8 Spectacular Coffee Cake Cookies Recipes That Will Amaze Your Taste Buds

Coffee cake cookies represent the perfect marriage between traditional coffee cake – with its moist crumb and delicious streusel topping – and the convenient, handheld format of cookies. These delightful treats capture all the flavors and textures you love about coffee cake while being easier to serve, store, and enjoy on the go. As someone who has spent years exploring the world of coffee-infused baked goods, I’m thrilled to share these eight spectacular coffee cake cookie recipes that will elevate your baking game and impress anyone lucky enough to taste them.

Each recipe offers a unique twist on the classic coffee cake profile, incorporating elements like cinnamon streusel, fruit additions, or flavor variations that complement the coffee notes. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee, or simply craving a sweet treat with complexity and depth, these coffee cake cookies deliver satisfaction in every bite.

1. Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Cookies

The quintessential coffee cake cookie combines a tender, buttery base with the unmistakable flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar. These cookies feature a soft, cake-like interior and are topped with a crunchy, sweet streusel that creates a delightful textural contrast. The generous amount of cinnamon in both the cookie dough and topping gives these treats their characteristic warmth and aroma, reminiscent of traditional coffee cake.

What makes these cookies truly special is how they capture the essence of coffee cake in a compact form. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, while the streusel topping adds that satisfying crunch that coffee cake enthusiasts crave. These classic cinnamon streusel coffee cake cookies pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea and make an excellent option for breakfast on the go or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients for Cookie Base:

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules (optional for enhanced coffee flavor)

Ingredients for Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Ingredients for Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Prepare the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.
2. Make the cookie dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. If using instant coffee granules, dissolve them in 1 tablespoon of hot water and let cool.
3. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, dissolved coffee (if using), and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
5. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
7. Preheat and prepare: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Shape cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Add streusel: Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each cookie, lightly pressing it into the dough.
10. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still appear slightly soft.
11. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Glaze (optional): Whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and allow to set before serving.

2. Blueberry Crumble Coffee Cake Cookies

 

Blueberry coffee cake has long been a beloved breakfast treat, and these cookies transform that classic into a portable delight. The addition of fresh or dried blueberries to the cookie dough infuses these treats with bursts of fruity flavor that perfectly complement the warm spices and sweet crumble topping. The blueberries also add moisture and a beautiful purple-blue hue that makes these cookies visually striking.

The combination of tender cookie base, juicy blueberries, and buttery crumble creates a multi-dimensional taste experience that evokes memories of summer breakfasts and cozy cafés. These blueberry crumble coffee cake cookies are particularly wonderful during blueberry season when the fruit is at its peak sweetness, but they can be enjoyed year-round by using frozen or dried blueberries. The subtle tang of the berries creates a beautiful counterpoint to the sweetness of the cookie and crumble topping.

Ingredients for Cookie Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (or ¾ cup dried blueberries)

Ingredients for Crumble Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Ingredients for Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Make the crumble topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate while preparing the cookie dough.
2. Prepare the cookie dough: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
3. Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
5. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. Add blueberries: Gently fold in blueberries, being careful not to crush them if using fresh berries.
7. Chill the dough: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
8. Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
9. Shape cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
10. Add crumble: Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over each cookie, pressing it lightly into the dough.
11. Bake: Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
12. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and allow to set before serving.

3. Espresso Swirl Coffee Cake Cookies

For true coffee enthusiasts, these espresso swirl coffee cake cookies deliver an intense coffee experience that satisfies even the most discerning palates. These cookies feature a marbled effect created by swirling coffee-enhanced dough with vanilla dough, resulting in a beautiful pattern that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds. The addition of espresso powder gives these cookies a robust coffee flavor that perfectly complements the sweet streusel topping.

What sets these cookies apart is the careful balance between the bitter notes of espresso and the sweetness of the cookie base and topping. The complex flavor profile mirrors that of a perfectly crafted latte or cappuccino, making these cookies the ideal companion for your morning or afternoon coffee break. The marbled appearance also makes them an impressive addition to any cookie platter or bake sale, where they’re sure to stand out from more traditional offerings.

