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Ultimate Soft Coffee Cake Cookies with Cinnamon Streusel and Vanilla Glaze

Close-up of three stacked coffee cake cookies with a thick, drizzled vanilla glaze.

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Make soft, chewy cookies that capture the flavor of classic coffee cake, complete with a buttery cinnamon streusel topping and a simple vanilla glaze. These bakery-style cookies are perfect for brunch or your morning coffee break.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • For the Cinnamon Streusel:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • For the Vanilla Glaze:
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Place the streusel in the refrigerator while you prepare the cookie dough.
  2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  5. Assemble the Cookies: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheets, leaving space between them. Gently press the dough balls down slightly.
  6. Top each cookie mound generously with the chilled cinnamon streusel mixture. Press the streusel lightly into the top of the dough.
  7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers should still look soft.
  8. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add milk, a half teaspoon at a time. If it is too thin, add more powdered sugar.
  10. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the tops. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Notes

  • For a true ‘Gilmore Girls coffee cake cookies’ experience, use high-quality vanilla extract.
  • You can make the streusel topping ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • These buttery crumb cookies freeze well before baking; place scoops on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.

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