If you adore the luscious flavors of classic tiramisu but are looking for a fun, portable twist, this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine soft, coffee-infused cookies crowned with creamy mascarpone frosting and dusted lightly with cocoa powder—each bite bursting with the spirit of Italy’s beloved dessert. This recipe blends simple pantry staples with thoughtful touches that turn everyday cookies into a decadent treat perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring alongside your afternoon coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing these tiramisu-inspired cookies is delightfully straightforward, requiring ingredients that contribute to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and the characteristic coffee note. Each component, from the espresso powder to the mascarpone cheese, builds layers of taste that bring your dessert dreams to life.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and the ideal crumb to your cookies.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds a gentle lift so the cookies stay soft, not dense.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, cutting through sweetness perfectly.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides rich moisture and tenderness when creamed with sugar.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping achieve a lovely golden edge during baking.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and lends a delicate chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic undertone.
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder (or strong instant coffee): Delivers the signature coffee punch that makes these cookies shine.
- 1 tablespoon hot water: Helps dissolve the espresso powder evenly for consistent flavor.
- 4 ounces mascarpone cheese (softened): The creamy heart of the frosting, providing a silky and rich finish.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting with a delicate texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Bolsters the mascarpone with an extra layer of sweet aroma.
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for dusting): Adds a classic dusting reminiscent of traditional tiramisu.
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt; these dry ingredients will provide the cookie dough with the perfect texture and rise.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until they become light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into your dough, giving these tiramisu cookies a tender crumb that simply melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Espresso
Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the espresso powder in hot water to intensify the coffee flavor, then stir this mixture into the wet ingredients. This ensures your cookies get that iconic tiramisu coffee kick without any bitterness.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together to avoid overworking the dough. The resulting blend should be soft but firm enough to hold its shape when scooped.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Drop tablespoon-sized spoonfuls of dough about two inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye out for edges that are set and lightly golden—the telltale sign they are perfectly baked. Once done, remove the cookies and let them cool completely on wire racks to maintain their delicate crumb.
Step 6: Prepare and Apply the Mascarpone Frosting
While the cookies cool, beat together the softened mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, creamy frosting. Once cooled, generously spread the frosting on each cookie. For that priceless finishing touch, dust a light layer of cocoa powder atop the frosting, capturing the unmistakable charm of traditional tiramisu in cookie form.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your tiramisu cookies even more, consider brushing the tops with a little cooled espresso before frosting to intensify the coffee flavor. Dusting with cocoa powder is essential, but you can also sprinkle finely grated dark chocolate or a few espresso beans for an elegant presentation that will impress your guests.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine brightly on their own but pair beautifully with an aromatic cup of espresso or freshly brewed cappuccino. For a cozy dessert plate, serve alongside fresh berries or a small bowl of whipped cream lightly sweetened with vanilla extract. This complementary pairing brings out the creamy and coffee notes in the cookies even more.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow your friends? Arrange your tiramisu cookies on a tiered dessert stand layered with delicate doilies for an upscale touch. Alternatively, box them up beautifully with parchment and ribbons for a thoughtful homemade gift. For a party, consider dipping half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and allowing it to set for an irresistible finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because of the mascarpone frosting, it’s best to store tiramisu cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the frosting fresh and prevents the cookies from drying out. When ready to serve, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, so their flavors and texture reach their full potential.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze them without frosting. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving to enjoy freshly delicious tiramisu bites whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
Since these are soft cookies with delicate frosting, reheating is not recommended as it can alter texture and cause the frosting to lose its creaminess. Instead, simply enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee instead of instant espresso powder in the Tiramisu Cookies Recipe?
You can use strong brewed coffee as a substitute, but keep in mind that instant espresso powder provides a more concentrated, less watery flavor, which helps maintain the right dough consistency. If using brewed coffee, use less liquid elsewhere in the recipe to avoid sogginess.
Is mascarpone cheese necessary for the frosting?
Mascarpone is what gives the frosting that authentic tiramisu richness and smoothness. You could substitute cream cheese, but the flavor will be tangier and less traditional. For the true tiramisu cookies experience, mascarpone is definitely worth seeking out.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in the refrigerator within an airtight container, the tiramisu cookies remain fresh for up to 4-5 days. After that, the mascarpone frosting might start to lose its texture and flavor quality.
Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
Adapting this exact recipe for vegan or gluten-free diets would require substitutions like a gluten-free flour blend and vegan butter alternatives, plus a mascarpone substitute such as whipped coconut cream. However, note that these swaps could change the flavor and texture significantly.
What’s the best way to serve these cookies at a party?
Serve the tiramisu cookies at room temperature on a decorative platter with small tongs for easy grabbing. Pair them with coffee or dessert wines to really highlight their complex coffee and creamy flavors—guests will be asking for the recipe in no time!
Final Thoughts
Baking this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is like inviting a slice of Italy right into your kitchen with a fun, approachable twist. Whether you need an impressive dessert for a gathering or a cozy treat to brighten your afternoon, these cookies balance rich mascarpone, bold coffee, and tender texture beautifully. Give them a try—you’ll soon find they become one of your favorite sweet indulgences to make and share.
Print
Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Tiramisu Cookies capture the classic flavors of the beloved Italian dessert in a delightful, portable cookie form. Soft, coffee-infused cookies are topped with a creamy mascarpone frosting and dusted with cocoa powder, making them a perfect treat for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder (or strong instant coffee)
- 1 tablespoon hot water
Frosting
- 4 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures your cookies have a consistent texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the butter mixture, mixing well until fully combined for a cohesive batter.
- Dissolve Espresso Powder: In a separate small bowl, dissolve the instant espresso powder in hot water to intensify the coffee flavor and then stir this mixture into the cookie batter evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet batter, mixing just until everything is incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet to firm up before adding the frosting.
- Prepare Mascarpone Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the frosting becomes smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Dust: Spread a generous layer of mascarpone frosting over each cooled cookie. Finally, dust each frosted cookie lightly with cocoa powder for a classic tiramisu finish.
Notes
- For extra coffee flavor, brush the tops of freshly baked cookies lightly with cooled espresso before applying the frosting.
- Store cookies in the refrigerator because of the mascarpone frosting, and allow them to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
