Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with these irresistible Tiramisu Cookies! Imagine thick, chewy coffee-infused cookies perfectly crowned with a luscious mascarpone cream and dusted with just the right amount of cocoa powder. They capture all the magic of classic tiramisu but in a delightfully portable cookie form. Whether you want a special treat for your afternoon coffee or a showstopping dessert for your next gathering, these Tiramisu Cookies hit every sweet spot with their perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Tiramisu Cookies come together with surprisingly simple ingredients, each playing a key role in creating that iconic flavor and texture. From the rich butter that makes the cookies tender to the espresso powder that gives them that unmistakable coffee kick, every item on this list is essential to make your cookies sing.
- 110 g butter: Provides richness and a soft, chewy texture when melted and cooled.
- 100 g granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s crisp edges.
- 100 g dark brown sugar: Introduces moisture and a subtle caramel note to the dough.
- 1 egg (57-60 g): Binds the dough and adds structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors with a warm aroma.
- 230 g all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookie its form.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Provides a gentle rise for perfect thickness.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder to help texture.
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder: Gives that iconic coffee flavor that defines tiramisu.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
- 180 g mascarpone cheese: The star of the creamy topping, bringing rich, smooth tanginess.
- 90 g confectioners sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the mascarpone cream.
- 20 g agave or honey: Adds a gentle natural sweetness to the cream.
- 120 g heavy cream: Whipped to airy perfection to give the topping lightness.
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder: For that classic dusting that finishes off your Tiramisu Cookies beautifully.
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by melting the butter gently—don’t let it bubble to keep the moisture intact. Pour it into a big bowl and pop it in the fridge to cool for about 20 minutes; this step is key for the right texture. Then, mix your cooled butter with both sugars—granulated and dark brown—until silky and smooth. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until everything’s just combined, which ensures your cookies will have a tender crumb with fabulous flavor.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, espresso powder, and salt. This combination gives your cookies that signature lift, coffee undertone, and balance of flavors. When you add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stir gently until just combined to keep the cookies thick and chewy without overworking the dough.
Step 3: Shape and Chill
Using a cookie scoop, portion out your dough into uniform balls and then roll them gently between your hands for a smooth finish. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment and then chill for one whole hour—this resting time helps develop flavors and prevents spreading in the oven, which means thick, luscious cookies every time.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 180ºC (355ºF), and bake the cookies in batches, spacing about six cookies per tray. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes—just until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let them cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step lets the cookies set fully while staying perfectly soft inside.
Step 5: Make the Mascarpone Cream
While the cookies are chilling or baking, whip together mascarpone cheese, confectioners sugar, agave (or honey), heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat everything into stiff peaks, so the cream holds its shape beautifully when piped. This creamy topping is what makes these cookies truly unforgettable, turning them into miniature tiramisu delights.
Step 6: Assemble and Finish
Once the cookies are fully cooled, fill a piping bag fitted with a swirl tip and add a generous swirl of mascarpone cream atop each cookie. Finally, dust with cocoa powder through a fine sieve to add an elegant and authentic touch. Voilà—Tiramisu Cookies that look as stunning as they taste!
How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies
Garnishes
To really make your Tiramisu Cookies pop, consider a sprinkle of finely shaved dark chocolate or a few coffee beans on top of the mascarpone cream right before serving. A light dusting of extra cocoa powder gives an irresistible, classic finish that not only looks gorgeous but deepens the coffee flavor. These little touches take your cookies from delightful to iconic.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with an espresso shot or a cup of freshly brewed cappuccino to echo the coffee notes in the dough. For a decadent twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream to contrast the creamy topping and add a refreshing chill. If you want a lighter companion, fresh berries bring a pop of color and tang that balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is everything, right? Arrange your Tiramisu Cookies on a rustic wooden board with some small ramekins of mascarpone cream to dip, or stack them in a clear glass jar sprinkled between layers of cocoa powder to reveal all their gorgeous textures. For parties, pipe the mascarpone topping just before guests arrive so it stays luscious and fresh. You can even tie a pretty ribbon around a stack of cookies for an edible gift that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and topped with mascarpone cream, store your Tiramisu Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, though honestly, they tend to disappear way faster. Keeping them chilled preserves the cream’s texture and keeps the cookie from getting too soft.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time and freeze, bake the cookies first and cool completely. Freeze them in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. The mascarpone cream, however, is best made fresh or stored separately in the fridge. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before adding the cream for best results.
Reheating
Since these cookies are best enjoyed fresh and with their cool mascarpone topping, reheating is not generally recommended. However, if you prefer a warm cookie experience, gently warm the cookie base alone for 5-7 seconds in the microwave, then add the chilled topping afterward to maintain that creamy contrast.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso powder in these Tiramisu Cookies?
Instant espresso powder is preferred because it dissolves completely and delivers an intense coffee flavor without adding moisture. Regular coffee might make the dough too wet and alter the texture of the cookies, so sticking to espresso powder is the best bet.
How long will these Tiramisu Cookies keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies topped with mascarpone cream will stay fresh for about 3 days. Beyond that, the cream may start to lose its firmness and the cookie texture might change.
Can I substitute mascarpone for cream cheese in the topping?
While cream cheese can be used, mascarpone has a milder, richer flavor and silkier texture that’s authentic to tiramisu. If you substitute, consider adding a touch of heavy cream to lighten the texture and balance the tanginess.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten, so these are not gluten-free. However, if you want to experiment, a gluten-free flour blend might work, but expect some changes in texture.
What’s the best way to pipe the mascarpone cream onto the cookies?
Using a piping bag fitted with a large star or round tip creates beautiful swirls that look elegant and hold their shape well. If you don’t have a piping bag, a spoon and a steady hand will do just fine for dolloping on a lovely layer of cream.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about these Tiramisu Cookies—they bring the best of two worlds into one irresistible bite. With their perfect balance of coffee-infused cookie and creamy mascarpone topping, they really are a dessert lover’s dream come true. I promise once you try making these, they’ll become your go-to treat for every special occasion or cozy afternoon. So grab your ingredients and start baking; your new favorite cookie adventure awaits!
