If you adore the luscious layers of classic tiramisu but crave a handheld treat, this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. These delicate sandwich cookies perfectly capture the essence of that beloved Italian dessert, combining espresso-infused cookie shells with a rich mascarpone filling—dust them with cocoa powder, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as impressive as it is inviting. Each bite balances coffee and creamy sweetness in a way that’s downright magical, making these cookies ideal for sharing with friends or savoring during a cozy afternoon break.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is both simple and crucial to nailing the authentic flavors and delightful texture of this recipe. Each component plays a specific role—from the espresso powder that infuses bold coffee notes, to the mascarpone cheese that lends a luscious, creamy finish. Here’s what you’ll need to create these scrumptious Tiramisu Cookies.
- All-purpose flour (1.75 cups): Provides the perfect structure for tender yet sturdy cookie shells.
- Baking powder (0.5 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft crumb.
- Salt (0.25 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (0.5 cup, softened): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (0.75 cup): Sweetens the cookie dough while contributing to that light, fluffy consistency.
- Egg (1 large, room temperature): Binds ingredients and enriches the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, comforting notes that mellow the espresso flavor.
- Instant espresso powder (1 tablespoon): Delivers a deep coffee punch, essential for that signature tiramisu taste.
- Hot water (1 tablespoon): Used to dissolve the espresso powder, ensuring it integrates seamlessly.
- Mascarpone cheese (0.5 cup, softened): The star of the filling, offering creamy decadence.
- Powdered sugar (0.5 cup): Sweetens and smooths the mascarpone filling.
- Vanilla extract for filling (1 teaspoon): Elevates the richness with a subtle aromatic touch.
- Heavy cream (0.25 cup): Whipped into the filling for lightness and a luscious texture.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting): Adds that classic tiramisu finish with a pleasantly bitter contrast.
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt—this blend forms the dry base of your cookie dough and ensures even flavor distribution.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar, Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—this step is key to achieving a tender cookie texture. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous, preparing the dough for the rich coffee infusion to come.
Step 3: Infuse the Dough with Espresso
Dissolve the instant espresso powder in hot water, creating a concentrated coffee liquid that will pack that essential tiramisu punch. Stir this espresso essence into your creamy butter mixture, making sure the flavor blends evenly throughout the dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients to Form Dough
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently but thoroughly until a soft, pliable dough forms. This dough should hold together without being sticky, ready for shaping into cookies.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for even baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set yet the centers remain soft and tender—a perfect canvas for the creamy filling.
Step 6: Prepare the Mascarpone Filling
While your cookies cool completely, beat together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until the mixture is thick and silky. This luscious filling is the heart of your Tiramisu Cookies Recipe, delivering that dreamy, creamy texture that pairs impeccably with the espresso-cookie shells.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Spread or pipe a generous dollop of the mascarpone filling onto the flat side of half of your cooled cookies, then gently press the remaining cookies on top to create delightful sandwich cookies. Finish by dusting the tops with unsweetened cocoa powder for that signature tiramisu look and a touch of pleasantly bitter flavor.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of cocoa powder is classic and visually appealing, but for extra fun, sprinkle finely shaved dark chocolate or a few espresso beans on top of each cookie for a charming, gourmet touch. These little details make your presentation pop and enhance the coffee aroma beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a rich espresso, a frothy cappuccino, or even a chilled glass of dessert wine to elevate your tasting experience. They also complement fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream perfectly when served as part of a dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gift, arrange Tiramisu Cookies Recipe sandwiches in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper or stack them on a tiered dessert stand garnished with edible flowers. You can even drizzle melted chocolate over the tops before dusting with cocoa for an elegant twist that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, store your Tiramisu Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep the mascarpone filling fresh and the cookies tender while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfilled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw them completely before assembling with the mascarpone filling to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer the cookies slightly warm, gently bring them to room temperature after removing from the refrigerator—avoid microwaving as it may compromise the filling’s creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of espresso powder?
Espresso powder is recommended because it dissolves easily and delivers a concentrated coffee flavor without adding extra moisture, which could affect the dough. Using regular brewed coffee might alter the cookie texture and make the dough too wet.
Is it necessary to use mascarpone cheese for the filling?
Mascarpone cheese is essential for that authentic creamy texture and flavor reminiscent of traditional tiramisu. However, if unavailable, you can substitute with cream cheese softened with a bit of heavy cream, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes, and ensure the mascarpone alternative is suitable for your diet. Keep in mind the texture and taste will vary somewhat from the classic recipe.
How can I intensify the coffee flavor?
If you prefer a stronger coffee kick, you can increase the instant espresso powder by an additional half teaspoon in the dough. Just be mindful it might add a touch of bitterness, so balance with the sugar accordingly.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing after assembly?
It’s best to freeze cookies before adding the mascarpone filling, as the creamy filling does not freeze well and may separate or become watery upon thawing.
Final Thoughts
Bringing together the beloved elements of tiramisu in a charming cookie form, this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe offers a delightful new way to enjoy a classic favorite. Whether you’re treating yourself, dazzling guests, or gifting something special, these cookies bring warmth, flavor, and a touch of Italian-inspired elegance to any occasion. Don’t wait to mix up a batch yourself – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 18 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Tiramisu Cookies capture the essence of the classic Italian dessert in a handheld treat. Featuring a soft coffee-flavored cookie sandwich filled with smooth mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa powder, they’re perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Cookie Dough
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 1 tablespoon hot water
Filling
- 0.5 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup heavy cream
For Dusting
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Dissolve Espresso Powder: Dissolve the instant espresso powder in hot water and mix this coffee mixture into the dough, infusing the cookie base with rich coffee flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set and centers remain soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets; this ensures they hold their shape when assembled.
- Prepare the Filling: Beat together the softened mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth, thick, and spreadable.
- Assemble Sandwich Cookies: Spread or pipe the mascarpone filling onto the flat side of half the cooled cookies. Top each with a remaining cookie to create sandwich cookies.
- Final Touch: Lightly dust the tops of the assembled sandwich cookies with unsweetened cocoa powder to mimic traditional tiramisu presentation. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- For a more intense coffee flavor, increase espresso powder by an additional 0.5 teaspoon in the dough.
- Store sandwich cookies in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Ensure the mascarpone cheese is softened to achieve a smooth filling consistency.
- Use room temperature egg to allow even mixing and better texture.
