If you love the luscious flavors of classic tiramisu but crave the convenience of a handheld treat, then this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Infused with rich espresso, creamy mascarpone, and just the right kiss of cocoa, these cookies capture all the indulgence of the Italian dessert in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite. The balance of coffee and sweet creaminess wrapped in a delicate cookie texture makes these cookies utterly addictive, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring all by yourself during a cozy afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect harmony of taste and texture. From the foundational flour to the luxurious mascarpone, every component is essential for delivering that authentic tiramisu experience in cookie form.
- All-purpose flour (1 2/3 cups, 200 grams): The base of your cookies, providing structure and tenderness.
- Confectioners’ sugar (1/3 cup, 40 grams): Adds a delicate sweetness and helps keep the dough light.
- Espresso powder (1 tablespoon): Infuses the signature coffee flavor that’s essential to tiramisu.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and remain tender.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside baking soda for perfect lift and softness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- White sugar (1/2 cup, 100 grams): Adds sweetness and contributes to cookie chewiness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, 113 grams), softened: Essential for richness and moisture.
- Large egg (1), room temperature: Binds ingredients and adds tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Mascarpone cheese (8 ounces, 227 grams): Delivers the creamy, dreamy element of classic tiramisu.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup, 118 grams): Whipped to lightness for the luscious filling.
- Confectioners’ sugar (3/4 cup, 90 grams): Sweetens the cream filling perfectly.
- Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Enhances the mascarpone cream.
- Cocoa powder (1 tablespoon): For dusting, providing that classic tiramisu finish.
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the flavors are evenly distributed and your cookies bake up perfectly fluffy.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the white sugar until creamy and light. This step is crucial because it traps air, giving your cookies a delightful texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. These ingredients bring moisture and depth to the cookie dough, helping it hold together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so keep it light and easy.
Step 5: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream Filling
Whip the mascarpone cheese with heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. This heavenly cream is what sets these cookies apart and gives you that classic tiramisu indulgence in every bite.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop cookie dough mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 to 14 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Let them cool completely before adding the filling.
Step 7: Assemble the Cookies
Once cooled, spread a generous dollop of mascarpone cream on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with another. Dust the tops lightly with cocoa powder for that irresistible tiramisu finish.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a light dusting of cocoa powder or finely grated dark chocolate on top of your finished cookies instantly elevates their presentation while reinforcing that signature tiramisu flavor profile. For a festive touch, sprinkle with a tiny bit of espresso powder or garnish with a few coffee beans.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of espresso, cappuccino, or even a chilled glass of sweet dessert wine. Their coffee notes and creamy filling complement warm beverages beautifully, making your dessert experience genuinely harmonious.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Tiramisu Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh berries and edible flowers for a charming guest-ready platter. Or wrap individual cookie sandwiches in decorative parchment tied with twine for delightful gift-giving that shows care and creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover tiramisu cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the mascarpone cream filling, refrigeration is essential to keep the cookies fresh and safe to eat. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies before assembling into sandwiches. Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Defrost at room temperature before adding filling. Assembled cookies don’t freeze well due to the cream filling.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked softness, warm unfilled cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes before adding the mascarpone filling. Avoid microwaving assembled cookies as the filling can lose its texture and become watery.
FAQs
Can I substitute mascarpone cheese with cream cheese?
You can use cream cheese as a substitute, but keep in mind that it has a tangier flavor and firmer texture compared to mascarpone. To mimic mascarpone’s richness, try mixing cream cheese with a bit of heavy cream.
Is espresso powder necessary for the coffee flavor?
Espresso powder delivers an intense, concentrated coffee flavor ideal for this recipe. If you don’t have it, strong brewed espresso or instant coffee granules can work in a pinch, but the flavor may be less pronounced.
How can I make the cookies more chocolatey?
For a richer chocolate taste, add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough or mix a little cocoa powder into the dough itself. Just be careful not to overwhelm the delicate tiramisu balance.
What’s the best way to get soft cookies?
Don’t overbake your cookies. Pull them out when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone. They will firm up as they cool, resulting in tender, soft cookies that complement the creamy filling perfectly.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Converting this recipe to vegan is challenging due to mascarpone and eggs. However, you could experiment with vegan cream cheese and flax or chia seeds for egg replacement, keeping in mind the texture and flavor will differ from the classic.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about combining the timeless flavors of tiramisu into a simple cookie that you can hold, share, or gift. This Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is a wonderful way to make your favorite Italian dessert more accessible and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring these cookies as much as I do!
Print
Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 12-18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Tiramisu Cookies capture the rich and creamy flavors of the classic Italian dessert in a delightful cookie form. Soft and tender with hints of espresso and mascarpone, topped with a light dusting of cocoa powder, these cookies are 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
Cookie Dough 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
Mascarpone 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 Garnish
- 1 tablespoon (8 grams) cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with white sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients well.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help with handling and to prevent spreading during baking.
- Scoop and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop, portion the chilled dough into 12-18 equal balls depending on preferred size, and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Prepare the Mascarpone Filling: While cookies bake, beat together mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl until smooth and slightly fluffy.
- Cool Cookies: Remove baked cookies from the oven and cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Assemble Cookies: Once completely cooled, spread or pipe a generous amount of mascarpone filling on the bottom of one cookie, then sandwich with another cookie to create pairs.
- Dust with Cocoa: Lightly dust the finished cookie sandwiches with cocoa powder for an authentic tiramisu touch before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the mascarpone and heavy cream are cold for best whipping results.
- The dough can be refrigerated up to overnight before baking.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, add a teaspoon of brewed espresso or coffee extract to the dough or filling.
- Store assembled cookies in the refrigerator as the mascarpone filling is perishable.
- These cookies freeze well; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
