If you’re a fan of that classic Italian dessert but crave something even more snackable, you’ll fall head-over-heels for this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe! Imagine every single bite giving you the essence of rich espresso, delicate mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa—all wrapped up in the form of a tender, chewy cookie. These little gems come together quickly, and each one tastes like a tiny celebration. Whether you’re popping them on a holiday platter or sneaking one with your afternoon coffee, this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is guaranteed to earn rave reviews.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe has been chosen with care to perfectly balance flavor, aroma, and that iconic “wow” factor. Your shopping list is short and sweet, but each ingredient plays a starring role in the final cookie—especially that dreamy mascarpone frosting!
- All-purpose flour: Lays the sturdy, fluffy foundation for your cookies so they hold their shape but stay tender.
- Baking powder: Gives a subtle, gentle lift, making each cookie wonderfully light.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings all those lovely flavors into harmony.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The secret to richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness that balances both the coffee and cocoa notes.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and provides structure, keeping the cookies soft but not crumbly.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to both the dough and the frosting.
- Instant espresso powder (or strong instant coffee): This is where the Tiramisu magic happens—use espresso for maximum flavor.
- Hot water: Dissolves the espresso powder for even distribution and deep, smooth coffee flavor.
- Mascarpone cheese (softened): The star of the frosting—creamy, tangy-sweet, and authentically Italian.
- Powdered sugar: Turns the mascarpone into a luscious, fluffy frosting that’s easy to spread.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Doubles down on that warm, inviting vanilla note in every bite.
- Cocoa powder (for dusting): A classic tiramisu finish—deep, chocolatey, and gorgeous for presentation.
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Gear
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only keeps cookies from sticking but also makes cleanup a total breeze. Get those pans ready to go so you can focus on mixing and baking without interruption!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Giving these dry guys a quick mix ensures the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed, which means perfectly risen, flavorful cookies from edge to center.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow. Creaming well at this step is key for achieving those irresistible soft and pillowy cookies—don’t rush it!
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Now crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then mix until the mixture is silky smooth and well combined. The egg brings everything together, while the vanilla brings that unmistakable homemade aroma.
Step 5: Add Espresso Magic
In a separate small bowl, dissolve your instant espresso powder in hot water. Pour this aromatic liquid gold into your butter mixture and stir—it infuses the cookies with that true tiramisu depth and a hint of bitterness that’s just divine.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Gradually mix your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix; you want your Tiramisu Cookies Recipe to stay tender, so as soon as the flour is incorporated, you’re good to go!
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto your prepared sheets, leaving about two inches between each to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!
Step 8: Cool Completely
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Don’t frost them just yet—waiting until they’re completely cool is the key to a neat, creamy topping.
Step 9: Make the Mascarpone Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky and spreadable. This dreamy frosting is what turns these cookies into true tiramisu knockouts!
Step 10: Frost and Finish
Spoon or spread a generous layer of mascarpone frosting onto each cooled cookie. Then, using a fine-mesh sieve, lightly dust the tops with cocoa powder to mimic the signature tiramisu finish. Step back and admire your delicious work!
How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To give each cookie an eye-catching finish, dust them generously with high-quality cocoa powder right before serving. For added elegance (and a nod to traditional tiramisu), you can add a few chocolate shavings or a tiny pinch of espresso powder on top of the frosted cookies. This gives each treat a coffee shop-worthy look!
Side Dishes
Pair your Tiramisu Cookies Recipe with a cozy mug of cappuccino, a scoop of vanilla gelato, or even fresh berries for extra color and flavor. Guests will absolutely love nibbling these cookies alongside anything creamy and cool, which perfectly matches their coffee-infused flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these cookies on a beautiful tiered stand for a high-tea vibe, or nestle them in mini cupcake liners for a party-perfect touch. If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle a little melted chocolate gently over the tops before the cocoa dusting—it’s an eye-popping twist on the classic look of tiramisu!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because of the rich mascarpone frosting, it’s best to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cookies will keep well for up to 3 days, and bringing them to room temperature before serving makes the texture lusciously soft again.
Freezing
The cookies (unfrosted) freeze beautifully! Once cool, layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature, then frost and dust with cocoa just before serving. This makes the Tiramisu Cookies Recipe a great make-ahead option for gatherings.
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy your cookies slightly warm (minus the frosting), pop them in a 300°F oven for about 3 minutes. Let them cool before adding mascarpone, as warm cookies could melt the frosting and get a bit messy.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone in this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While mascarpone gives the most authentic tiramisu flavor, softened full-fat cream cheese is a great stand-in if that’s what you have on hand. The texture will be slightly tangier, but still creamy and delicious.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the cookie bases a day in advance, then frost and dust them with cocoa powder just before serving for the freshest flavor and appearance.
Will the frosting hold up at room temperature for parties?
The mascarpone frosting holds well for short periods at a cool room temperature, but if your house or party setting is warm, it’s best to keep the cookies chilled until right before serving.
Can I amp up the espresso flavor in the Tiramisu Cookies Recipe?
For even more coffee punch, you can brush the tops of the cookies with cooled brewed espresso before frosting them, or simply add an extra teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how fun and show-stopping this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe can be! Each bite delivers all the flavors of classic tiramisu in handheld, cookie form—ideal for sharing with friends, indulging with coffee, or making any day feel a little more special. Give these a try and let them bring a little Italian joy into your kitchen!
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
Indulge in the flavors of classic tiramisu with these delightful Tiramisu Cookies. A perfect blend of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa in a handheld treat.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 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 the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat butter and sugar, then add egg, vanilla, and espresso mixture. Mix in dry ingredients. Drop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Make the frosting: Beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Frost cooled cookies and dust with cocoa powder.
Notes
- For extra coffee flavor, brush baked cookies with cooled espresso before frosting.
- Store cookies with mascarpone frosting in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
