Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are soft, flavorful, and infused with the signature taste of coffee and cocoa. They’re easier to make than traditional tiramisu but still deliver that familiar indulgent flavor. Perfect for gatherings or everyday treats, they can be dressed up with a creamy topping or enjoyed on their own. They also make a great make-ahead dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon instant coffee or espresso powder
2 tablespoons milk
For topping:
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cocoa powder for dusting
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Dissolve the coffee in milk and add it to the mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop dough onto the baking sheet, spacing evenly.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely.
To make the topping, beat mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread or pipe the topping onto cooled cookies.
- Dust with cocoa powder before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 18 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 10 to 12 minutes
Cooling and topping time: 15 minutes
Total time: 40 to 45 minutes
Variations
You can customize tiramisu cookies in several ways. Add chocolate chips for extra richness. Soak the cookies lightly with coffee syrup for a stronger flavor. Use cream cheese instead of mascarpone if needed. For a crunchier texture, bake the cookies slightly longer. You can also sandwich two cookies with the creamy filling for a layered effect.
Storage/Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days due to the creamy topping. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Unfrosted cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
FAQs
Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant?
Yes, but reduce the milk slightly to maintain the right consistency.
What is mascarpone?
It’s a creamy Italian cheese commonly used in tiramisu.
Can I make these cookies without the topping?
Yes, they are still delicious on their own.
Can I freeze tiramisu cookies?
Unfrosted cookies freeze well, but the topping is best made fresh.
How do I make them more coffee-flavored?
Increase the amount of espresso powder slightly.
Can I use a different cheese?
Cream cheese can be used as a substitute for mascarpone.
Why are my cookies too soft?
They may need a bit more baking time or less moisture.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend.
How do I get a smooth topping?
Beat the mixture until fully creamy and lump-free.
Can I add cocoa to the dough?
Yes, a small amount can enhance the chocolate flavor.
Conclusion
Tiramisu cookies are a creative and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a classic dessert in a convenient form. With their soft texture and rich coffee flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and full of indulgent taste, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
PrintTiramisu Cookies
Soft and flavorful tiramisu cookies infused with coffee and topped with a creamy mascarpone frosting and cocoa dusting. A delightful handheld twist on the classic Italian dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee or espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Dissolve coffee in milk and add to the mixture.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool cookies completely.
- Beat mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread or pipe topping onto cooled cookies.
- Dust with cocoa powder before serving.
Notes
- Add chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Lightly brush cookies with coffee syrup for stronger flavor.
- Substitute cream cheese for mascarpone if needed.
- Store frosted cookies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for longer storage.
- Let chilled cookies sit briefly at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg