If you adore the classic Italian dessert with a modern twist, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Coffee Tiramisu Whoopie Pies Recipe. Imagine soft, luscious chocolate cakes infused with a hint of coffee, sandwiched with a silky mascarpone filling that perfectly captures tiramisu’s signature flavor in a handheld treat. It’s the perfect marriage of cake and creamy filling, ideal for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a decadent moment anytime. Each bite envelops you in the wonderful balance of rich chocolate and aromatic coffee with a delicate sweetness that feels simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun of making this dessert. Each one is simple but essential, coming together to create an amazing texture, flavor, and that inviting cocoa hue that makes these whoopie pies stand out.
- Cooking spray: Helps prevent your whoopie pies from sticking to the parchment paper for perfect rounds every time.
- 2 1/4 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour: Provides the soft, sturdy base for the cake layers.
- 1/2 cup (40 g) unsweetened cocoa powder: For a deep chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color; Dutch-processed is best.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Gives a gentle rise for light, tender cakes.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with the acid in coffee to lighten the texture even more.
- 1 cup (215 g) packed light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture with a subtle caramel note.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps cakes tender and moist without overpowering the taste.
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Contributes richness and depth to the flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the batter and adds structure for perfect cake layers.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Offers a warm, sweet undertone that rounds out the flavors.
- 3/4 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and creates great crumb texture.
- 1/4 cup freshly brewed coffee, warm: Infuses the batter with authentic coffee aroma and flavor.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: Whipped to create the silky mascarpone filling’s base.
- 1/2 cup (55 g) confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the filling gently and helps it hold its shape.
- 1 Tbsp instant coffee: Boosts the coffee flavor in the creamy mascarpone filling.
- 6 oz mascarpone, cold: The star ingredient in your filling for that classic tiramisu creaminess.
How to Make Chocolate Coffee Tiramisu Whoopie Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly coat them with cooking spray. This little prep step ensures your whoopie pies come off easily and keep their perfect shape during baking.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Take a medium bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, kosher salt, and baking soda until evenly combined. This blend forms the dry foundation packed with the flavors and leaveners that make the cakes tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Cream the Sugars and Fats
In a separate large bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-high speed to beat the packed light brown sugar, vegetable oil, and softened butter. The mixture should become light and fluffy, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step sets the stage for a rich, moist cake layer.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg and pure vanilla extract until well combined. These ingredients add structure and a warm, inviting scent that complements the chocolate and coffee perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet batter on medium-low speed, stopping when just a few dry streaks remain. Then pour in the milk and the warm freshly brewed coffee, beating just until the batter comes together for a tender crumb without overmixing.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Use a medium ice cream scoop (about 3 tablespoons) to drop rounded scoops of batter onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them roughly 3 inches apart to allow room to spread. Bake them in the oven for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are firm and the centers remain soft. Let them cool completely on the sheets before assembling.
Step 7: Whip the Filling
In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and instant coffee on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Add half of the cold mascarpone cheese and blend gently, then add the remainder and continue whipping until you get stiff, fluffy peaks. This luscious filling is the creamy heart of your whoopie pies.
Step 8: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Flip half of the cooled cake discs over so their flat sides face up. Scoop a generous dollop of the mascarpone coffee filling onto each one, then top with another disc, flat side down. Gently press together until the filling nearly reaches the edges. Finish by dusting with extra cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu appearance.
How to Serve Chocolate Coffee Tiramisu Whoopie Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a light dusting of cocoa powder on top creates that instantly recognizable tiramisu look, while a few chocolate shavings or chocolate curls elevate the presentation beautifully. A sprinkle of finely ground espresso beans can add a rustic touch and a little crunch for the coffee lovers.
