We’ve taken Italy’s most beloved dessert and transformed it into the perfect handheld treat with these incredible tiramisu cookies. These soft-baked delights capture every magical element of traditional tiramisu – rich coffee flavor, creamy mascarpone, and that distinctive cocoa dusting – all wrapped up in a cookie that’s impossible to resist.
What makes these cookies truly special is how they deliver the authentic tiramisu experience in every bite. We’ve infused the cookie dough with espresso and coffee liqueur, then topped each one with a luscious mascarpone frosting that melts in your mouth. The final touch of cocoa powder gives them that classic tiramisu appearance that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Perfect for entertaining or satisfying your own sweet cravings, these tiramisu cookies offer all the sophistication of the classic Italian dessert with the convenience of a portable treat. They’re surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress anyone who tries them.
Ingredients
We’ve carefully selected each ingredient to capture the authentic flavors of classic tiramisu in cookie form. These components work together to create the perfect balance of coffee intensity and creamy sweetness.
For the Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup strong espresso, cooled
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Mascarpone Filling
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strong espresso, cooled
For Assembly and Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate shavings (optional)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for final dusting
Equipment Needed
To create these authentic tiramisu cookies successfully, we need to gather the right kitchen tools that will help us achieve professional results. The proper equipment ensures our cookies maintain their delicate texture while allowing us to create that signature mascarpone topping with ease.
Our electric hand mixer serves as the cornerstone tool for this recipe. We use it to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then later to whip our mascarpone cream topping to the perfect consistency. This tool saves us important time and effort while delivering superior results compared to mixing by hand.
A 4-tablespoon cookie scooper becomes essential for portion control and uniformity. We rely on this tool to create evenly sized cookies that bake at the same rate, preventing some from overcooking while others remain underdone. The consistent sizing also creates a more professional appearance for our finished cookies.
Standard baking sheets provide the foundation for our cookie baking process. We recommend having at least two sheets available so we can prepare the next batch while one is in the oven. This streamlines our baking workflow and keeps the process moving efficiently.
For applying our mascarpone topping, we need either an offset spatula or a piping bag. The offset spatula allows us to spread the cream evenly across each cookie surface, while a piping bag gives us more decorative control for creating elegant swirls or patterns.
Finally, a fine mesh strainer proves crucial for the finishing touch. We use this tool to dust our completed cookies with cocoa powder, creating that authentic tiramisu appearance. The fine mesh ensures even distribution without clumps, giving our cookies that professional bakery look.
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create authentic tiramisu cookies that perfectly capture the essence of Italy’s beloved dessert. We’ll guide you through each stage from preparing the coffee mixture to the final dusting.
Prep the Coffee Mixture
Whisk 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder into 3 tablespoons of melted butter until completely dissolved. This technique infuses the coffee flavor directly into the fat for deeper taste penetration. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before incorporating it into your cookie dough. The espresso-butter combination creates the foundation of authentic tiramisu flavor in every bite.
Make the Cookie Dough
Cream 1 cup softened butter with ¾ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes. Beat in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until well combined. Add the cooled espresso-butter mixture and mix thoroughly.
Combine 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tender cookie texture. Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier handling and better shape retention during baking.
Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the chilled dough into 2-tablespoon portions using a cookie scoop for uniform size. Space cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers still appear slightly soft. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Complete cooling is essential before adding the mascarpone filling.
Prepare the Mascarpone Filling
Beat 8 ounces mascarpone cheese and 4 ounces cream cheese in a stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar, beating until well incorporated. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon salt.
Pour ½ cup heavy cream slowly into the mixture while beating on medium speed. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. For enhanced flavor, fold in 2 tablespoons Kahlua or coffee liqueur if desired.
Assemble the Tiramisu Cookies
Transfer the mascarpone filling to a piping bag fitted with a star tip for decorative application. Pipe generous swirls of filling onto the flat bottom of half the cooled cookies. Top with remaining cookies to create sandwich-style treats.
Alternatively, pipe the filling directly onto the top of individual cookies for an open-faced presentation. This method showcases the creamy mascarpone topping while allowing for easier cocoa powder dusting.
Final Touches
Dust the assembled cookies with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine mesh strainer for even distribution. Hold the strainer 6 inches above the cookies and gently tap for light, uniform coverage. Add dark chocolate shavings using a vegetable peeler for an elegant finishing touch that mimics traditional tiramisu presentation.
Store completed cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor experience.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage keeps our tiramisu cookies fresh and maintains their delicious flavors for several days. We recommend different storage methods depending on whether the cookies are frosted or unfrosted.
