Name: Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 2 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 180 g all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 115 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 100 g granulated sugar; 50 g brown sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 200 g mascarpone cheese; 100 g whipping cream; 50 g powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, for dusting

If you’re searching for a showstopping dessert with the charm of an Italian classic and the joy of home baking, Tiramisu Cookies are destined to be your new obsession. These dreamy cookies capture everything we love about traditional tiramisu—espresso-soaked allure, luxurious mascarpone cream, and a whisper of cocoa—bundled into a soft, chewy cookie. Whether you’re a lifelong tiramisu fan or brand new to its spell, you’ll find these cookies to be unforgettable bites of tiramisu magic, perfect for impressing at parties or savoring with your afternoon coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down just how simple but essential these ingredients are! Each one brings something special to the table, whether it’s depth of flavor, texture, or that signature tiramisu color. Quality ingredients and a little TLC truly make all the difference here.

All-purpose flour: Gives these Tiramisu Cookies their perfectly chewy and tender structure—no fancy flour required.
Instant espresso powder: This is what brings the classic tiramisu coffee kick; don’t skimp, as it infuses every bite with bold, aromatic flavor.
Baking powder & baking soda: Just a bit of both creates an ideal rise and soft texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharply enhances flavors across the cookie.
Unsalted butter (room temperature): For unbeatable richness and chew, make sure it’s properly softened.
Granulated sugar & brown sugar: This combo brings the right amount of sweetness and moisture, and a touch of molasses depth.
Large egg (room temperature): Holds everything together and creates true cookie chewiness.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out all those bold espresso notes.
Mascarpone cheese: The creamy heart of tiramisu—soft, smooth, and delightfully rich on the cookies.
Whipping cream: Lightens and aerates the mascarpone for the dreamiest topping.
Powdered sugar: Keeps the cream smooth and just sweet enough without grittiness.
Cocoa powder: A true tiramisu finish! Dusting each cookie feels like an occasion.

How to Make Tiramisu Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cookie removal and perfect bottoms every time. With everything ready to go, you’ll breeze through the rest of the cookie process without any hold-ups!

Step 2: Mix Up the Flour and Espresso Base

Grab a medium bowl and stir together your flour, instant espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Incorporating the espresso powder at this stage lets its flavor bloom right into the dry ingredients, ensuring every cookie is built on a foundation of authentic tiramisu flavor.

Step 3: Whip the Butter and Sugars

Place the softened butter in your large mixing bowl and beat with an electric hand mixer until it’s super creamy and pale. Then add in the granulated and brown sugars, beating until the mixture turns fluffy. Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well-combined—this is where your cookies get their rich, luscious base.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Switch your mixer to low and add the dry flour/espresso mixture into the butter and sugar base. Mix just until the dough comes together, being careful not to overwork it—this is key for soft, tender Tiramisu Cookies.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a 4-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out rounds of dough onto your lined baking sheet, leaving a generous 2-3 inches between each for spreading. Pop the sheet in the oven and bake for 11 to 12 minutes, until the cookies have set edges but slightly soft centers. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 6: Make the Mascarpone Cream

While the cookies cool, whip up your mascarpone cream. Using a hand mixer, beat the mascarpone until just loosened and creamy. Add whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, then mix until thick and pillowy—about 5 minutes. A good test: Tilt your bowl slightly and the cream should hardly move. This fluffy layer turns these Tiramisu Cookies into little cloud-like desserts!

Step 7: Assemble and Decorate

Scoop or pipe the mascarpone cream generously onto each cooled cookie, swirling with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula for a pretty finish. Finally, dust each with a shower of cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve—a signature tiramisu flourish that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.

How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies

Garnishes

For a beautiful finish, dust your Tiramisu Cookies with a generous layer of unsweetened cocoa powder. If you want extra flair, try adding chocolate curls, a sprinkle of chocolate-covered espresso beans, or even a few mini chocolate chips. The result is a dessert that’s as eye-catching as it is luxurious.

Side Dishes

Pair these decadent cookies with a piping hot espresso or a chilled glass of dessert wine for a touch of Italian café magic. They’re also sensational alongside fresh berries or a small scoop of vanilla or coffee gelato, amplifying the entire tiramisu experience in new, delightful ways.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, stack Tiramisu Cookies on a pretty platter dusted with extra cocoa powder, or serve individually on little saucers for a true café-style touch. You can even use them as a dramatic plated dessert, decorating the plate with chocolate sauce swirls or fresh berries for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Tiramisu Cookies in an airtight container in the fridge, as the mascarpone cream is fresh and perishable. They’ll keep their chewy texture and cloud-like topping for up to three days. For best results, let them come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before enjoying.

Freezing

Tiramisu Cookies are best frozen unfrosted. Simply bake the cookies, let them cool, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw the cookies and top with freshly whipped mascarpone cream and cocoa powder.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, you can microwave the plain, unfrosted cookies for 8-10 seconds. Once they’re at your ideal temperature, top with the mascarpone cream and cocoa. Avoid warming cookies with frosting, as mascarpone doesn’t reheat well.

FAQs

Can I make Tiramisu Cookies without espresso powder?

While espresso powder is absolutely key to the tiramisu flavor, you can substitute with strong instant coffee in a pinch. Know that you may lose a little depth, but the cookies will still be delicious and coffee-scented.

What’s the best way to get creamy, lump-free mascarpone topping?

Make sure your mascarpone cheese is slightly loosened before adding the other ingredients, and don’t overmix. Use cold ingredients and beat just until thickened for the smoothest, silkiest cream.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just make sure to bake in batches and keep an eye on your oven, as larger quantities may require a minute or two more to bake.

How can I make the cookies gluten-free?

You can use your favorite 1-for-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Keep an eye on the texture—some blends may require a tablespoon or two less liquid to achieve the same soft dough.

Can I make the mascarpone cream ahead of time?

Yes, you can whip up the mascarpone cream and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick stir or gentle whip before using to revive its fluffy texture.

Final Thoughts

These Tiramisu Cookies are truly a love letter to one of the world’s most beloved desserts, and I can promise they’ll disappear fast at any gathering (or just in your own kitchen). Don’t wait for a special occasion—give these cookies a try, and you might discover your new favorite sweet treat!