Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a dessert that is part cookie, part tiramisu, and 100% irresistible, then you need to try this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe. It perfectly captures that rich espresso flavor married with creamy mascarpone frosting on a soft, tender cookie base. This recipe takes your favorite Italian classic and turns it into a playful handheld treat that’s bursting with layers of flavor, texture, and a little coffee kick that makes every bite a joyous experience. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy afternoon gathering, these tiramisu cookies are sure to delight anyone lucky enough to try one.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is in its simple yet carefully balanced ingredients. Each component plays an essential role: the espresso powder brings that bold coffee essence, the mascarpone and cream cheese create luscious creaminess, and a hint of Kahlua adds subtle warmth. These ingredients combine to make a cookie that’s all about texture, flavor harmony, and visual appeal.

• All-purpose flour (1⅔ cups): Provides the structure for tender yet sturdy cookies.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Softens the texture, ensuring the cookies melt in your mouth.
• Espresso powder (1 tablespoon): The heart of tiramisu flavor, delivering authentic coffee notes.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a perfect texture.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• Granulated sugar (⅔ cup): Sweetens and contributes to a light crumb.
• Large egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients and adds tenderness.
• Vanilla bean paste (2 teaspoons total): Brings a deep, natural vanilla aroma that complements coffee beautifully.
• Mascarpone cheese (4 ounces, room temperature): Essential for creamy, authentic tiramisu frosting.
• Cream cheese (4 ounces, room temperature): Adds tang and richness to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens and lightens the frosting’s texture.
• Pinch of salt (for frosting): Enhances the creamy frosting’s flavor complexity.
• Cold heavy cream (1 cup): Whipped into the frosting for delicate fluffiness.
• Kahlua (2 teaspoons, optional): Adds a subtle boozy note to deepen the flavor.
• Dark cocoa powder: For dusting and that classic tiramisu finish.

How to Make Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step ensures that when your dough is ready, the oven is at the perfect temperature to give you cookies with just the right balance of soft centers and gently crisp edges.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, espresso powder, baking soda, and salt. This careful mixing distributes each ingredient evenly, which means your cookies will bake with consistent flavor and texture every single time.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes. You want this mixture to become light, fluffy, and pale in color — that airiness translates to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla bean paste, but keep the speed low and just combine to avoid toughening the dough. This gentle handling ensures the cookies remain soft and delicate once baked.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture on low speed. Mix just until everything comes together — overmixing can make the cookies tough, so it’s important to stop as soon as you see no more flour.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop about 1½ tablespoons (roughly 30 grams) of dough and gently roll it into balls. Set them on parchment- or silicone-lined baking sheets with 2 inches of space between each to allow them room to spread evenly while baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 9 to 10 minutes, until the edges are slightly golden and the tops look puffed and dry. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and sets the perfect chewy texture.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

In a large bowl or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the mascarpone, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt together on medium speed until perfectly smooth and creamy — about a minute.

Step 9: Whip Cream into Frosting

Slowly drizzle in the cold heavy cream while mixing on medium-low. After the cream is fully incorporated, increase to medium speed and whip until stiff peaks form, about 1 to 2 minutes. If you’re feeling adventurous, gently fold in the Kahlua now for a boozy twist.

Step 10: Frost the Cookies

Load the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch round tip. Starting from the center of each cookie, pipe the frosting in concentric circles, creating a luscious cloud of tiramisu goodness on top.

Step 11: Finish and Serve

Using a fine mesh sieve or sifter, dust each frosted cookie with a thin layer of dark cocoa powder — the signature finishing touch of tiramisu. These cookies are best enjoyed immediately, but you can also refrigerate them for up to 3 days to savor later.

How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

The simplest garnish is a light dusting of dark cocoa powder, reminiscent of classic tiramisu presentation. For extra flair, try adding a few chocolate shavings or a delicate espresso bean perched on the frosting peak. These little touches enhance both the look and flavor, making your cookies look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Serve these tiramisu cookies alongside a rich espresso shot or steaming cup of black coffee to intensify the coffee notes. Alternatively, a creamy cappuccino or even a chilled dessert wine will elevate the experience, making it a decadent moment of pure indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice these cookies in half and layer them with extra mascarpone cream for a playful “mini tiramisu sandwich.” You can also arrange them on a pretty platter with fresh berries and mint leaves for a festive touch. Wrapped in cellophane tied with a ribbon, they make charming homemade gifts that bring smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover tiramisu cookies should be stored in a single layer in an airtight container inside the fridge. Since they’re frosted with delicate mascarpone cream, keeping them chilled preserves their texture and flavor while preventing spoilage. Enjoy within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

Though freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze only the unfrosted cookies. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. When ready, thaw completely and frost fresh for best results. Freezing frosted cookies may affect texture and the appearance of the delicate cream.

Reheating

Because these cookies feature a cream cheese-based frosting, reheating isn’t recommended. Serve chilled or at room temperature to enjoy all the luscious layers without compromising the texture of the frosting or cookie.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without mascarpone cheese?

You can substitute mascarpone with additional cream cheese, but mascarpone gives the frosting its signature silky and mild flavor. Using only cream cheese will produce a tangier frosting that’s slightly firmer, so for the best tiramisu experience, mascarpone is recommended.

Is espresso powder necessary for this recipe?

Yes, espresso powder is key to delivering that deep coffee flavor essential to tiramisu. Instant coffee granules can work as a substitute, but the espresso powder dissolves better and offers a richer flavor without bitterness.

Can I omit the Kahlua in the frosting?

Absolutely! The Kahlua is optional and adds a lovely boozy depth, but leaving it out won’t compromise the recipe. The cookies will still capture classic tiramisu flavors with the espresso and creamy frosting.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted when mixing the dough. Also, scooping the dough into uniform balls and spacing them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet helps maintain their shape during baking.

Can I prepare these cookies ahead for a party?

You can bake the cookies a day ahead and store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them on the day of the event for the freshest taste and best frosting texture. This strategy saves time and keeps everything looking and tasting fabulous.

Final Thoughts

This Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is an absolute joy to make and share. It brings together the best parts of a beloved Italian dessert in a fun, approachable form that everyone will love. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these cookies offer that perfect balance of coffee, cream, and cocoa you crave. Go ahead and whip up a batch — your taste buds and loved ones will thank you!

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