If you adore the classic Italian dessert but want a fun, portable twist, this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies capture all the luscious flavors of tiramisu in a bite-sized treat—combining coffee-soaked goodness, rich mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa powder for that perfect finish. Soft, slightly chewy, and bursting with layers of flavor, making these cookies is a joyful way to bring a crowd-pleaser into your everyday baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, kitchen-friendly ingredients that work together beautifully to build layers of flavor, texture, and the iconic tiramisu appearance. Each component plays a vital role—from the creamy mascarpone adding richness to the instant coffee infusing that unmistakable espresso flair.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The sturdy base that creates tender, perfectly textured cookies.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Provides just the right lift for a soft cookie.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Adds richness and contributes to the cookie’s soft crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps with cookie structure.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Brings moisture and a hint of caramel complexity.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough and add richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warm aromatic notes.
- Instant coffee granules (1 tbsp): The star ingredient giving that unmistakable tiramisu espresso kick.
- Warm water (1 tbsp): Helps dissolve the coffee granules for even flavor distribution.
- Mascarpone cheese (1/2 cup): Adds creamy decadence and authenticity.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Infuses subtle warmth.
- Cocoa powder (1/4 cup): For dusting on top, lending a classic tiramisu look and taste.
- Dark chocolate chips (1/4 cup, optional): For a little extra richness and chocolate punch.
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Mixture
Start by dissolving the instant coffee granules in warm water. This ensures that the coffee flavor is smooth and evenly spread throughout your cookie dough, giving these cookies their signature espresso undertone.
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Sheets
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is key for even baking and easy cookie removal.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. This blend adds a subtle warmth and perfectly balanced rise to the cookies.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This creates a fabulous, creamy base that will make your cookies tender and chewy.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and the cooled coffee mixture. This step infuses your dough with moody espresso notes and sweet vanilla charm.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until combined. Then gently fold in the mascarpone cheese and optional dark chocolate chips for pockets of creamy and rich indulgence.
Step 7: Form and Bake the Cookies
Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto your prepared sheets, spacing them apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden hue and the center sets but remains soft.
Step 8: Cool and Dust with Cocoa Powder
Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, dust generously with cocoa powder using a fine sieve to mimic the classic tiramisu topping—this finishing touch is pure magic.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Your tiramisu cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! Pair them with a hot cup of coffee to fully embrace the tiramisu experience without the fuss of assembling the traditional dessert.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, add a few chocolate shavings or a light drizzle of espresso glaze atop the cookies. This adds visual appeal and boosts the cocoa and coffee flavors in every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a creamy cappuccino or a rich espresso for a perfect pairing. A scoop of vanilla gelato or mascarpone cream can also complement the cookies superbly, elevating your dessert spread to new levels of delight.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your tiramisu cookies on a rustic wooden board dusted with cocoa powder, or arrange them in pretty gift boxes for delightful homemade presents. They also pair wonderfully with berry compote or a dusting of powdered sugar for festive occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover tiramisu cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy your delicious baking whenever cravings strike.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag once solid. Frozen, they’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months, so you can bake ahead for easy indulgence anytime.
Reheating
To revive the soft texture, warm the cookies gently in a microwave for around 10-15 seconds or in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes. This brings back that just-baked feeling and makes the mascarpone and chocolate feel freshly melty.
FAQs
Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?
While brewed coffee can add flavor, it introduces more liquid to the dough, which may affect the texture. Instant coffee granules dissolve better without altering the balance, ensuring the perfect cookie consistency.
Is mascarpone cheese necessary in the recipe?
Mascarpone is essential for that creamy tiramisu taste and tender texture. If unavailable, cream cheese can be a substitute, but mascarpone gives the most authentic, silky richness.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure your baking soda and other ingredients are also gluten-free for safe substitution.
What’s the best way to dust the cocoa powder evenly?
Use a fine mesh sieve or a small tea strainer to shake the cocoa powder over the cookies. This method helps distribute a light, even layer that replicates the classic tiramisu look.
Are dark chocolate chips necessary in the Tiramisu Cookies Recipe?
They’re optional but highly recommended! They add pockets of rich chocolate that contrast beautifully with the coffee and mascarpone flavors, taking your cookies from great to unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
This Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is a charming and easy way to bring the iconic Italian dessert into cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these delicate bites offer a cozy coffee break with a twist. I promise once you try them, they’ll become your new favorite go-to cookie, perfect for sharing or savoring a little moment of happiness any time of day.
Print
Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
Delight in these Tiramisu Cookies, a perfect fusion of classic tiramisu flavors wrapped in a soft, chewy cookie. Featuring a subtle coffee kick balanced with creamy mascarpone and dusted with cocoa powder, these cookies are a decadent treat ideal for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp instant coffee granules (or espresso powder)
- 1 tbsp warm water
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
Optional and Topping
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for added richness)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee Mixture: In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules or espresso powder in 1 tablespoon of warm water. Set this coffee mixture aside to cool completely, ensuring that it infuses maximum flavor into the dough.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set this mixture aside for gradual incorporation later.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This creates a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture. Mix in the vanilla extract and the cooled coffee mixture to infuse the dough with tiramisu-inspired flavors.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mixing only until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. If you like, fold in the mascarpone cheese gently along with the optional dark chocolate chips to add creamy richness and bursts of chocolate.
- Form Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges become lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and helps maintain their shape.
- Dust with Cocoa Powder: Once fully cooled, sift a light dusting of cocoa powder over the top of each cookie to replicate the classic tiramisu dusting and enhance the presentation.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy your Tiramisu Cookies alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee or espresso for the ultimate tiramisu-inspired treat.
Notes
- You can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese as a budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing much creaminess.
- For an intensified coffee flavor, adjust the instant coffee quantity to taste or use brewed espresso in place of warm water for dissolving.
- If you prefer crispier cookies, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to overbake as tiramisu cookies are best soft and tender.
- To store, keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Dark chocolate chips add a rich contrast but can be omitted for a purely coffee and mascarpone flavor profile.
