Grab your apron and get ready for a delightful treat because this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite sweet escape. Imagine the luscious flavors of classic tiramisu captured in a soft, chewy cookie that’s bursting with espresso, mascarpone, and cocoa goodness. It’s like your favorite Italian dessert got a cookie makeover, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring one (or three) with your afternoon coffee. These cookies strike the perfect balance of creamy richness and delicate coffee notes that will have you reaching for seconds before you even realize it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these tiramisu-inspired cookies is a breeze thanks to a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each component plays a critical role in achieving the perfect taste, texture, and that unmistakable tiramisu charm.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these cookies structure while keeping them tender.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds just enough lift to keep your cookies delightfully soft.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the sweet and rich flavors.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess and helps create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Bringing in the right touch of sweetness without overpowering.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together while adding tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder (or strong brewed coffee): The soul of tiramisu flavor, infusing the cookies with bold coffee notes.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the richness and aroma with a classic warm undertone.
- 2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese, softened: The secret ingredient that delivers creamy indulgence.
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened): For that nostalgic dusting of chocolate’s bittersweet kiss.
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar: Sweetens the cocoa dusting and finishes off the look beautifully.
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This little prep step ensures your cookies won’t stick and bake evenly. Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, setting it aside to combine flavors uniformly.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add in the egg, espresso powder (or brewed coffee if you prefer a fresher taste), and vanilla extract. Mixing these well ensures your cookies capture that rich coffee undertone synonymous with tiramisu.
Step 3: Blend in Mascarpone Cheese
Fold in the softened mascarpone cheese into your wet mixture until smooth and creamy. This step is the magic that brings the luscious, velvety quality of traditional tiramisu dessert right into your cookie dough—making every bite irresistibly melt-in-your-mouth.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mascarpone blend, stirring gently until just combined. You’re aiming for a soft dough that isn’t too sticky. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so keep it light and easy for the best texture.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon to encourage even baking. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden edges with soft but set centers.
Step 6: Add the Final Cocoa Dusting
While the cookies cool on a wire rack, mix the cocoa powder and powdered sugar in a small bowl. Once the cookies are completely cool, sift this lovely chocolate-sugar blend over the tops. This finishing touch is pure tiramisu inspiration, recreating that signature bittersweet cocoa dusting beautifully.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A delicate dusting of cocoa powder is essential, but for an extra swirl of indulgence, try topping each cookie with a tiny dollop of mascarpone cheese and a sprinkle of finely chopped dark chocolate or a few espresso beans. These little additions elevate presentation and flavor, making your cookies look as stunning as they taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a rich cup of espresso, a creamy cappuccino, or even a glass of sweet dessert wine. The coffee-infused notes in the cookies amplify the flavors of your favorite hot beverages, creating the perfect cozy moment to unwind and enjoy.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not assemble a tiramisu cookie platter layered with fresh berries, mint leaves, or even small bowls of mascarpone and chocolate sauce for dipping? Presenting them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert trio makes for a stunning treat that’s sure to impress your guests or bring smiles to your family’s faces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your tiramisu cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to three days, making them a fantastic treat to enjoy throughout your week without losing their signature flavors.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag after they’re frozen solid. This keeps them fresh for up to a month. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw at room temperature for a quick coffee-time fix!
Reheating
To revive that freshly-baked softness, warm the cookies for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes. Reheating brings out their comforting aromas and lets the mascarpone notes shine through once again.
FAQs
Can I use brewed coffee instead of espresso powder?
Absolutely! Using strong brewed coffee works perfectly if you don’t have instant espresso powder. Just remember to adjust the liquid content slightly to keep your dough from becoming too wet or sticky.
Is mascarpone cheese necessary for this recipe?
Mascarpone is key for that authentic tiramisu flavor and creamy texture. However, if you can’t find it, cream cheese is a workable substitute but will slightly alter the taste and creaminess.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, tiramisu cookies remain fresh and chewy for up to three days. Beyond that, their texture may start to change, so it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind it might affect the texture slightly. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free, too, for safe results.
What’s the best way to dust the cocoa and powdered sugar mixture?
Use a fine sieve or sifter for an even and delicate dusting over the cooled cookies. This creates that classic tiramisu look and balances the cocoa’s strong flavor with just a touch of sweetness.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe. It combines the best parts of an Italian dessert with the comforting ease of a cookie, making it an irresistible treat any time of day. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies will bring warmth, joy, and a little bit of delicious magic to your kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find your new all-time favorite cookie!
Print
Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18-20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
Delight in these Tiramisu Cookies that capture the essence of the classic Italian dessert. Soft and tender with a subtle coffee and mascarpone flavor, these cookies are dusted with cocoa powder for the perfect finishing touch. They’re easy to make, quick to bake, and ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth with a hint of espresso.
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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prepare for baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside this dry mixture.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Then add the egg, instant espresso powder or brewed coffee, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Add mascarpone cheese: Stir the softened mascarpone cheese into the wet mixture until the batter is smooth and evenly mixed.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky.
- Shape cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon to help them bake evenly.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are set but soft. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Cool completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before adding the finishing touch.
- Add cocoa dusting: In a small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Once cookies are fully cooled, sift this cocoa mixture evenly over the cookies for a light dusting that enhances flavor and presentation.
- Serve or store: Enjoy the tiramisu cookies immediately for optimum freshness or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain softness and flavor.
Notes
- If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, increase the espresso powder to 1½ tablespoons.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute mascarpone with vegan cream cheese.
- Cookies may be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days; avoid refrigeration to keep them soft.
- Ensure cookies are completely cool before dusting with cocoa powder to prevent clumping.
