If you adore the creamy, coffee-kissed delight of the classic Italian dessert but want a fun, portable twist, this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine biting into a soft, tender cookie infused with espresso and mascarpone cream that captures all the luscious flavors of tiramisu in a handheld treat. These cookies are irresistibly rich yet perfectly balanced, making them a highlight at any gathering or a comforting solo indulgence. Let me walk you through how simple ingredients come together to create these dreamy Tiramisu Cookies Recipe that you’ll reach for time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the texture and flavor that make this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe so special. From the boldness of espresso powder to the smoothness of mascarpone, every element contributes to a harmonious, mouthwatering experience.
- All-purpose flour (1 2/3 cups / 200 grams): Provides the sturdy yet tender base for perfectly soft cookies.
- Confectioners’ sugar (1/3 cup / 40 grams): Adds gentle sweetness and light texture to the dough.
- Espresso powder (1 tablespoon): Brings that signature coffee aroma and slight bitterness for depth.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a little extra lift for a lighter bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness while enhancing flavor complexity.
- White sugar (1/2 cup / 100 grams): Provides sweetness and helps with tenderness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup / 113 grams), softened: Gives richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Large egg (room temperature): Binds all the ingredients and keeps the cookies tender.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Adds subtle aromatic warmth.
- Mascarpone cheese (8 ounces / 227 grams): The star ingredient, lending creamy, tangy decadence.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup / 118 grams): Whipped into a luscious topping to complete the tiramisu effect.
- Confectioners’ sugar (3/4 cup / 90 grams) for frosting: Sweetens and stabilizes the cream for spreading.
- Vanilla (1 teaspoon) for frosting: Enhances the mascarpone cream sweetness.
- Cocoa powder (1 tablespoon): Dusts the finished cookies like classic tiramisu cocoa topping.
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed so your cookies bake with consistent flavor and rise.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Egg
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter with white sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. This step builds the base of your cookie dough, making it tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies soft and chewy, just the way they should be.
Step 4: Chill and Scoop the Dough
Cover your dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to scoop. Once chilled, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 14 minutes or until the cookies are just set and slightly golden around the edges. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before adding the luscious mascarpone cream.
Step 6: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream
In a chilled bowl, whip together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. This mixture should be thick enough to spread but still light and airy.
Step 7: Assemble Your Tiramisu Cookies
Spread a generous dollop of the mascarpone cream onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie. Repeat for all cookies and dust the tops with cocoa powder for that authentic tiramisu finish.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Dusting your finished cookies with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or finely grated dark chocolate gives them an elegant, café-style look. You can also add a few coffee bean decorations or a tiny mint leaf for a fresh contrast.
Side Dishes
These Tiramisu Cookies Recipe treats pair beautifully with a hot espresso or a creamy cappuccino to double down on the Italian coffeehouse vibe. They’re also a lovely companion to a scoop of vanilla gelato or a bowl of fresh berries for a balanced dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them on a rustic wooden board with mini cups of coffee for a charming dessert display. For parties, try stacking them in a tiered cookie tower or arranging them on individual dessert plates with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Tiramisu Cookies refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain the freshness of the mascarpone filling. They will stay delicious for about 3 days, allowing flavors to meld even more beautifully after resting.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the cookie halves and mascarpone cream separately. Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap, freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before assembling to keep the texture pristine.
Reheating
Since these cookies are meant to be enjoyed chilled, reheating is not recommended. Instead, bring refrigerated cookies to room temperature before serving to enhance their flavor and soft texture without melting the cream.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder in the Tiramisu Cookies Recipe?
Yes, instant coffee can be a substitute, but be sure to use finely ground instant coffee to avoid a gritty texture. Espresso powder is preferred for its concentrated flavor and solubility.
How do I prevent the mascarpone cream from separating?
Make sure both the mascarpone and cream are cold before whipping. Whip gently just until smooth and thickened, avoiding overwhipping which can cause separation.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for similar structure—just watch the texture as some gluten-free flours absorb moisture differently.
How long can I refrigerate the assembled Tiramisu Cookies?
They are best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days. Beyond that, the cookie texture may soften significantly due to moisture from the mascarpone filling.
Can I make the mascarpone cream in advance?
Yes, the mascarpone cream can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator covered tightly. Give it a gentle stir before spreading on the cookies.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about turning a beloved dessert into a cookie form, and this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe does just that with remarkable success. Each bite offers that classic creamy coffee flavor in a soft, satisfying cookie that you can share or savor anytime. I hope you enjoy making and eating this recipe as much as I do—because good food is all about joy, memories, and a little bit of magic baked right in.
Print
Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 12-18 cookies (depending on scoop size)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delight in these indulgent Tiramisu Cookies, inspired by the classic Italian dessert. Soft, fluffy cookies infused with espresso powder and layered with a luscious mascarpone and cream filling, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder for that authentic tiramisu flavor. Perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups (200 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (40 grams) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) white sugar
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 8 ounces (227 grams) mascarpone cheese, cut or scooped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup (118 grams) heavy cream
- 3/4 cup (90 grams) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Dusting
- 1 tablespoon (8 grams) cocoa powder
Instructions
- Prepare the cookie dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are set and the cookies are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the mascarpone filling: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, slightly soften the mascarpone cheese. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract to the mascarpone, mixing gently. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the tiramisu cookies: Take one cookie and spread a generous layer of mascarpone filling on the flat side. Top with another cookie, flat side down, gently pressing together to sandwich the filling. Repeat with remaining cookies and filling.
- Finish with cocoa powder: Lightly dust the assembled tiramisu cookies with cocoa powder using a fine sieve or sifter. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days for the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Ensure the egg is at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, dissolve espresso powder in a teaspoon of hot water before adding to the dough.
- Use a fine mesh sieve to dust cocoa powder evenly over the cookies.
- These cookies are best enjoyed within 2 days but can be refrigerated overnight.
- You can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese for a different yet delicious filling.
