Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

The Perfect Tiramisu Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Italian-Inspired Treat

Tiramisu cookies offer a delightful twist on the iconic Italian dessert that redefines familiar tastes into an irresistible handheld delight.

Rich, velvety layers of coffee-soaked goodness meld with creamy undertones in this innovative confection.

Delicate and sophisticated, these treats capture the essence of the traditional dessert while presenting a unique culinary experience.

Soft yet structured, they balance intense espresso notes with gentle mascarpone smoothness.

Each morsel promises a complex flavor profile that dances between sweet and robust sensations.

Elegant and approachable, these cookies bridge the gap between classic pastry and modern snacking.

Prepare to indulge in a miniature dessert experience that celebrates Italian culinary creativity.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Tiramisu Cookies

  • Choose High-Quality Espresso: Select a rich, intense espresso powder to elevate the deep coffee flavor in these cookies.
  • Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and create a perfect texture.
  • Avoid Overbaking: Watch cookies closely and remove from oven when edges are just slightly golden to maintain a soft, tender center.
  • Smooth Mascarpone Frosting: Ensure mascarpone is at room temperature and whip until completely smooth for a luxurious, creamy topping.
  • Dust with Finesse: Use a fine-mesh sieve to create an elegant, light cocoa powder coating that enhances the tiramisu aesthetic.

How to Store and Enjoy Leftover Tiramisu Cookies

  • Refrigerate: Store frosted tiramisu cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them chilled to maintain the creamy mascarpone frosting's smooth texture and prevent spoilage.
  • Freeze: Wrap unfrosted cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies will stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding mascarpone frosting.
  • Reheating: Enjoy these cookies cold or at room temperature for the best flavor. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the mascarpone frosting separate and lose its delicate consistency. Simply remove from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to let them soften slightly.

Best Pairings for Tiramisu Cookies

  • Elevate with Italian Espresso: Pair these tiramisu cookies with a classic shot of dark, rich espresso that matches the intense coffee flavor baked into the cookies, creating a harmonious taste experience.
  • Complement with Sweet Marsala Wine: Serve alongside a chilled glass of sweet Marsala wine, which echoes the classic tiramisu dessert's traditional liqueur notes and enhances the cookie's creamy mascarpone frosting.
  • Match with Creamy Affogato: Combine the cookies with a traditional Italian affogato – a scoop of vanilla gelato topped with a hot espresso shot – for a decadent dessert that amplifies the coffee and cream elements.
  • Balance with Hazelnut Liqueur: Enjoy with a small glass of nutty Frangelico liqueur, which adds depth and complements the rich, layered flavors of these indulgent tiramisu-inspired cookies.

Fun Variations on Tiramisu Cookies

  • Mocha Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add dark chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, coffee-chocolate combination. Sprinkle extra espresso powder on top for intense flavor.
  • Kahlúa Enhanced Cookies: Replace vanilla extract with Kahlúa liqueur to amplify the coffee profile. Drizzle a light Kahlúa glaze over frosted cookies for extra moisture and depth.
  • No-Bake Tiramisu Cookie Bars: Press the cookie dough into a lined baking pan instead of forming individual cookies. Create layers with mascarpone cream and dust generously with cocoa powder for a deconstructed dessert experience.
  • Nutty Espresso Cookies: Mix chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts into the cookie dough. Garnish the mascarpone frosting with finely ground nuts for added texture and nutty complexity.

Tiramisu Cookies: A Bite of Classic Italian Flavor

  • Capture Tiramisu Magic: Transform the classic Italian dessert into irresistible cookies that deliver rich, coffee-infused flavor in every delightful bite.
  • Quick Gourmet Experience: Whip up sophisticated cookies in under an hour, bringing professional bakery-style treats straight to your kitchen without complex techniques.
  • Decadent Dessert Fusion: Combine the creamy mascarpone frosting with espresso-soaked cookie base, creating a perfect balance of smooth texture and intense coffee notes that elevate traditional cookie expectations.
  • Indulgent Comfort Treat: Enjoy a luxurious dessert that satisfies sweet cravings while offering a sophisticated twist on familiar comfort food, perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts seeking something extraordinary.

What You Need for the Best Tiramisu Cookies

Coffee Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth, tender cookie texture.
  • Espresso Powder: Intense coffee flavor that enhances the tiramisu profile.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Foundational ingredient for cookie structure and texture.
  • Cornstarch: Helps create a softer, more delicate cookie crumb.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for cookie rise and lightness.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor complexity.
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a crisp cookie edge.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the cookie.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complementary flavor to coffee notes.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Creamy, traditional tiramisu cheese for authentic flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides smooth sweetness for frosting.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates light, fluffy frosting texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Classic tiramisu topping for final garnish and flavor.

How to Make Delicious Tiramisu Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Espresso Butter

Melt butter and whisk in espresso powder. Place the mixture in the refrigerator to chill for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix together:
  • Flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Step 3: Create Cookie Dough

Whisk together:
  • Espresso butter
  • Sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla

Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until fully combined.

Step 4: Chill and Preheat

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the cookie dough in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Portion the chilled dough onto a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Step 6: Prepare Mascarpone Frosting

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Mascarpone cheese
  • Espresso powder
  • Vanilla
  • Powdered sugar
  • Cream

Beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Allow cookies to cool completely. Spread the mascarpone frosting on top of each cookie. Dust with cocoa powder for a finishing touch.

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Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

Tiramisu Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 18 1x

Description

Italian tiramisu meets cookie magic in this delightful dessert fusion. Rich espresso-soaked layers combine with mascarpone cream, creating a heavenly treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 8 oz. (227g) mascarpone cheese, cold

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Flavor and Dusting Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
  • 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
  • 2 tablespoons (10g) cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

  1. Dissolve espresso powder into melted butter, creating a rich aromatic base. Refrigerate mixture for 10 minutes to solidify and intensify flavors.
  2. In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until thoroughly combined and lump-free.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, vigorously combine cooled espresso-butter mixture with granulated sugar, room temperature egg, and pure vanilla extract until smooth and homogeneous.
  4. Slowly incorporate dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients, stirring gently until a uniform cookie dough forms with no visible flour streaks.
  5. Prepare baking sheets by lining with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and place prepared dough in refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm and enhance flavor development.
  6. After chilling, scoop uniform dough portions using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, spacing them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  7. While cookies cool completely, prepare mascarpone frosting by whisking together creamy mascarpone cheese, additional espresso powder, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until light and fluffy.
  8. Once cookies have reached room temperature, generously spread mascarpone frosting across surface and delicately dust with unsweetened cocoa powder for a classic tiramisu presentation.

Notes

  • Dunk these cookies in your morning espresso for an extra flavor boost that transforms your breakfast routine.
  • Cocoa powder dusting adds an elegant, authentic Italian touch that makes these cookies look professionally decorated.
  • Mascarpone frosting creates a luxurious, creamy texture that perfectly mimics classic tiramisu dessert characteristics.
  • Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and ensures thick, soft cookies with crisp edges.
  • Espresso powder intensifies the coffee flavor throughout the entire cookie, making each bite rich and complex.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 18
  • Calories: 680 kcal
  • Sugar: 62g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 50g
  • Saturated Fat: 31g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 77g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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