The rich, comforting scent of coffee and cocoa fills the air as these Tiramisu Cookies bake to perfection, promising a treat that’s both familiar and unexpectedly delightful. They capture the essence of the classic dessert in a bite-sized form—soft, yet with just the right amount of chewiness. Each cookie carries the warmth of espresso, perfectly balanced by a delicate sweetness that lingers with every bite. The dusting of cocoa powder on top, reminiscent of the final flourish in a traditional tiramisu, adds a hint of bitterness that enhances the flavors, keeping things from becoming overly sweet.
What I love most about these cookies is their ability to evoke memories of enjoying a slice of tiramisu at your favorite coffee shop or at a family gathering. It’s like having the best parts of the dessert tucked into a cookie, so you can savor it anytime. You get that delightful combination of creamy mascarpone, coffee-soaked flavors, and a little chocolate kick, all in a bite-sized version. Perfect for sharing, or for those moments when you just need a little indulgence to brighten your day. Each batch feels like a cozy hug from the inside out—simple, comforting, and undeniably delicious.
Key Ingredients in Tiramisu Cookies
These tiramisu cookies come to life through a handful of ingredients that each play a special role in recreating the flavors of the classic dessert. From the rich coffee notes to the creamy mascarpone, these elements work together to create that perfect balance of sweetness and depth. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these cookies so irresistible.
- All-purpose flour
This is the backbone of any cookie dough, providing structure and tenderness. It holds everything together and gives the cookies their chewy texture. - Baking powder
A little lift for the dough, helping the cookies spread just right as they bake and ensuring they remain soft with a slight puff. - Salt
A small but mighty ingredient that enhances the flavors of the cookies, balancing the sweetness and intensifying the other ingredients, particularly the coffee and cocoa. - Unsalted butter
The key to making these cookies melt in your mouth! Butter adds richness and flavor, contributing to that soft, tender texture that makes each bite feel indulgent. - Granulated sugar
Sweetness is essential to these cookies, and sugar does more than just sweeten—it helps create that perfect golden-brown color and slight crisp on the edges. - Eggs
Eggs bind the dough together while contributing moisture. They also help create a light texture in the cookies, making them just the right amount of soft and chewy. - Vanilla extract
A classic addition to many baked goods, vanilla brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile, rounding out the sweetness without overpowering the coffee. - Instant coffee granules
The heart of the tiramisu flavor! Instant coffee gives that signature bold espresso taste that makes these cookies so reminiscent of the beloved dessert. - Hot water
Used to dissolve the coffee granules, hot water ensures the coffee flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dough, creating that deep, rich flavor. - Mascarpone cheese
The creamy star of tiramisu, mascarpone adds a luxurious, slightly tangy flavor to the cookies, making them rich and indulgent without being overwhelming. - Heavy cream
Working in tandem with the mascarpone, heavy cream adds richness and helps create the perfect texture for the dough, making the cookies extra soft and luscious. - Coffee liqueur
Just like in tiramisu, a splash of coffee liqueur amplifies the coffee flavor and adds a touch of sweetness, making the cookies feel even more decadent. - Cocoa powder
The finishing touch! Cocoa powder gives these cookies a subtle chocolate flavor and a dusting of bitterness that balances out the sweetness, while also adding a visual nod to the final layer of a traditional tiramisu.
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This will help distribute the dry ingredients evenly before adding them to the wet ingredients.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key for creating a smooth, airy texture in your cookies.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. The eggs help bind the dough together and contribute to the cookies’ soft, chewy texture.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until incorporated. This adds a subtle depth to the sweetness of the cookies, balancing out the coffee flavor.
- Dissolve the instant coffee granules in the hot water, and then add it to the butter and egg mixture, mixing until smooth. The coffee gives these cookies that signature espresso flavor, so be sure to blend it in well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will help keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This ensures the cookies have room to spread out while baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary. You want them just firm enough to hold their shape but soft inside.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling time helps the cookies firm up just enough to avoid falling apart when assembling.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the mascarpone filling by beating the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream together in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. The mascarpone provides that rich, creamy base that makes these cookies irresistible.
