cookie dough and crumbly streusel effortlessly, saving you time and effort. For baking, a reliable T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures even heat distribution, preventing sticking and burning. An accurate Ninja Smart Double Oven with FlexDoor Technology simplifies baking multiple trays at once, ideal for larger gatherings. These tools will help you achieve bakery-quality results with ease.
5. How to Make Delectable Coffee Cake Cookies
Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming together softened butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add a splash of vanilla extract, then mix in eggs one at a time—you want a smooth, glossy batter that smells sweet and inviting.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough should be soft but manageable—be careful not to overmix, or the cookies can turn tough.
Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine flour, cold diced butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until coarse crumbs form. The topping should look like a crumble—crispy and fragrant.
Assemble and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with the streusel topping. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the topping is crispy. The smell alone will make your kitchen feel festive!
6. Expert Tips for Success
Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking; it helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor. Use fresh cinnamon for the best aroma, and don’t skip the streusel—it’s what makes these cookies resembling coffee cake! Keep an eye on baking time; overbaked cookies lose their tender texture, so start checking around the 10-minute mark. To keep cookies soft, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but they’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
7. Variations & Substitutions
- For nut lovers: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping for added crunch and flavor.
- Vegan option: Use dairy-free butter and substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water.
- Gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend for a delicious allergy-friendly version.
- Flavor twist: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the dough for an extra coffee punch.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze them in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in a 350°F oven for a fresh-baked feel, or warm in an air fryer—try the Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer for quick, even warming that maintains their crispy edges.
9. FAQ
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dough, refrigerate it overnight, then scoop and bake fresh the day of serving for optimized flavor and freshness.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Shape the dough into balls, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen—adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
What makes these cookies taste like coffee cake?
The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and crumbly streusel mimics the flavors and textures of classic coffee cake, but in a more portable, cookie form.
Can I add more toppings?
Definitely! Drizzle with a vanilla glaze or dust with powdered sugar for a delightful finishing touch.
10. Conclusion
These coffee cake cookies are a festive, flavorful way to add a homemade touch to your holiday dessert spread. With their tender crumb, crunchy streusel, and inviting aroma, they embody the warm spirit of Thanksgiving. Whether you serve them at a family gathering or gift them as sweet favors, this easy recipe is sure to become a new tradition. Happy baking!
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Delectable Coffee Cake Cookies Easy Thanksgiving Dessert
A sweet, cinnamon-spiced cookie with a crumbly streusel topping and glaze for added richness.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup milk
- For streusel: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
- Glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla to the butter mixture; beat until combined.
- Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Prepare streusel by combining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter; mix until crumbly.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, sprinkle with streusel.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to make glaze; drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg