If you adore the classic flavors of Italian tiramisu but want to enjoy them in a fun, handheld form, this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe will quickly become your go-to treat. These delicate espresso-infused sandwich cookies capture all the lusciousness of tiramisu with soft, coffee-kissed cookies hugging a creamy mascarpone filling, then dusted with just the right touch of cocoa powder. Each bite is like having dessert and a coffee break rolled into one delightful, bite-sized package that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo with your favorite cup of joe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is easier than you might think, and each one plays a crucial role in balancing texture, flavor, and that authentic tiramisu essence. From rich butter to robust espresso powder, everything combines to create a cookie experience that’s truly special.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/226g): Provides the creamy richness and tender crumb essential for the perfect cookie base.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup/200g): Sweetens the dough while helping create a light, soft texture.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup/110g): Adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth to the cookies.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients while contributing to the dough’s structure and richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups/280g): The foundation for the cookie’s structure, holding everything together perfectly.
- Instant espresso powder (1 tablespoon): Infuses intense coffee flavor without adding liquid, deepening the tiramisu vibe.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Brewed espresso or strong coffee (1/2 cup/120ml), cooled: Adds moisture and authentic coffee richness.
- Mascarpone cheese (1 cup/240ml), softened: The velvety heart of the filling, lending that classic tiramisu creaminess.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup/60g): Sweetens the filling delicately so it’s smooth and luscious.
- Cocoa powder (2 tablespoons, for dusting): Adds a beautiful finishing touch with a slightly bitter contrast.
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures even baking and easy cleanup, laying the groundwork for perfectly crisp-edged cookies.
Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream your softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and a bit pale. This step is key to achieving the delicate texture and subtle sweetness that makes these cookies so addictive.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla for Moisture and Aroma
Beat the eggs and vanilla extract into your butter mixture until smooth. They bring richness and a lovely fragrance that hints at the deliciousness to come.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant espresso powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening and flavor throughout your dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep your cookies tender and soft.
Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them by about 2 inches to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden hue. After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Mascarpone Filling
While your cookies cool, stir together softened mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and 2 to 3 teaspoons of cooled espresso until the filling is smooth and creamy. This luscious layer is what transforms the cookies into a tiramisu-inspired delight.
Step 8: Assemble Your Tiramisu Cookies
Once cooled, sandwich two cookies together with a generous spoonful of mascarpone filling. Then, sprinkle the tops lightly with cocoa powder to mimic the classic tiramisu finish.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of cocoa powder is essential, but feel free to add a few chocolate shavings or a light drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent finishing touch. Fresh mint leaves can add an unexpected, refreshing contrast and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a frothy cappuccino, rich espresso, or even a scoop of vanilla gelato. The creamy and coffee notes in the cookies harmonize beautifully with these sides, making for a cozy afternoon treat or elegant dessert option.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your tiramisu cookies on a charming dessert platter with a sprinkling of cocoa powder around them or stack them in a pretty jar tied with a ribbon for an irresistible gift. They are also fabulous served alongside small coffee cups during gatherings for a chic, coffeehouse-style experience at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because of the mascarpone filling, these cookies are best stored in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Bringing them to room temperature before serving helps the filling soften and flavors bloom.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough before baking for up to 1 month—simply thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual. Fully assembled cookies freeze less well because of the filling, but you can freeze baked cookies without filling for up to 2 months and fill them after thawing.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes or until just warmed through—avoid the microwave, as it can make the cookies soggy. Reassemble with mascarpone filling after warming for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute mascarpone cheese with cream cheese?
While cream cheese can be used in a pinch, mascarpone’s lighter, creamier texture is ideal for authentic tiramisu flavor. Using cream cheese may result in a tangier, thicker filling, so you might want to add a bit of heavy cream to soften it.
Is instant espresso powder necessary?
Instant espresso powder provides a concentrated coffee flavor without adding moisture, which is crucial for the cookie’s texture. Ground coffee won’t work as well, and liquid coffee alone might make the dough too wet.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Substitutions are tricky with this recipe because mascarpone is a star ingredient. For a dairy-free version, try a plant-based cream cheese alternative and vegan butter, but note the flavor and texture will differ from traditional tiramisu cookies.
How do I make the cookies thicker and puffier?
Chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps control spread and yields thicker, chewier cookies. Also, avoid over-mixing the dough to keep them tender.
Can I add a splash of coffee liqueur to the filling?
Absolutely! Adding a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa to the mascarpone filling creates a wonderful adult twist that intensifies the tiramisu flavor and adds a little extra indulgence.
Final Thoughts
This Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is a fantastic way to bring a beloved dessert into cookie form, combining rich coffee tones, tender cookie dough, and smooth mascarpone cream for an irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or simply yourself, these cookies offer comforting nostalgia with a fresh, fun texture. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try, share it, and create your own delicious moments centered around these delightful Italian-inspired sandwich cookies.
Print
Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 18 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Tiramisu Cookies, a perfect blend of rich espresso flavor and creamy mascarpone filling. These sandwich cookies combine the classic coffee-infused Italian dessert with a soft, buttery cookie base and a dusting of cocoa powder, making them an irresistible treat for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (110g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
For the Filling
- 1 cup (240ml) mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 teaspoons cooled brewed espresso
For Dusting
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, instant espresso powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring even distribution of the leavening and flavoring agents.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to form the cookie dough without overmixing.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn lightly golden, indicating they are done but still soft inside.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set without becoming soggy.
- Prepare Mascarpone Filling: While the cookies cool, mix the softened mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and 2–3 teaspoons of cooled espresso until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Cookies: Once cooled, sandwich two cookies together with a generous spoonful of the mascarpone filling, pressing gently to secure.
- Finish and Serve: Dust the assembled sandwich cookies with cocoa powder to emulate classic tiramisu flavor and serve immediately or store chilled.
Notes
- For thicker, puffier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- For an adult twist, add a splash of coffee liqueur to the mascarpone filling.
- Store assembled cookies in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
