If you adore the classic flavors of Italian dessert but want something bite-sized and easy to share, this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is absolutely for you. These cookies capture the luscious combination of coffee, mascarpone, cocoa, and a hint of cinnamon in a soft, chewy cookie form that melts in your mouth. Every bite boasts the nostalgic charm of tiramisu, yet with the convenience of a cookie that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy afternoon treat or an impressive dessert at a gathering, the Tiramisu Cookies Recipe promises warmth, richness, and just the right touch of sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients — simple, familiar, yet thoughtfully chosen to create those signature tiramisu flavors and the perfect cookie texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy mascarpone adding smooth depth to the instant coffee infusing that unmistakable espresso kick.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The foundation for your cookies, ensuring they hold together just right with a tender crumb.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and develop a light texture without being cakey.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and contributes to slight crisping of edges.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Imparts moisture and that subtle caramel flavor.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and help with structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds depth and warmth, complementing the coffee notes.
- Instant coffee granules or espresso powder (1 tbsp): The heart of tiramisu flavor, dissolved to infuse the dough.
- Warm water (1 tbsp): Helps activate the coffee granules for an even flavor distribution.
- Mascarpone cheese (1/2 cup): Gives that classic creamy tiramisu texture and richness, folded gently into dough.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle spice background note for a cozy finish.
- Cocoa powder for dusting (1/4 cup): The final touch that mimics traditional tiramisu’s iconic dusting.
- Dark chocolate chips (1/4 cup, optional): For a decadent choco-kiss surprise within each cookie.
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Mixture
Start by dissolving the instant coffee granules or espresso powder into a tablespoon of warm water. This step unlocks that bold coffee flavor which is the soul of every tiramisu dessert. Set this aside to cool while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
Step 2: Ready Your Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl. This mixture is your base, with the cinnamon adding a whisper of unexpected warmth that perfectly balances the robust coffee flavor.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until it’s fluffy and pale, about 2 to 3 minutes. This is a magical moment because incorporating air now will ensure your cookies have that perfect light yet chewy texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Coffee
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined. Then stir in the vanilla extract followed by the cooled coffee mixture, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully into the dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients and Fold in Mascarpone
Gradually blend in your dry ingredients, taking care not to overmix — you want tender cookies, not tough. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in here along with the mascarpone cheese, which will add that luscious creaminess distinctive to tiramisu.
Step 6: Bake Your Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden and centers just set. The cookies will still be soft at this point but will firm up perfectly as they cool.
Step 7: Dust with Cocoa Powder
Once cooled, sift a delicate layer of cocoa powder over each cookie. This step makes your cookies instantly recognizable as tiramisu-inspired, adding a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation and flavor, consider a small dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar alongside the cocoa. Fresh mint leaves or a few coffee beans scattered on top add an elegant touch — these small details make serving these cookies extra special.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies with a rich espresso or a velvety cappuccino for the ultimate tiramisu experience. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla gelato or a light, creamy panna cotta if you’re going full Italian dessert vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few cookies with mascarpone spread between them for a tiramisu cookie sandwich, or drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the tops for that decadent look. Packaging them in a pretty box or jar makes a thoughtful gift that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Tiramisu Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps them maintain their chewy texture and preserves those delightful coffee and mascarpone flavors.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies in advance, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked softness, pop cookies in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds. This reheating step brings back that fresh-baked magic and releases the aromas of coffee and cocoa.
FAQs
Can I substitute mascarpone cheese in this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe?
Mascarpone gives tiramisu its signature creaminess, but if unavailable, you can try cream cheese softened with a little heavy cream. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it’s a decent substitute for texture.
What if I don’t have instant coffee granules or espresso powder?
You can use very strong brewed coffee concentrated by reducing it on the stove. Just make sure to reduce the added liquid in the recipe by an equal amount to keep the dough consistency correct.
Are these cookies crunchy or soft?
These Tiramisu Cookies are delightfully soft with a slight golden crisp around the edges. They’re meant to mimic the tender, creamy nature of tiramisu itself, so don’t expect a hard crunch.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help with texture.
How important is the cocoa powder dusting?
The cocoa dusting isn’t just for looks — it adds a slight bitterness that balances the cookie’s sweetness and enhances the traditional tiramisu flavor. So it’s definitely worth including for that authentic experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new favorite cookie with a story and a flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated, don’t hesitate to dive into this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy all the magic of tiramisu in a handy, shareable cookie form. Bake a batch, invite friends over, and watch these treats disappear before your eyes — trust me, they’re a delight worth savoring again and again.
Print
Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
These Tiramisu Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining the rich flavors of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for coffee lovers, these cookies bring the beloved tiramisu taste into an easy-to-bake treat that pairs wonderfully with a cup of espresso or coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Coffee Mixture
- 1 tbsp instant coffee granules (or espresso powder)
- 1 tbsp warm water
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for added richness)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee Mixture: In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules or espresso powder in 1 tablespoon of warm water. Set this aside to cool completely, which will infuse your cookies with authentic coffee flavor.
- Make the Cookie Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step adds air to the dough for soft cookies.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, followed by the vanilla extract and the cooled coffee mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine all the wet ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. If desired, gently fold in the mascarpone cheese and dark chocolate chips to add richness and texture.
- Shape and Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm slightly, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This ensures they hold their shape and texture.
- Dust with Cocoa Powder: Once completely cooled, sift a light dusting of cocoa powder over the tops of each cookie for the classic tiramisu finishing touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: These Tiramisu Cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of fresh coffee or espresso to enhance the flavors and complete the tiramisu experience.
Notes
- If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, increase the instant coffee granules to 1 1/2 tablespoons.
- Mascarpone cheese adds creaminess but can be omitted for a simpler cookie.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan margarine and omit mascarpone or use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Optional dark chocolate chips add a lovely chocolate richness; feel free to omit or substitute with white chocolate chips.
- Allow cookies to cool fully before dusting with cocoa powder for the best presentation.
