If you adore the classic, creamy decadence of tiramisu but crave something more portable and shareable, then you’re about to fall head over heels for this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe. Imagine all the hallmark flavors—espresso, mascarpone, and a cocoa dusting—packed into a soft, chewy sandwich cookie. These treats are a delicious marriage of sophistication and comfort, perfect for impressing friends or simply spoiling yourself with a coffee-infused delight. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to brighten a regular afternoon, this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe promises to deliver pure joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something truly spectacular. Each component adds its own special touch—from the boldness of espresso to the creaminess of mascarpone—so don’t skip or substitute if you can help it!
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that irresistible cookie texture.
- Large egg: Adds structure and helps bind everything together for a soft, chewy bite.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, adding depth and warm sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cookies; gives substance and holds everything beautifully.
- Baking powder: Lifts the cookies just enough for a perfectly soft center.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens every flavor note.
- Instant espresso powder: Brings authentic coffeehouse aroma and the unmistakable tiramisu character.
- Hot water: Dissolves the espresso powder, ensuring its flavor is evenly infused throughout the dough.
- Mascarpone cheese, softened: The creamy heart of the filling, giving each bite its signature tiramisu flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the mascarpone filling for a luscious texture.
- Coffee liqueur (optional): Adds another layer of coffee depth and a touch of adult indulgence.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting: The final flourish, echoing the classic tiramisu topping.
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Get Ready to Bake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this not only keeps cookies from sticking but makes cleanup a breeze. Measure out your ingredients in advance for smooth, stress-free baking.
Step 2: Dissolve the Espresso
In a small bowl, stir the instant espresso powder into the hot water until completely dissolved. This creates a rich, aromatic coffee syrup that will infuse the cookies with authentic tiramisu flavor. Give it a few minutes to cool down before adding it to your dough.
Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for tender cookies. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated—your kitchen will start to smell amazing at this point!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Pour in the cooled espresso mixture and stir until the dough is even in color and texture, ensuring every cookie has that beloved coffee kick.
Step 5: Shape & Bake
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers remain soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—patience pays off here!
Step 6: Make the Mascarpone Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and the coffee liqueur (if using) until smooth and creamy. This dreamy filling is what sets this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe apart from all the rest.
Step 7: Assemble & Finish
Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous dollop of filling on the bottom of one cookie and gently sandwich it with another. Continue until all cookies are paired up. Finish with a light dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder on top—just like classic tiramisu!
How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect presentation, dust your Tiramisu Cookies Recipe with a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder right before serving. You can also add chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of finely ground espresso for extra flair. Fresh raspberries or a mint sprig make each plate pop with color.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a hot espresso, cappuccino, or even a glass of dessert wine for a true Italian café experience. On a dessert platter, pair them with other Italian treats like biscotti or almond cookies to create a dreamy international spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these sandwich cookies high on a tiered stand for a festive gathering, or wrap individual pairs in parchment and tie with twine for a charming homemade gift. They also look stunning arranged in a ring around a scoop of gelato for a dramatic dessert plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve managed to save some, store your Tiramisu Cookies Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The chilling time lets the flavors meld and keeps the mascarpone filling fresh and safe to eat.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the unfilled cookies in a well-sealed bag for up to two months. To enjoy later, just thaw the cookies to room temperature and fill them with fresh mascarpone cream right before serving for that just-baked magic.
Reheating
While the cookies are delightful served chilled, if you want a softer bite, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before indulging. Avoid microwaving filled cookies, as the mascarpone filling can become runny.
FAQs
Can I make this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe without coffee liqueur?
Absolutely! The coffee liqueur is completely optional and just adds a subtle depth. You’ll still get tons of rich coffee flavor from the espresso powder, so feel free to skip the liqueur if desired.
Is there a substitute for mascarpone cheese in the filling?
If you can’t find mascarpone, a combination of cream cheese and a little heavy cream or sour cream will work in a pinch. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but your cookies will still be luscious and creamy.
Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the day before, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit out for 15–20 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking.
My cookies came out flat. How can I fix this?
If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before scooping. This helps control spreading and results in thicker, softer cookies—perfect for sandwiching with that dreamy filling.
Can I make mini versions of this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe?
Certainly! Simply scoop smaller portions of dough, bake for a minute or two less, and sandwich with less filling. Mini tiramisu cookies are fantastic for parties or as part of a cookie assortment.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that’s both elegant and soul-satisfying, you can’t go wrong with this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe. Each bite captures all the nostalgic flavors of tiramisu in a playful, portable form. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your friends) to a little everyday luxury!
Print
Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwich cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of traditional tiramisu in a delightful cookie form with these Tiramisu Cookies. Soft coffee-infused cookies sandwich a luscious mascarpone filling, creating a heavenly treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
- 1 tablespoon hot water
Filling:
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon coffee liqueur (optional)
- unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dissolve espresso powder: In a small bowl, dissolve the espresso powder in hot water and set aside to cool.
- Prepare cookie dough: Cream butter and sugar, beat in egg and vanilla. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then mix in the espresso mixture.
- Bake cookies: Scoop dough onto baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
- Make filling: Beat mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and coffee liqueur until smooth.
- Assemble cookies: Spread filling on cookies and sandwich them. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.
Notes
- Cookies can be made ahead and filled just before serving.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, add more espresso powder to the dough or filling.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