Room Temperature Storage
Unfrosted tiramisu cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days. This method works best when we plan to serve the cookies within a short timeframe. We always ensure the container seals tightly to prevent the cookies from becoming stale.
Refrigerator Storage
Frosted cookies require refrigeration to maintain the mascarpone cream’s texture and safety. We store completed tiramisu cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Some recipes indicate these cookies can last up to 7 days when properly refrigerated.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1-2 days | Unfrosted cookies |
| Refrigerator | 3-5 days | Frosted cookies |
| Extended Refrigeration | 5-7 days | Properly stored frosted cookies |
Freezing Cookie Dough
We can freeze the cookie dough for up to one month for future baking. First we shape the dough into balls and flash freeze them until solid. Then we transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag or airtight container. We do not recommend freezing completed cookies with mascarpone cream as the texture changes significantly.
Serving Tips
Before serving refrigerated cookies we allow them to come to room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. This resting period lets the flavors fully develop and softens the mascarpone cream slightly for the best eating experience.
Storage Best Practices
We place parchment paper between cookie layers to prevent sticking during storage. The cocoa powder dusting should be applied just before serving since moisture from the mascarpone cream can darken the cocoa powder over time. This final touch ensures our tiramisu cookies maintain their visual appeal when presented to guests.
Make-Ahead Tips
We love how versatile these tiramisu cookies are when it comes to planning ahead. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility to fit your schedule while maintaining the authentic flavors we’ve carefully crafted.
Freezing Cookie Dough for Future Baking
Cookie dough preparation becomes effortless when we plan ahead. We can make the entire batch of dough and freeze individual dough balls on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe container where they’ll keep for up to three months. When we’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough balls at room temperature and proceed with our original baking instructions.
Baking Cookies in Advance
Baking the cookies a full day before serving gives us tremendous flexibility in our timeline. We recommend baking the cookies completely and storing them unfrosted at room temperature in an airtight container. The mascarpone frosting can be prepared separately and refrigerated until we’re ready to assemble. This approach ensures our cookies maintain their ideal texture while the frosting stays fresh and creamy.
Optimal Chilling for Better Results
Chilling our cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking significantly improves the final texture. This step prevents excessive spreading during baking and helps maintain the cookies’ shape. We find that well-chilled dough creates cookies with better structure for holding our luscious mascarpone filling.
Storage Guidelines for Frosted Cookies
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated (frosted) | 3-5 days | Store in airtight container |
| Room temperature (unfrosted) | 1-2 days | Use airtight container |
| Frozen dough balls | Up to 3 months | Label with date |
Frosted cookies require refrigeration and can be stored for several days while maintaining their quality. We recommend storing them in a single layer when possible, though they can be stacked if we haven’t yet dusted them with cocoa powder. For the best presentation, apply the final cocoa dusting just before serving to maintain that fresh, elegant appearance that makes these cookies so special.
Serving Suggestions
We recommend serving these delightful tiramisu cookies immediately after assembly for the best texture and flavor experience. Fresh cookies provide the perfect balance between the soft mascarpone topping and the tender cookie base.
Perfect Beverage Pairings
Coffee makes an ideal companion to our tiramisu cookies, improving their rich espresso flavors. We suggest pairing them with a hot cup of espresso or your favorite coffee blend to create an authentic Italian dessert experience. Other beverages that complement the coffee and chocolate notes include cappuccino or even a glass of cold milk for those who prefer a milder contrast.
Presentation Tips
Our tiramisu cookies shine when presented with attention to detail. We dust each cookie with cocoa powder just before serving to maintain that classic tiramisu appearance and prevent the powder from absorbing into the mascarpone. For special occasions, we arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and garnish with dark chocolate shavings or a light sprinkle of espresso grounds.
Storage for Optimal Serving
When storing assembled cookies, we place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they maintain their quality for up to three days. Before serving refrigerated cookies, we allow them to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to achieve the ideal texture and temperature.
Customizing Your Experience
We often adjust the Kahlua content in our mascarpone frosting to suit different taste preferences, making the cookies more or less intense depending on our guests’ preferences. For those who enjoy additional richness, we sometimes add an extra layer of mascarpone whipped cream on top of the standard frosting, creating a more indulgent treat that closely mimics traditional tiramisu.
Quick Serving Answers
For last-minute entertaining, we appreciate that our tiramisu cookie recipe can be completed in under an hour, making it perfect for unexpected guests or spontaneous dessert cravings. This timing allows us to serve fresh, homemade cookies without extensive preparation time.