Side Dishes
Serve these whoopie pies alongside a rich cup of cappuccino or espresso to amp up the coffee experience. If you want a complete dessert spread, fresh berries or a simple vanilla gelato complement the creamy filling and chocolate notes with refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the whoopie pies in a pretty tower for a party centerpiece or arrange them on a platter similar to petit fours for elegant finger food. Wrapping them individually in parchment tied with twine makes for charming gifts or convenient grab-and-go treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Chocolate Coffee Tiramisu Whoopie Pies Recipe leftovers store best in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep them chilled to maintain the freshness of the mascarpone filling and softness of the cakes, ideally consuming within 2–3 days for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing
These whoopie pies freeze wonderfully if you want to keep them longer. Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and enjoy within one month for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Because of the creamy filling, it’s best to serve these whoopie pies chilled or at room temperature rather than reheated. If you prefer, you can let them sit out for about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off without losing their delightful smoothness.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular coffee for instant coffee in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute brewed strong coffee for the instant coffee in the filling, but you may need to reduce any added liquid elsewhere to maintain the right texture. Instant coffee concentrates flavor without adding moisture, so keep an eye on consistency.
What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese? What can I use instead?
A mix of cream cheese and heavy cream can be a good substitute for mascarpone, though the flavor will be slightly tangier. Blend softened cream cheese with a touch of heavy cream until smooth to mimic mascarpone’s luscious texture.
How do I make sure my whoopie pies are perfectly round and even?
Using a medium ice cream scoop ensures consistent sizing and rounded shapes. Space them carefully on the baking sheet and don’t flatten the batter once scooped to keep that classic mound shape.
Can I make these whoopie pies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum. You might need to adjust baking time slightly, but the chocolate coffee flavor will still shine through beautifully.
Are these whoopie pies good for kids, considering the coffee content?
This recipe does contain coffee, which adds authentic flavor but also caffeine. For a kid-friendly version, you can reduce the coffee or substitute with brewed decaffeinated coffee or even hot chocolate powder for a similar depth without caffeine.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Coffee Tiramisu Whoopie Pies Recipe is pure magic in bite-sized form, perfectly blending the best elements of two beloved desserts: tiramisu and whoopie pies. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or a cozy weekend treat, they’re sure to bring smiles and happy sighs from everyone lucky enough to enjoy one. Dive in and savor every chocolaty, coffee-laced bite — you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Chocolate Coffee Tiramisu Whoopie Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
These Chocolate Coffee Tiramisu Whoopie Pies combine rich cocoa and espresso flavors into soft, cake-like cookies sandwiching a fluffy mascarpone coffee filling. Perfect for a sophisticated dessert with a twist on traditional tiramisu, these individual treats are moist, creamy, and lightly dusted with cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
For the Whoopie Pies
- Cooking spray
- 2 1/4 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (40 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed), plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup (215 g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup freshly brewed coffee, warm
For the Filling
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (55 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 Tbsp instant coffee
- 6 oz mascarpone, cold
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease them with cooking spray to prevent the cakes from sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, kosher salt, and baking soda until well combined. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa flavor throughout the batter.
- Cream sugar and fats: In a separate large bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-high speed to beat the light brown sugar, vegetable oil, and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. This aeration step helps produce tender cakes.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated, which adds moisture and flavor depth to the batter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients on medium-low speed. Beat until just a few dry streaks remain, then add the milk and warm coffee. Continue beating until the batter is just combined to maintain a tender cake texture without overmixing.
- Scoop batter onto pans: Using a medium ice cream scoop (about 3 tablespoons), drop rounded scoops of batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them approximately 3 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the whoopie pies: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. The edges should be firm while the centers remain slightly soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely on the baking sheets.
- Prepare the coffee mascarpone filling: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and instant coffee on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Add half of the cold mascarpone cheese and beat just until combined. Add the remaining mascarpone and continue beating until stiff peaks form, creating a fluffy, creamy filling perfect for sandwiching.
- Assemble the whoopie pies: Flip half of the cooled cake discs over so the flat sides face up. Using a medium scoop, dollop a generous amount of mascarpone filling onto each flipped disc. Top each with another cake disc, flat side down, gently pressing together so the filling nearly reaches the edges.
- Finish and serve: Dust the tops lightly with additional cocoa powder to finish with a classic tiramisu appearance. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use freshly brewed warm coffee in the batter for a subtle coffee flavor; instant coffee in the filling provides a sharper espresso note.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the whoopie pies soft and tender.
- Make sure mascarpone and cream are cold before whipping to achieve the best texture.
- The whoopie pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a smoother, less acidic chocolate flavor.
