If you love the rich, creamy flavors of classic Italian desserts and enjoy a good cookie, then this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is going to feel like a dream come true. These cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional tiramisu, capturing that intoxicating blend of espresso, mascarpone, and cocoa, but in a hand-held, chewy cookie form. The subtle coffee-infused cookie base and luscious mascarpone frosting come together so beautifully that every bite tastes like a mini celebration of your favorite coffee break indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these irresistible tiramisu cookies, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each item plays a critical role, delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance that brings this recipe to life.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy foundation essential for tender, moist cookies.
- Instant powder espresso: Infuses authentic coffee flavor for that classic tiramisu essence.
- All purpose flour: The structure builder, creating the perfect cookie texture without being heavy.
- Cornstarch: Adds a delicate softness to the cookies, helping them stay chewy.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Ensure the cookies rise just enough for a light, tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough, balancing the coffee’s slight bitterness.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for perfectly chewy results.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with its warm, aromatic depth.
- Mascarpone cheese: The star ingredient of the frosting, delivering creaminess and that unmistakable tiramisu charm.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to velvety perfection.
- Cold heavy whipping cream: Whipped into the frosting for lightness and fluffiness.
- Cocoa powder: For dusting, its subtle bitterness beautifully complements the sweet cookies and frosting.
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Butter Base
Start by melting the butter and whisking in the instant espresso powder. This not only melts the butter but also allows the coffee flavor to penetrate the base. Pop this mixture in the fridge to chill and regain its shape, which is crucial for the right cookie texture later on.
Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture provides the essential structure and softness your cookies need, so take a moment to mix them well for even distribution.
Step 3: Mix the Cookie Dough
Beat the chilled espresso butter with granulated sugar until smooth and combined. This ensures your cookie dough will hold just the right amount of sweetness and moisture. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until your dough is silky and combined.
Step 4: Preheat and Rest Your Dough
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Letting your dough rest while the oven heats up helps it firm up, which means your cookies will bake evenly and hold their shape beautifully.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Scoop your dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for those cookie edges to set and the centers to puff slightly—a sign that magic is happening. When done, let them cool completely before moving on.
Step 6: Whip Up the Mascarpone Frosting
On a low speed, beat the mascarpone cheese until silky smooth. Gradually add espresso powder, vanilla, and powdered sugar until sweet and well combined. Then slowly whisk in the cold heavy cream, increasing the speed to medium until the frosting is wonderfully light and fluffy.
Step 7: Frost and Dust
Top each cooled cookie with a generous scoop of mascarpone frosting—around 1 to 2 tablespoons—and smooth it gently in a circular motion. Finally, dust with cocoa powder for that signature tiramisu finish.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple dusting of cocoa powder on these cookies really brings the visual and flavor elements together. For an extra touch, try finely grated dark chocolate or a few espresso beans on top for a striking presentation that hints at the coffee richness inside.
Side Dishes
These tiramisu cookies pair wonderfully with a rich espresso, cappuccino, or even a creamy chai latte. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a dessert plate that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or special occasions, stack the cookies on a decorative plate with layers of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. Alternatively, create a dessert board that includes these cookies alongside biscotti, chocolate-covered coffee beans, and fresh berries for a delightful spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store your tiramisu cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep the mascarpone frosting fresh and delicious. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving to bring out the flavors fully.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookies without frosting for up to 3 months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and frost just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Because these cookies are best enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature, avoid reheating. If you prefer a warmer bite, bring them to room temperature or enjoy with a hot cup of coffee to contrast the cool mascarpone frosting beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant espresso powder?
While brewed coffee has a delicious flavor, instant espresso powder is concentrated and dries easily into the dough without adding extra liquid. It ensures your cookies maintain the intended texture and robust coffee taste. If you must substitute, reduce other liquids accordingly.
Is mascarpone cheese necessary for the frosting?
Yes, mascarpone cheese is crucial to capture the authentic tiramisu creaminess and tangy sweetness. It offers a silky texture that standard cream cheese or buttercream can’t replicate.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Chilling the butter before mixing and allowing the dough to rest before baking helps control spreading. Additionally, baking on parchment paper and spacing cookies well ensures they keep their shape.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep an eye on the dough’s consistency, as gluten-free doughs can behave differently.
What’s the best way to pipe or spread the frosting?
If you want a smooth finish, use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the mascarpone frosting. Alternatively, you can pipe it using a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip for a decorative look.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about combining the iconic flavors of tiramisu into delightful cookie form, and this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe absolutely delivers on that promise. Whether for a cozy afternoon treat or an impressive dessert to share with friends, these cookies will quickly become a beloved staple. I encourage you to try making them at home and savor each coffee-kissed, creamy bite—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy tiramisu!
Print
Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Tiramisu Cookies featuring soft and chewy espresso-flavored coffee sugar cookies topped with a rich and creamy espresso mascarpone frosting, dusted with cocoa powder for an authentic tiramisu-inspired treat.
Ingredients
Coffee Sugar Cookies:
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon instant powder espresso
- 2½ cups (300 g) all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (US), room temperature
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
Espresso Mascarpone Frosting:
- 8 oz. mascarpone cheese, cold
- 1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant powder espresso
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1 cup (237 ml) cold heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons (10 g) cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Espresso Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter and whisk in the instant espresso powder until fully combined. Transfer this mixture to the fridge and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the cooled espresso butter with the granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Preheat Oven and Rest Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes to ensure it reaches temperature. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes while the oven preheats.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly puffed. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Whisk Mascarpone Base: Using low speed, whisk the cold mascarpone cheese until smooth. Then mix in the instant espresso powder, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until well combined.
- Make Frosting Light and Fluffy: Slowly add the cold heavy whipping cream while mixing on low speed. Once fully incorporated, increase the mixer speed to medium and whisk for another 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Assemble Cookies: Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 – 30 ml) of the mascarpone espresso frosting over each cooled cookie using the back of a spoon or icing spatula with a circular motion. Dust the frosted cookies lightly with cocoa powder and serve.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is slightly cooled after melting so it doesn’t cook the egg when mixed.
- Using cold mascarpone and heavy cream helps achieve a better frosting texture.
- Resting the cookie dough while the oven preheats helps improve texture.
- You can adjust the espresso powder quantity in the frosting and dough to taste.
- Store frosted cookies in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
