Tiramisu Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of classic tiramisu in a bite-sized form. These cookies have a lovely coffee and cocoa dusting on top, along with hints of creamy mascarpone and a touch of sweetness that perfectly mimics the original dessert. They’re soft, chewy, and full of flavor, making them easy to enjoy anytime you want a little pick-me-up.
I love making these cookies when I want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re so simple to prepare, yet they feel special and indulgent in the best way. One of my favorite parts is how the coffee flavor sneaks in just enough to remind you of that classic espresso kick, but it’s balanced with the sweetness that everyone loves in tiramisu. I usually double the batch because they disappear fast!
These cookies are perfect alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, and they make a fantastic afternoon snack or dessert after dinner. I often package them up to bring to gatherings, and I always get asked for the recipe. If you’re a fan of tiramisu, but want something portable and easy to share, these cookies are the perfect solution. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep some on hand all the time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level. If you only have salted butter, skip adding extra salt to the dough.
Espresso powder: This gives that classic coffee flavor. If you don’t have espresso powder, strong instant coffee works too but use a bit less since it’s more bitter.
Mascarpone cheese: This is key for that creamy, authentic tiramisu taste. If you can’t find mascarpone, cream cheese mixed with a little heavy cream is a decent substitute.
Heavy cream (optional): Whipping cream into the filling lightens it up, but you can skip it if you want a denser, richer filling.
How Do I Get Soft, Chewy Cookies with a Strong Coffee Flavor?
The trick is balancing the wet and dry ingredients and chilling the dough first. Here’s how:
- Cream butter and sugars well to trap air, giving lightness.
- Add espresso powder carefully so the coffee flavor shines without bitterness.
- Mix the dry ingredients gently to avoid tough cookies.
- Chill the dough for at least an hour. This step helps keep the cookies from spreading too much.
- Bake until edges are just golden for soft centers.
This way, you’ll have cookies soft and chewy inside, tasting just like tiramisu with a hint of espresso. Don’t forget to cool them fully before adding the mascarpone filling for best texture!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining your dough and filling ingredients smoothly.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – makes creaming butter and beating mascarpone easy and quick.
- Baking sheet – you’ll need a flat surface to bake your cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper or silicone mat – prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Piping bag or zip-top bag – perfect for piping the mascarpone filling neatly onto the cookies.
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer – for dusting cocoa powder evenly on top of the cookies.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap espresso powder for mocha powder to add a chocolate-coffee twist kids will love.
- Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the cookie dough for a fresh, citrusy note that brightens the flavor.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips to the dough for surprise bites of sweetness in every cookie.
- Use flavored liqueurs like amaretto or coffee liqueur in the mascarpone filling for an adult-only version.
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder or finely ground coffee
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Mascarpone Filling:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, cold
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for fluffier filling)
For Topping:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the dough, 1 hour chilling time, 10-12 minutes to bake, and another 10 minutes preparing the filling and assembling. Overall, plan for about 1 hour and 40 minutes including chilling and cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one by one, then stir in the vanilla extract and espresso powder until everything is well blended.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
3. Chill the Dough:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least one hour. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape when baking and enhances flavor.
4. Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookie edges are lightly golden. Cool cookies completely on a wire rack.
5. Prepare the Mascarpone Filling:
Beat mascarpone cheese and sifted powdered sugar together until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract. For a lighter filling, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form and gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture.
6. Assemble the Cookies:
When the cookies are fully cooled, pipe or spread a generous dollop of mascarpone filling onto the flat side of one cookie. Top it with another cookie to make a sandwich.
7. Add the Finishing Touch:
Lightly dust the tops of the assembled cookies with unsweetened cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu look and flavor.
8. Serve and Store:
Enjoy the cookies immediately, or refrigerate them for 30 minutes to let the filling set. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I Use Decaf Coffee or Instant Coffee Instead of Espresso Powder?
Yes! You can use decaf coffee or regular instant coffee if you prefer less caffeine. Just use a slightly smaller amount to avoid bitterness, and dissolve it well before mixing into the dough.
How Should I Store These Tiramisu Cookies?
Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you haven’t assembled them yet, the cookie parts alone keep well at room temperature for a few days in an airtight container.
Can I Make the Mascarpone Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mascarpone filling up to a day in advance and keep it tightly covered in the fridge. Give it a gentle stir before using if it thickens or separates.
What Can I Substitute for Mascarpone Cheese?
If mascarpone isn’t available, you can use cream cheese mixed with a little heavy cream or sour cream to mimic the creamy texture and flavor. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious!