Tiramisu Cookies are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts: the classic Italian tiramisu and the ever-popular cookie. These cookies are rich, buttery, and have that signature coffee flavor with a creamy mascarpone filling. Inspired by the traditional tiramisu, these cookies capture all the flavors you love—coffee, cream, and a hint of cocoa—in a handheld treat. They are an ideal dessert for those who want to indulge in the flavor of tiramisu without the effort of assembling layers. Perfect for any occasion, Tiramisu Cookies are a fun twist on the traditional dessert that will wow your guests or satisfy your sweet cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Blend of Flavors

These cookies combine the bold flavors of espresso, mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa powder, creating a decadent treat that mirrors the classic tiramisu.

2. Unique Twist on a Classic Dessert

If you’re a fan of tiramisu, these cookies offer a fun, bite-sized alternative that’s easier to make and just as delicious.

3. Soft and Chewy Texture

The cookies are soft and chewy, with the perfect balance of richness from the butter and sugars, and a slight crispness on the edges, just like a traditional cookie.

4. Creamy Mascarpone Filling

The mascarpone cream adds a smooth and indulgent touch to each cookie, making them extra special and true to the tiramisu flavor.

5. Easy to Make

With straightforward ingredients and steps, these cookies are a great option for bakers of all skill levels. No need to worry about layering or complicated assembly—just bake, assemble, and enjoy.

Ingredients

Cookies

Butter
Granulated sugar
Dark brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Instant espresso powder
Salt

Mascarpone Cream

Mascarpone cheese
Vanilla extract
Confectioners’ sugar
Agave or honey
Heavy cream
Cocoa powder (for dusting)

Variations

Add Chocolate Chips: Incorporate semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the cookie dough for an added touch of chocolatey goodness.
Espresso Flavor: For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the amount of instant espresso powder or substitute with brewed espresso for the liquid component.
Dipped in Chocolate: After assembling the cookies, dip the edges in melted chocolate for a rich, decadent finish.
Add Liqueur: For an adult twist, add a splash of coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa, to the mascarpone cream for an extra depth of flavor.
Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based egg substitute and dairy-free mascarpone to make this a vegan-friendly treat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, instant espresso powder, and salt.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each scoop slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to help them spread evenly while baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Mascarpone Cream

In a medium bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, confectioners’ sugar, and agave (or honey) together until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined.

Step 7: Assemble the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous dollop of mascarpone cream onto the bottom of one cookie. Top it with another cookie, sandwiching the cream in between. Repeat until all cookies are assembled.

Step 8: Dust with Cocoa Powder

Lightly dust the tops of the cookies with cocoa powder for that final touch that gives them the signature tiramisu appearance.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cookies immediately, or refrigerate them for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy the tiramisu flavors in every bite!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and mascarpone cheese are at room temperature to ensure smooth and easy mixing.
Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before baking.
Don’t Overbake: For soft, chewy cookies, make sure to take them out of the oven when the edges are golden, but the centers are still slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Piping the Mascarpone Cream: If you want a neater presentation, you can pipe the mascarpone cream onto the cookies instead of spreading it with a spoon.
Serving: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for a few days to let the flavors deepen.

How to Serve

Tiramisu Cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, espresso, or a glass of dessert wine. Serve them as a fun alternative to traditional tiramisu at a party, or treat yourself to a special snack. They are also perfect for a sweet after-dinner treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The mascarpone cream will keep them fresh and moist.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookies before assembling them. Simply bake the cookies and let them cool completely. Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to serve, let them thaw, then fill with mascarpone cream.

Reheating

These cookies are best served cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, lightly microwave them for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies without mascarpone?

Yes, you can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese for a slightly different flavor and texture, though it won’t be exactly the same.

2. Can I use brewed espresso instead of espresso powder?

Yes, you can substitute instant espresso powder with 1 tablespoon of brewed espresso for a stronger coffee flavor.

3. How long do these cookies stay fresh?

The cookies will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days when stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free, but the texture may vary slightly.

5. How can I make these cookies more coffee-flavored?

For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the amount of espresso powder or use a stronger coffee variety.

6. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies before assembling. Bake and cool them, then freeze for up to 2 months. Assemble when ready to serve.

7. Can I use a different sweetener for the mascarpone cream?

Yes, you can use honey, maple syrup, or another sweetener in place of agave if desired.

8. Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble and serve them.

9. How should I store leftover cookies?

Store leftover tiramisu cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

10. Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?

Yes, adding chocolate chips to the dough will give the cookies a rich chocolate flavor that pairs nicely with the coffee and mascarpone cream.

Conclusion

Tiramisu Cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert. With their rich espresso flavor, creamy mascarpone filling, and a dusting of cocoa powder, these cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. They are simple to make, indulgent, and sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether for a special gathering or just a sweet snack, these cookies will satisfy your tiramisu cravings in the most delicious way possible!