If you have a sweet tooth and a love for Italian flavors, you are going to adore this Soft Baked Tiramisu Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture the essence of classic tiramisu with their soft, chewy texture, rich espresso notes, and luscious mascarpone cream topping. Every bite feels like a little celebration, combining the comforting warmth of freshly baked cookies with the elegant flavors of that beloved dessert. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a delightful treat to brighten your day, these Soft Baked Tiramisu Cookies are sure to become an instant favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Bringing this Soft Baked Tiramisu Cookies Recipe to life starts with a handful of simple yet impactful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance that makes these cookies truly special.
- Betty Crocker™ Soft Baked Chocolate Caramel Cookie Mix: The base of our cookies, providing a wonderfully soft texture and rich flavor.
- Butter, softened: Adds moisture and richness for tender, luscious bites.
- Eggs: Help bind the dough and contribute to a tender crumb.
- Water: Ensures the dough consistency is just right for soft baking.
- Espresso powder (2 teaspoons): Infuses deep coffee notes essential for authentic tiramisu flavor.
- Mascarpone cheese (cold): The star of the frosting, lending creamy texture and mild tang.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the mascarpone topping perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that harmonizes the flavors.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
- Cold heavy whipping cream: Whipped into the frosting for lightness and fluffiness.
- Cocoa powder or grated chocolate to garnish: Provides a beautiful finishing touch inspired by traditional tiramisu.
How to Make Soft Baked Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. This simple setup ensures your cookies bake evenly with the perfect softness we want.
Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the Betty Crocker cookie mix, softened butter, eggs, water, and 1 teaspoon of espresso powder. Mixing everything together as per the package instructions plus the espresso powder infuses the dough with a classic tiramisu coffee kick that makes these cookies stand out.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Scoop the dough into roughly 2-tablespoon portions, then roll each into a smooth ball. Place six dough balls on each baking sheet, leaving enough space so they have room to spread during baking. Since you’ll need to bake in batches, keep the remaining dough aside while you work through each tray.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 15 minutes, just until they are set and soft. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is essential to prevent breaking and to allow the cookies to firm up slightly before frosting.
Step 5: Make the Mascarpone Frosting
While your cookies cool completely, mix the cold mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Then, blend in vanilla extract, a tablespoon of espresso powder, and a pinch of salt. Scrape the bowl sides to ensure everything integrates beautifully for that signature rich tiramisu flavor.
Step 6: Whip the Cream into the Frosting
Slowly add the cold heavy whipping cream into the mascarpone mixture while beating. Continue whipping for an additional one to two minutes until the frosting becomes fluffy and light—just right to spread or pipe onto your cookies.
Step 7: Frost and Garnish
Use a piping bag or a knife to spread the luscious frosting onto each cooled cookie. Finish with a dusting of cocoa powder or some grated chocolate. This last step not only nails the visual appeal but also adds that final layer of tiramisu magic that makes these cookies so unforgettable.
How to Serve Soft Baked Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the classic cocoa powder or grated chocolate, try adding a few coffee beans or a light sprinkle of finely chopped dark chocolate for an extra decadent touch. Mint leaves can also brighten the plate if you enjoy a hint of freshness with your dessert.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fabulous with a hot espresso or a creamy cappuccino to echo their coffee essence. For a lighter pairing, enjoy them alongside a fresh fruit salad with berries to balance the richness effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies stacked or layered on a pretty platter with small bowls of espresso or cream on the side for dipping. You can also build mini tiramisu cookie sandwiches by adding an extra layer of frosting between two cookies for a playful presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their soft texture and mascarpone topping fresh for up to 3 days, making them a wonderful treat to enjoy over a few days without losing flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Soft Baked Tiramisu Cookies Recipe for longer, freeze the unfrosted baked cookies in a single layer on a tray; once frozen, transfer to a sealed bag. When ready, thaw at room temperature and then add the frosting fresh to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
To warm the cookies lightly, remove the frosting and microwave the cookie for about 10 seconds. Add the frosting back afterward. This keeps the mascarpone fresh while reviving that warm, soft-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
While cream cheese can work in a pinch, mascarpone offers a much smoother, less tangy flavor that is essential to get the authentic tiramisu taste and texture in these cookies.
How do I make sure the cookies stay soft?
Using the Betty Crocker Soft Baked Cookie Mix and not overbaking are key. Be sure to check the cookies right at the 15-minute mark and avoid baking longer to maintain their characteristic softness.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, the mascarpone frosting can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before spreading if it thickens too much.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
This particular recipe depends on the cookie mix, so swapping in a gluten-free mix with similar properties is possible, but be sure to test and adjust baking times accordingly.
What is the best way to pipe the frosting?
A simple round tip piping nozzle or even a plastic sandwich bag with the corner snipped works great to create neat, appealing dollops or swirls on your cookies.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about these Soft Baked Tiramisu Cookies Recipe that makes baking and sharing them such a joy. The perfect harmony of soft-baked goodness combined with creamy, coffee-infused frosting is an irresistible treat you’ll want to make again and again. I can’t wait for you to try this delicious recipe and experience firsthand the warmth and delight it brings to your kitchen and your heart.
Print
Soft Baked Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Soft Baked Tiramisu Cookies combine the rich flavors of espresso and mascarpone in a delightful cookie form. Soft and chewy chocolate caramel cookies are topped with a fluffy tiramisu-inspired frosting, making for an elegant and delicious treat perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 pouch Betty Crocker™ Soft Baked Chocolate Caramel Cookie Mix
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
Tiramisu Frosting
- 1 container (8 oz) cold mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
- Cocoa powder or grated chocolate, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two rimmed baking sheets with cooking parchment paper and set them aside to be ready for the cookie dough.
- Mix Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the Betty Crocker™ Soft Baked Chocolate Caramel Cookie Mix, softened butter, eggs, water, and 1 teaspoon of espresso powder. Mix according to the package instructions until the dough is smooth and well combined.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough into about 2 tablespoon-size portions and roll each into a ball. Place 6 dough balls on each prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for spreading during baking. Keep remaining dough portions set aside for subsequent batches.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 15 minutes at 350°F. After baking, cool the cookies for about 5 minutes on the trays before transferring them to a cooling rack. Repeat this baking process with the remaining dough. Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting Base: In a mixing bowl, beat cold mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon espresso powder, and a pinch of salt, then beat again until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed thoroughly.
- Add Cream and Whip: While continuing to mix, slowly pour in cold heavy whipping cream. Beat until fully incorporated, then scrape down the bowl sides again and beat for an additional 1 to 2 minutes or until the frosting is light, fluffy, and holds soft peaks.
- Frost and Garnish: Using a piping bag or a spatula, spread or pipe the espresso mascarpone frosting onto the cooled cookies. Finish by dusting the cookies with cocoa powder or grated chocolate for a classic tiramisu look and added flavor.
Notes
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- For a stronger espresso flavor, adjust the espresso powder slightly to taste.
- The frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature and re-whip briefly before using.
- Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If mascarpone cheese is unavailable, cream cheese can be a substitute but will alter the flavor slightly.