Ingredients for Cookie Base:

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
• 1 tablespoon hot water

Ingredients for Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder

Ingredients for Coffee Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon strongly brewed coffee, cooled
• 1 tablespoon milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Prepare espresso mixture: Dissolve 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder in 1 tablespoon of hot water. Let cool.
2. Make the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of espresso powder in the melted butter, then pour into the dry mixture. Mix with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.
3. Prepare the cookie dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
5. Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
6. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
7. Create marble effect: Divide the dough in half. To one half, add the dissolved espresso mixture and stir until fully incorporated. Drop alternating spoonfuls of vanilla and espresso dough into a large bowl, then gently swirl together with a knife or spatula, being careful not to overmix.
8. Chill the dough: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
9. Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
10. Shape cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of marbled dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
11. Add streusel: Sprinkle the espresso streusel topping over each cookie, pressing lightly into the dough.
12. Bake: Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still appear slightly soft.
13. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
14. Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, brewed coffee, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and allow to set before serving.

4. Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Cookies

The comforting combination of apples and cinnamon has long been a staple in coffee cake recipes, and these cookies capture that nostalgic flavor profile perfectly. These apple cinnamon coffee cake cookies feature small pieces of fresh apple folded into a cinnamon-spiced dough, creating pockets of juicy sweetness throughout. The streusel topping adds a buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender cookie base.

What makes these cookies special is how they evoke the feeling of autumn regardless of when they’re baked. The warming spices and fresh apple pieces create a homey, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake. These cookies are particularly wonderful during apple season when you can select from a variety of apple types – Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a combination for complexity. The natural moisture from the apples helps keep these cookies soft for days, though they rarely last that long before being devoured.

Ingredients for Cookie Base:

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup finely diced apples (about 1 medium apple, peeled)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Ingredients for Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Ingredients for Caramel Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Prepare the apples: Toss diced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.
2. Make the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour in melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.
3. Prepare the cookie dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
5. Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
6. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
7. Add apples: Gently fold in the diced apples, draining any excess liquid.
8. Chill the dough: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
9. Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
10. Shape cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
11. Add streusel: Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each cookie, pressing it lightly into the dough.
12. Bake: Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still appear slightly soft.
13. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
14. Make the caramel glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and enough milk to achieve a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over cooled cookies and allow to set before serving.

• 5. Maple Pecan Coffee Cake Cookies

  These decadent maple pecan coffee cake cookies bring together two flavors that naturally complement coffee: rich, buttery pecans and sweet maple syrup. The dough is infused with pure maple syrup and studded with toasted pecan pieces, creating a cookie with complex flavor and delightful texture. The brown sugar streusel topping adds sweetness and crunch, while a maple glaze provides the perfect finishing touch.

  What makes these cookies stand out is their sophisticated flavor profile that balances sweetness with nutty depth. The combination of maple and pecan creates a warm, inviting taste that evokes memories of cozy breakfasts and special occasion brunches. These cookies are particularly wonderful during the fall and winter months when their warming flavors are most appreciated, but they’re delicious year-round as an elevated treat to accompany your coffee or tea.

  Ingredients for Cookie Base:

  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted

  Ingredients for Streusel Topping:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup finely chopped pecans

  Ingredients for Maple Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
  • Pinch of salt

  Step-by-Step Preparation:

  1. Toast the pecans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Let cool completely before chopping.
  2. Make the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the cookie dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
  6. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  7. Add pecans: Gently fold in the chopped toasted pecans.
  8. Chill the dough: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  9. Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  10. Shape cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  11. Add streusel: Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping over each cookie, pressing it lightly into the dough.
  12. Bake: Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still appear slightly soft.
  13. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  14. Make the maple glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk or cream, and salt until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and allow to set before serving.

