If you’ve ever wished you could capture the irresistible flavors of classic tiramisu in a bite-sized treat, you’re in for a genuine delight with this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the rich creaminess of mascarpone, the bold espresso kick, and a dusting of cocoa powder to create a harmonious dance of tastes and textures. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or sharing a unique dessert at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite that captures all the best parts of tiramisu in a charming, chewy cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe are straightforward pantry essentials, yet each plays a crucial role in building those iconic flavors and textures. From the buttery softness to the espresso undertones, every item here is a small hero contributing to the cookie’s magic.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and the perfect cookie crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps give the cookies a light, slightly risen texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for creamy richness and tenderness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and caramel notes when baked.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients and lends moisture to the dough.
- Instant espresso powder or brewed coffee: Infuses the dough with authentic tiramisu coffee flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall taste.
- Mascarpone cheese: The creamy secret that mimics tiramisu’s classic filling.
- Cocoa powder (unsweetened): For that rich dusting reminiscent of tiramisu’s final touch.
- Powdered sugar: Mixed with cocoa for a delicate sweet topping.
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure your cookies don’t stick and come out with a perfect bottom crust. Preparing your workspace ahead keeps things smooth and easy as you move on to the dough.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution, which helps your cookies bake uniformly with the right texture in every bite.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, cream ¾ cup softened unsalted butter with ½ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy; this airiness gives your cookies a lovely tenderness. Beat in 1 large egg, then stir in 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder (or a little strong brewed coffee) and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, infusing that signature tiramisu flavor directly into the dough.
Step 4: Add Mascarpone Cheese
Fold in 2 tablespoons of softened mascarpone cheese into your butter mixture until silky smooth. This step is the heart of the Tiramisu Cookies Recipe, lending the cookies that creamy richness that makes tiramisu so unforgettable.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until the dough comes together. Your dough should be soft but not sticky; if it’s too wet, a tiny sprinkle of flour can help. This balance is key to ensure your cookies hold their shape while baking but remain delightfully tender inside.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon, which helps them bake evenly and achieve that ideal chewy texture.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden and the centers appear set but still soft to the touch. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—this resting period helps them firm up just right without losing moisture.
Step 8: Prepare the Cocoa Topping
While the cookies cool completely, whisk together 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon powdered sugar. Sift this over your cooled cookies for that classic tiramisu cocoa dusting, adding both visual appeal and a touch of bittersweet balance to the sweetness below.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, dust the cookies with a little more cocoa powder just before serving, or add a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate. A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts can also add a lovely crunch and heighten the dessert’s coffee and cream flavors.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a strong espresso or a creamy latte for a café-style experience at home. Alternatively, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla gelato or a dollop of whipped cream to amplify the tiramisu vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board with small cups of coffee liqueur or amaretto for dipping. You can also stack them with layers of whipped mascarpone and a dusting of cocoa in between, creating a fun tiramisu-inspired cookie sandwich that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat to enjoy throughout the week without losing their delightful texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save these tiramisu-inspired goodies for longer, freezing is a great option. Lay the cookies out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
For a just-baked taste, gently warm the cookies in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This softens them up and brings out the aroma of espresso and mascarpone beautifully, as if they were fresh from the oven once again.
FAQs
Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant espresso powder?
Absolutely! Instant espresso powder gives a concentrated flavor, but you can substitute with strong brewed coffee for a similar effect. Just make sure to use it sparingly to keep the dough from becoming too wet.
What kind of mascarpone cheese should I use?
Use regular mascarpone cheese found in the dairy section of your grocery store. It should be softened to room temperature for easy mixing and to maintain the creamy texture that’s key to this recipe.
How chewy are these cookies?
These tiramisu cookies have a soft, tender chew with slightly crisp edges. The mascarpone helps keep them moist inside, giving a cookie that’s satisfyingly soft but still holds together well.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind, texture and rise might vary slightly, but the flavor will remain wonderfully rich.
How long can I store these cookies?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies last up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the luxurious flavors of tiramisu in a portable, shareable form. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are an absolute joy to make and eat. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie that perfectly captures the magic of tiramisu in every bite!
Print
Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Tiramisu Cookies combine the rich flavors of classic tiramisu dessert into a delightful soft cookie. Infused with espresso, mascarpone cheese, and a dusting of cocoa powder, these cookies are perfect for coffee lovers seeking a sweet, creamy treat with a subtle coffee kick.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder (or strong brewed coffee)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese, softened
Topping
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add the egg, instant espresso powder (or brewed coffee), and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined.
- Add Mascarpone Cheese: Stir the mascarpone cheese into the wet mixture until the batter is smooth and creamy, enhancing the rich texture of the cookies.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, ensuring the dough is soft but not overly sticky, which is key to the perfect cookie texture.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon for even baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set but remain soft to the touch. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Once cookies have fully cooled, sift this mixture over the top to give a delicate dusting reminiscent of traditional tiramisu.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy these tiramisu cookies immediately for best flavor and texture, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use brewed espresso instead of instant espresso powder.
- Ensure cookies are fully cooled before dusting with cocoa powder and powdered sugar to prevent clumping.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; for longer storage, consider freezing the dough or baked cookies.
- Using mascarpone cheese softens the cookie texture and adds authentic tiramisu flavor.
