Delectable Coffee Cake Cookies for Thanksgiving

© Original Recipe By Serena’s Flavor Lab ©

🎉 Delectable Coffee Cake Cookies for Thanksgiving: The Perfect Holiday Treat ☕🍰

1. Introduction

Imagine biting into a warm, aromatic coffee cake cookie that combines the crumbly, cinnamon-scented joy of a classic coffee cake with the handheld convenience of cookies. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering, these coffee cake bars are a delightful twist on traditional holiday desserts. They’re rich, buttery, with a hint of spice, and topped with a sweet streusel that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at something new, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 30 minutes: Quick to prepare and perfect for last-minute festivities.
• One-bowl simplicity: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your celebration.
• Homemade comfort: Combines the cozy flavors of coffee cake with the fun of cookie eating.
• Versatile: Great as a sweet snack, dessert, or gift for neighbors and friends.

3. Ingredient Notes

Choosing quality ingredients truly elevates these coffee cake cookies. Use high-quality unsalted butter for a rich, tender crumb. Ground cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg add warm, aromatic flavors reminiscent of a freshly baked coffee cake. For an extra burst of flavor, consider using vanilla extract or a splash of almond extract.

The streusel topping calls for all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Chilling the butter before mixing creates that irresistible crumbly texture. For added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top.

For the best results, opt for fresh eggs and pure vanilla extract. These small details make a big difference in achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

4. Kitchen Tools You Need

Creating these delectable coffee cake cookies is a breeze with the right tools. A reliable KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer simplifies mixing the dough and preparing the streusel. The Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer can be used for quick baking if you want a faster, energy-efficient option. For storing leftovers, a set like the JoyJolt Airtight Glass Food Storage Set keeps your cookies fresh and crunchy.

5. How to Make Delectable Coffee Cake Cookies for Thanksgiving

Prepare the Streusel Topping

Start by combining 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of cold butter cut into small cubes. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Chill the streusel in the fridge while you prepare the dough.

Make the Cookie Dough

In your stand mixer, beat together 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, along with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix until just combined. The dough should be soft but manageable.

Assemble and Bake

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Sprinkle the chilled streusel generously over each cookie. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the topping is bubbly. The aroma of cinnamon and sugar will fill your kitchen, making it impossible to resist.

6. Expert Tips for Success

• Chill the streusel: Ensures it stays crispy and crumbly during baking.
• Measure ingredients accurately: For the perfect texture, use a kitchen scale or measured cups carefully.
• Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough can make cookies tough; mix just until the ingredients come together.
• Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on cookies around the 12-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

7. Variations & Substitutions

Make these coffee cake cookies suited to your dietary needs. Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version, or use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a lower glycemic option. For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flaxseed or applesauce. Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.

8. Storage & Reheating

Once cooled, store your coffee cake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze cookies in a zip-top bag or container for up to 1 month. To enjoy leftovers, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 3-5 minutes until warm and crispy.

9. FAQ

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the cookie dough and streusel, then refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh on the day of your celebration for the best experience.

Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough?

Yes, shape the dough into balls, freeze on a sheet, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What makes these cookies taste like coffee cake?

The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and streusel topping mimics the flavors of classic coffee cake, while the cookie base offers a portable, crunchy counterpart.

10. Conclusion

These coffee cake cookies are a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table. With their perfect blend of cinnamon-spiced crumb and buttery cookie base, they’re sure to impress your family and friends. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, they’re the ultimate holiday treat to savor and share!

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