If you’ve ever found yourself torn between a classic Italian dessert and a cozy tray of homemade cookies, Tiramisu Cookies are about to become your new kitchen obsession. These dreamy confections borrow the best from their namesake dessert—think rich espresso flavor, luscious mascarpone, velvety cocoa, and decadent chocolate chips—all tucked into a soft, pillowy cookie. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dabbling with dessert, this recipe makes it easy to experience an elegant treat that tastes like a little trip to Italy, no passport required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Tiramisu Cookies come together with just a handful of essential ingredients, each one adding its own special something to the mix. You probably have most of them in your pantry already, and the rest are absolutely worth picking up for this flavor-packed cookie adventure!
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base providing the perfect soft, chewy texture.
- Baking powder: Just enough lift for a light, tender crumb.
- Salt: A pinch brings out all the other flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Ensures your cookies are rich and moist.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create that golden outside.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds a touch of richness.
- Vanilla extract: A hint of warmth that deepens the flavor.
- Instant espresso powder: Brings the signature tiramisu coffee kick—don’t skip this one!
- Hot water: Dissolves the espresso for even flavor throughout.
- Mascarpone cheese (softened): Adds creamy decadence and a subtle tang.
- Mini chocolate chips: Each bite gets a pocket of melty chocolate—delicious!
- Cocoa powder: For that irresistible classic tiramisu dusting on top.
- Extra mascarpone or whipped cream (optional): Use for garnish or to make cookie sandwiches—pure bliss!
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, your cookies (and clean-up time) will thank you later! Getting set up from the start means you can focus on cookie magic as soon as your dough is ready.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick step ensures your leaveners and salt are evenly distributed, so every cookie bakes up the same soft, tender way. Don’t rush this part—it really pays off!
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This aerates the dough and creates those classic cookie crinkles. It takes about 2–3 minutes, and the transformation is so satisfying to see!
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in the egg and the vanilla extract. Keep blending until everything is silky smooth and well combined—this is where your batter starts to smell absolutely incredible.
Step 5: Espresso Gets in the Mix
Dissolve the instant espresso powder in the hot water and pour it right into your butter mixture. Stir well—this step is the secret to getting that deep, café-worthy flavor in every Tiramisu Cookie!
Step 6: Mascarpone Magic
Add the softened mascarpone cheese and beat just until smooth. The mascarpone gives the cookies a distinctive Italian richness and a bit of that tang associated with classic tiramisu. You’ll notice the dough is creamy and even more tempting now!
Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry
Switch to low speed (or a spatula) and slowly mix in your dry ingredients from earlier. Stir just until combined—don’t overdo it! This keeps your cookies soft and light instead of dense.
Step 8: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Now gently fold in those mini chocolate chips. They’ll add pockets of melty chocolatey goodness—just what every Tiramisu Cookie needs.
Step 9: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop dollops of dough onto your prepped baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes—the edges should look set while the centers remain slightly soft for the perfect chewy bite.
Step 10: Cool and Finish
Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, dust generously with cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu look and flavor. If you’re feeling extra fancy, add a swirl of mascarpone or whipped cream on top!
How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies
Garnishes
For a true tiramisu finish, dust your cookies with a veil of unsweetened cocoa powder. A dollop of sweetened mascarpone or a piped swirl of whipped cream on top feels extra luxurious—almost turning every cookie into a mini dessert masterpiece!
Side Dishes
Pair Tiramisu Cookies with piping hot espresso, cappuccino, or a creamy latte for a coffee house treat at home. They also shine next to a simple fruit compote, a glass of dessert wine, or even a scoop of vanilla gelato for a playful Italian-inspired dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you really want to wow, sandwich two cookies with a layer of mascarpone or whipped cream in the center. Arrange them on a vintage platter, stack in a rustic cookie jar, or serve in cupcake liners for a café-style presentation. They’re also gorgeous as part of a holiday cookie tray alongside biscotti and amaretti!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tiramisu Cookies keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Their flavor deepens and gets even more delicious as they rest, making them a tempting snack anytime you walk by the kitchen!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your Tiramisu Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw them at room temperature whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Reheating
While these cookies are wonderful at room temperature, you can revive that just-baked warmth by popping them in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes, or giving them 10 seconds in the microwave. This gently melts the chocolate chips and gives the mascarpone filling (if used) an extra creamy texture!
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
Absolutely! While mascarpone gives authentic tiramisu vibes, softened cream cheese works in a pinch and will still make delicious cookies with a slightly tangier flavor.
Are these Tiramisu Cookies very caffeinated?
The espresso flavor is prominent but the amount is low enough that most people can enjoy them without a caffeine buzz. If you’re sensitive, use decaf espresso powder for the same taste without the jolt.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate, then let it come to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before scooping and baking.
Do these cookies ship well for gifting?
Tiramisu Cookies are sturdy yet soft, so they travel well in a snug, airtight container. Add a sheet of parchment between layers and they’ll arrive as delicious as when you made them!
What’s the best way to get a real tiramisu flavor?
Be sure to use a good quality instant espresso powder for bold flavor, and don’t skimp on the final dusting of cocoa powder. For even more tiramisu flair, sandwich cookies with a little mascarpone or whipped cream before serving!
Final Thoughts
If you love the charm of a classic Italian dessert but crave the ease of a homemade treat, these Tiramisu Cookies offer the best of both worlds. Whip up a batch, share them with friends (or keep them all to yourself!) and let yourself savor a little slice of dolce vita with every bite. Buon appetito!
Print
Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of a classic tiramisu in cookie form with these delectable Tiramisu Cookies. A perfect blend of coffee, mascarpone cheese, and chocolate in every bite!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for topping)
- Optional extra mascarpone or whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, dissolved espresso powder, and mascarpone cheese until smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, then fold in chocolate chips. Scoop dough onto baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let cookies cool on the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with cocoa powder once cooled.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a more indulgent treat, sandwich two cookies with mascarpone or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
