These Tiramisu Cookies are a fun and delicious twist on the classic Italian dessert. Soft, delicate cookies topped with a fluffy mascarpone cream, dusted with cocoa powder—these bite-sized treats are packed with all the flavors of tiramisu. The perfect blend of coffee, cream, and chocolate, these cookies will transport you straight to Italy with every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, they’re sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love These Tiramisu Cookies

These cookies are perfect for anyone who loves tiramisu but is looking for something a bit more portable. The soft, cake-like texture of the cookies is complemented by the creamy, dreamy mascarpone topping and a dusting of cocoa powder. The slight coffee flavor in the cookie adds a wonderful depth, and the creaminess balances everything perfectly. They’re the perfect bite-sized version of the beloved dessert!

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Tiramisu, one of Italy’s most famous desserts, originated in the Veneto region and has become a favorite worldwide. Known for its layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, this dessert is a perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and slightly bitter flavors. These Tiramisu Cookies capture all the flavors of the original dessert in a compact, cookie form, making them a convenient and fun treat.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Tiramisu is a classic for a reason, and these cookies bring the same great flavors in a completely new way. They’re perfect for those who love the combination of coffee and cream, and their small size makes them easy to serve and share.

Versatile:
These cookies are great for parties, afternoon tea, or as a special treat after dinner. You can also serve them alongside a cup of coffee for the ultimate experience.

Budget-Friendly:
Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and mascarpone, these cookies are an affordable way to enjoy tiramisu flavors without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy:
Unlike traditional tiramisu, these cookies come together quickly and don’t require any complicated steps.

Customizable:
Feel free to add a bit of cocoa powder or espresso powder to the cookies for an even deeper coffee flavor. You can also experiment with different flavored liqueurs in the mascarpone cream.

Crowd-Pleasing:
These cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering. They offer all the deliciousness of tiramisu in a convenient, single-bite form.

Make-Ahead Friendly:
You can bake the cookies in advance and keep them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve them. Just top them with the mascarpone cream and cocoa powder right before serving.

Great for Leftovers:
Leftover cookies can be stored for a few days and are perfect for a quick snack or dessert.

Expert-Level Baking Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get the best tiramisu cookies:

Use Fresh Mascarpone Cheese:
For the smoothest texture and best flavor, use fresh mascarpone cheese. Don’t use a product that’s been sitting in your fridge for too long.
Don’t Overbake the Cookies:
These cookies are meant to be soft and slightly cakey, so don’t overbake them. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges begin to brown.
Let the Cookies Cool Completely:
Allow the cookies to cool fully before topping them with the mascarpone cream. This will prevent the cream from melting or sliding off.

Essential Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

Make sure you have the right tools before starting:

Mixing Bowls:
For mixing the cookie dough and mascarpone cream.

Baking Sheet:
For baking the cookies. Line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Hand Mixer:
To beat the mascarpone cream to a light, fluffy texture.

Cooling Rack:
To cool the cookies before adding the cream topping.

Ingredients You Will Need For This Recipe

These tiramisu cookies are made with simple ingredients that deliver amazing flavor.

Butter: ½ cup – Adds richness and a soft texture to the cookies.
Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup – Sweetens the cookie dough.
Eggs: 1 large – Binds the ingredients together and gives the cookies structure.
Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp – Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
Flour: 1 ½ cups – The base of the cookie dough.
Baking Powder: 1 tsp – Helps the cookies rise and become soft.
Espresso Powder: 1 tbsp – Adds a subtle coffee flavor to the cookies.
Mascarpone Cheese: 8 oz – The key ingredient for the creamy topping.
Heavy Cream: ½ cup – To make the mascarpone cream fluffy and smooth.
Powdered Sugar: ¼ cup – Sweetens the mascarpone cream.
Cocoa Powder: 2 tbsp – For dusting the top of the cookies, giving them that classic tiramisu finish.

Flexible Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with these substitutions:

Espresso Powder: You can substitute instant coffee powder if you don’t have espresso powder on hand.
Mascarpone Cheese: If you can’t find mascarpone, you can use cream cheese, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Heavy Cream: If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Key Ingredient Spotlight

Mascarpone Cheese:
Mascarpone is the star of the creamy topping on these tiramisu cookies. Its rich, velvety texture and mild flavor are what make tiramisu so special. It’s the perfect match for the coffee-flavored cookies and adds an irresistible richness.

The Cookie Process

Follow these simple steps to create perfect tiramisu cookies:

Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine Ingredients:
In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and espresso powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Assemble the Dish:
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cook to Perfection:
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

Finishing Touches:
While the cookies cool, beat together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Once the cookies have cooled, top each one with a dollop of mascarpone cream and a light dusting of cocoa powder.

Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tiramisu cookies as a sweet treat for any occasion.

Texture and Flavor Development

The cookies have a soft, cake-like texture with a slight coffee flavor from the espresso powder. The mascarpone cream is rich and smooth, while the cocoa powder adds a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the cookie and cream. Together, they create a balanced dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Helpful Cooking Tips and Tricks

Make sure to let the cookies cool completely before adding the mascarpone topping to prevent it from melting.
If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, add more espresso powder to the cookie dough or the mascarpone cream.
For an extra touch, you can drizzle the cookies with chocolate syrup or garnish them with chocolate shavings.

What to Avoid

Overbaking the Cookies: These cookies should be soft and tender, not dry and crisp.
Using Warm Cookies: If the cookies are too warm, the mascarpone cream will melt and slide off.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 200
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can top them with mascarpone cream just before serving.

How to Serve

These tiramisu cookies are perfect for a coffee or dessert pairing. Serve them at your next gathering or simply enjoy them with your favorite cup of coffee.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftover cookies can be turned into an ice cream topping by crumbling them over a bowl of vanilla or coffee-flavored ice cream.

Additional Tips

For an even more indulgent version, dip the cookies in melted chocolate.
If you like, you can add a dash of cinnamon to the mascarpone cream for an extra flavor boost.

Make It a Showstopper

For a dramatic touch, serve the tiramisu cookies on a platter with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.

Variations to Try

Chocolate Tiramisu Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
Vegan Tiramisu Cookies: Use coconut cream or cashew cream as a substitute for mascarpone cheese.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make these cookies in advance?
A1: Yes, you can bake the cookies in advance and store them for up to 3 days. Add the mascarpone cream just before serving.

Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A2: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour.

Q3: How should I store these cookies?
A3: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Q4: Can I use whipped cream instead of mascarpone?
A4: You can, but it won’t have the same rich, creamy texture as mascarpone.

Q5: Can I make these cookies without espresso powder?
A5: Yes, you can substitute with instant coffee or omit it altogether for a lighter coffee flavor.

Q6: How do I make the mascarpone topping firmer?
A6: If the topping is too soft, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it.

Q7: Can I freeze these cookies?
A7: Yes, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Just freeze them without the mascarpone topping.

Q8: Can I add chocolate to the cream?
A8: Yes, you can mix some melted chocolate into the mascarpone cream for an extra chocolatey flavor.

Q9: How do I make the cocoa powder topping look neat?
A9: Use a fine-mesh sieve to dust the cocoa powder evenly over the cream.

Q10: Can I make the cookies without eggs?
A10: Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute for a vegan version.

Conclusion

These Tiramisu Cookies offer a bite-sized version of the classic tiramisu dessert, perfect for those who love coffee and cream in every bite. With a soft cookie base, rich mascarpone topping, and a dusting of cocoa powder, they’re a delicious treat you’ll want to share with everyone!

Tiramisu Cookies