- Add the coffee liqueur to the mascarpone mixture and continue to beat until well combined. The coffee liqueur adds an extra depth of flavor, bringing the tiramisu essence to life.
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous amount of the mascarpone filling on the bottom side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie. The filling is creamy and indulgent, so don’t be shy with it!
- Sift cocoa powder over the top of the assembled cookies for a dusting of flavor and decoration. This adds that final visual touch, giving a nod to the classic tiramisu.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate the cookies for about 30 minutes to set the filling before serving. If you’re in a rush, though, these cookies are delicious served right away too!
Serving Suggestions for Tiramisu Cookies
1. Perfect with a Cup of Coffee
There’s something magical about pairing these tiramisu cookies with a hot cup of espresso or a creamy cappuccino. The flavors of coffee and mascarpone in the cookies harmonize beautifully with a warm, rich drink. It’s like enjoying a mini tiramisu, but even more indulgent.
2. Share with Friends for a Sweet Get-Together
These cookies are made for sharing—whether it’s at a cozy dinner party or a casual afternoon with friends. Arrange them on a pretty platter, dust with a little extra cocoa powder, and watch everyone’s eyes light up. A bite of these treats will surely spark conversations and smiles.
3. A Special Touch for Holiday Desserts
Looking for a showstopper during the holidays? These tiramisu cookies are the perfect way to elevate your dessert spread. They bring that luxurious tiramisu flavor in a fun, bite-sized format, making them a sweet addition to any festive gathering or gift box.
How to Store Tiramisu Cookies
To keep your tiramisu cookies fresh and delicious, storing them properly is key. After assembling your cookies, you’ll want to let them cool completely before storing them. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which could make the cookies soggy.
For short-term storage, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to three days, with that lovely coffee and mascarpone flavor staying intact. Just be sure to keep them in a single layer or separate them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
If you’re planning to keep them longer, refrigeration is the way to go. Pop them in the fridge for up to a week, ensuring they’re sealed tightly to avoid drying out. The cool environment will also help set the mascarpone filling, making the cookies even more indulgent when you take them out to enjoy.
For longer-term storage, consider freezing your cookies. Lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze for a couple of hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can pull out just the amount you need. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours, and they’ll taste as fresh as the day they were made.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Tiramisu Cookies that are every bit as indulgent and comforting as the classic dessert, but in a bite-sized treat you can enjoy anytime. The rich espresso flavor, the creamy mascarpone filling, and the delicate dusting of cocoa powder make these cookies feel like a little slice of luxury, all wrapped up in a cozy, chewy package. Whether you’re making them to share with friends, savoring them with a cup of coffee, or just treating yourself to something special, these cookies are bound to become a new favorite.
So, go ahead and give this recipe a try! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Have any comments, questions, or feedback? Or maybe you want to share your own twist on these tiramisu cookies? Feel free to reach out—I’m always up for a good conversation about baking and treats!
Tiramisu Cookies
Description
Tiramisu Cookies are a dreamy fusion of soft, buttery cookies with the rich flavors of espresso, mascarpone, and a hint of cocoa. Each bite is like a cozy, handheld version of the classic dessert—perfectly balanced, warm, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
-
In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
-
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition.
-
Stir in the vanilla extract until incorporated.
-
Dissolve the instant coffee granules in the hot water, and then add it to the butter and egg mixture, mixing until smooth.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
-
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
-
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
-
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
-
While the cookies cool, prepare the mascarpone filling by beating the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream together in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
-
Add the coffee liqueur to the mascarpone mixture and continue to beat until well combined.
-
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous amount of the mascarpone filling on the bottom side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie.
-
Sift cocoa powder over the top of the assembled cookies for a dusting of flavor and decoration.
-
Serve immediately or refrigerate the cookies for about 30 minutes to set the filling before serving.
Note
- Make sure the butter is softened before mixing to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- To enhance the coffee flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of instant coffee granules.
- If you don't have mascarpone cheese, cream cheese can be a substitute, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
- Be cautious not to overmix the cookie dough to keep the cookies tender.
- For a more intense coffee flavor, chill the cookies after assembly before serving to allow the filling to set properly.