Recipe Variations
We can transform our classic tiramisu cookies into exciting variations that cater to different preferences and dietary needs. These adaptations maintain the beloved coffee and mascarpone flavors while offering unique twists on the original recipe.
Mini Tiramisu Cookie Bites
Creating mini tiramisu cookie bites transforms our standard recipe into perfectly portioned treats that disappear in one delightful bite. We use a smaller cookie scoop or shape the dough into 1-tablespoon portions instead of our usual 4-tablespoon size. These petite versions require a reduced baking time of 8 to 10 minutes compared to the 12 to 15 minutes needed for full-sized cookies.
The mascarpone filling remains the same but we apply it using a piping bag with a small star tip for precise portion control. Each mini bite receives just enough cream to complement the cookie without overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors. We find these smaller versions particularly appealing for parties and gatherings where guests prefer lighter refreshments.
Gluten-Free Option
Our gluten-free tiramisu cookies deliver the same rich coffee and mascarpone experience without compromising on taste or texture. We substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that contains rice flour and almond flour for optimal results. A blend ratio of 70% rice flour and 30% almond flour creates the ideal cookie texture.
The liquid content requires slight adjustment when using gluten-free flour since these alternatives absorb moisture differently than traditional wheat flour. We typically reduce the coffee mixture by 1 to 2 tablespoons to prevent the dough from becoming too wet. The cookies maintain their soft chewy texture while the almond flour component adds a subtle nutty undertone that complements the espresso flavors beautifully.
All other ingredients remain unchanged including our mascarpone cream topping and cocoa powder dusting. The baking time stays consistent at 12 to 15 minutes though we monitor the cookies closely since gluten-free versions can brown more quickly around the edges.
Conclusion
These tiramisu cookies offer the perfect way to enjoy Italy’s beloved dessert in a convenient handheld form. We’ve shown you how simple it is to create these coffee-infused treats that deliver all the rich flavors of traditional tiramisu without the complexity.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to something special these cookies are guaranteed to impress. The combination of espresso-soaked cookie base and creamy mascarpone topping creates an irresistible dessert that’s both elegant and approachable.
With our storage tips and make-ahead suggestions you can easily prepare these cookies for any occasion. The versatility we’ve outlined means there’s a version perfect for everyone’s taste and dietary needs.
Now it’s time to get baking and experience the magic of tiramisu in cookie form!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are tiramisu cookies?
Tiramisu cookies are handheld treats inspired by Italy’s classic tiramisu dessert. They feature coffee-infused cookie dough made with espresso and coffee liqueur, topped with creamy mascarpone frosting and dusted with cocoa powder. These cookies capture all the authentic flavors of traditional tiramisu in a convenient, portable form perfect for entertaining or personal indulgence.
How long do tiramisu cookies stay fresh?
Unfrosted tiramisu cookies can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days in an airtight container. Once frosted with mascarpone filling, they should be refrigerated and will stay fresh for 3-5 days, with some recipes maintaining quality for up to 7 days when properly stored. Always keep frosted cookies chilled to maintain the mascarpone’s texture and prevent spoilage.
Can I make tiramisu cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can freeze tiramisu cookie dough balls for up to three months. It’s recommended to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to improve texture and prevent excessive spreading. You can also bake the cookies a day in advance and store them unfrosted at room temperature while keeping the mascarpone frosting refrigerated until assembly.
What equipment do I need to make tiramisu cookies?
Essential equipment includes an electric hand mixer for creaming butter and whipping mascarpone, a 4-tablespoon cookie scoop for uniform sizing, and standard baking sheets. You’ll also need an offset spatula or piping bag for applying mascarpone topping and a fine mesh strainer for dusting cocoa powder to achieve a professional appearance.
Are there gluten-free tiramisu cookie options?
Yes, you can make gluten-free tiramisu cookies by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The recipe maintains the same rich coffee flavors and creamy mascarpone frosting. You may need to adjust liquid content slightly to ensure proper dough consistency, but the authentic tiramisu taste remains unchanged.
How should I serve tiramisu cookies?
Serve tiramisu cookies immediately after assembly for the best texture and flavor. Allow refrigerated cookies to come to room temperature before serving. Pair them with coffee, cappuccino, or cold milk to enhance their rich flavors. Dust with cocoa powder just before serving and arrange on a decorative platter for special occasions.
Can I customize the mascarpone frosting?
Yes, the mascarpone frosting can be customized to adjust flavor intensity. You can modify the amount of powdered sugar for sweetness preferences or add extra coffee liqueur for a stronger coffee flavor. The basic recipe uses mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream, but these proportions can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