  6. Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake Cookies

  When autumn arrives, pumpkin spice becomes the flavor of the season, and these pumpkin spice coffee cake cookies capture that beloved taste in cookie form. These treats feature real pumpkin puree and a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, creating a soft, cake-like cookie with beautiful orange hue. The brown sugar streusel topping adds sweetness and texture, while a cream cheese glaze provides a tangy counterpoint.

  What makes these cookies special is how they incorporate the signature flavors of fall while maintaining the tender texture that coffee cake cookies are known for. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and a subtle earthy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spice blend. These cookies are perfect for Halloween gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert platters, or any autumn occasion when you want to offer something seasonal yet unique. Their comforting aroma will fill your home with the scent of fall as they bake.

  Ingredients for Cookie Base:

  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup sour cream

  Ingredients for Streusel Topping:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

  Ingredients for Cream Cheese Glaze:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  Step-by-Step Preparation:

  1. Make the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour in melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the cookie dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, then add pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix until well combined (mixture may look curdled, but this is normal).
  5. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  6. Chill the dough: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. The pumpkin makes this dough particularly soft, so chilling is essential.
  7. Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. Shape cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  9. Add streusel: Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each cookie, pressing it lightly into the dough.
  10. Bake: Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still appear slightly soft.
  11. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Make the cream cheese glaze: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar. Add milk and vanilla extract until you reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over cooled cookies and allow to set before serving.

  7. Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Cookies

  These chocolate chip coffee cake cookies combine two beloved classics – chocolate chip cookies and coffee cake – into one irresistible treat. The cookie base features the rich buttery flavor of traditional coffee cake enhanced with brown sugar and vanilla, while chocolate chips add bursts of melty sweetness throughout. The cinnamon streusel topping provides the signature coffee cake element, creating a cookie that satisfies multiple cravings at once.

  What makes these cookies special is their ability to bridge the gap between breakfast treat and dessert indulgence. The balanced combination of coffee cake elements with chocolate chips creates a versatile cookie that feels equally appropriate for morning coffee, afternoon tea, or evening dessert. These cookies have broad appeal, pleasing both coffee cake enthusiasts and chocolate lovers alike, making them an excellent choice for gatherings where you want to please a variety of palates.

  Ingredients for Cookie Base:

  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

  Ingredients for Streusel Topping:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

  Ingredients for Vanilla Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  Step-by-Step Preparation:

  1. Make the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly. Stir in mini chocolate chips. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the cookie dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
  5. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  6. Add chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
  7. Chill the dough: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  8. Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  9. Shape cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  10. Add streusel: Sprinkle the chocolate chip streusel topping over each cookie, pressing it lightly into the dough.
  11. Bake: Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still appear slightly soft.
  12. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  13. Make the vanilla glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and allow to set before serving.

  8. Cardamom Coffee Cake Cookies with Orange Glaze

  For a sophisticated twist on traditional coffee cake cookies, these cardamom-infused treats offer an exotic flavor profile that’s sure to impress. Cardamom, with its complex, slightly citrusy and spicy notes, pairs beautifully with the buttery cookie base while adding an unexpected dimension. The orange glaze provides a bright, citrusy complement that enhances the cardamom’s natural affinity for citrus flavors, creating a cookie that feels both familiar and distinctive.

  What makes these cookies special is their elegant flavor combination that elevates them beyond typical coffee cake cookies. The aromatic cardamom creates a sophisticated taste experience that appeals to adventurous palates while still maintaining the comforting qualities of traditional coffee cake. These cookies are perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want to offer something slightly unexpected yet thoroughly delicious. They pair exceptionally well with tea as well as coffee, making them versatile for various serving situations.

  Ingredients for Cookie Base:

  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cardamom
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon orange zest
  • ½ cup sour cream

  Ingredients for Streusel Topping:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

  Ingredients for Orange Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • ½ teaspoon orange zest
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

  Step-by-Step Preparation:

  1. Make the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the cookie dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cardamom, and cinnamon.
  3. Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, orange zest, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
  5. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  6. Chill the dough: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  7. Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. Shape cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon