Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever wished to capture the soul of a classic Italian dessert in a handheld treat, this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is an irresistible delight that delivers exactly that. Imagine the luscious creaminess of mascarpone and cream cheese frosting combined with the rich, bittersweet punch of espresso and cocoa, all nestled atop soft, tender cookies. These cookies are a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion when you want to impress your friends or simply spoil yourself with a little moment of indulgence. Let me walk you through every detail of this enchanting recipe that turns a beloved tiramisu into a delectable cookie experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to achieving those authentic tiramisu flavors and textures in cookie form. Each one plays a crucial role—whether lending structure, moisture, or that unmistakable coffee kick.

• All-purpose flour (1⅔ cups / 200g): Provides the sturdy yet tender base for the cookie dough.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Adds a delicate softness and helps create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Espresso powder (1 tablespoon): Infuses the dough with the essential coffee flavor that defines tiramisu.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Ensures lightness and a slight rise during baking.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup / 113g), softened: Adds richness and tenderness to every bite.
• Granulated sugar (⅔ cup / 133g): Sweetens the dough while helping create a delicate crisp edge.
• Large egg (1), room temperature: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
• Vanilla bean paste (2 teaspoons): Brings a deep, aromatic vanilla complexity to both dough and frosting.
• Mascarpone cheese (4 ounces / 113g), room temperature: The star ingredient carrying the creamy, tangy essence of tiramisu.
• Cream cheese (4 ounces / 113g), room temperature: Adds a subtle tang and luxurious smoothness.
• Powdered sugar (½ cup / 60g): Sweetens the frosting while ensuring a silky texture.
• Pinch of salt: Balances and elevates the frosting flavors.
• Cold heavy cream (1 cup / 240mL): Whipped into the frosting for airy lightness and creaminess.
• Kahlua (2 teaspoons, optional): Adds an extra boozy layer true to classic tiramisu flair.
• Dark cocoa powder, for dusting: Finishes the cookies with the signature cocoa bitterness on top.

How to Make Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so that it’s perfectly heated once your dough is ready. This ensures a beautiful rise and bake. Line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, cornstarch, espresso powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is essential for evenly dispersing the coffee flavor and leavening agents throughout the cookie dough. No clumps here — just smooth, harmonious dry ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, beat your softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This incorporates air, which is key to that tender, soft cookie texture.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Lower the mixer speed and add the egg along with two teaspoons of vanilla bean paste. Mix gently for about 30 seconds until just combined — overmixing here could make the dough tough, and we want these cookies soft and melt-in-your-mouth!

Step 5: Combine the Mixtures

Now, slowly fold in the dry ingredient mix into the wet batter on low speed until the dough just comes together. This gentle incorporation maintains tenderness without overworking the gluten in the flour.

Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Scoop the dough into 1½ tablespoon-sized balls (around 30 grams each). Space them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the tops look dry but still puffed. Let them cool briefly on the sheets before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

In a separate large bowl or mixer bowl with a whisk attachment, beat together mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about a minute. This rich frosting is where the signature tiramisu flavor truly shines.

Step 8: Whip in the Cream

With the mixer running on medium-low, slowly drizzle in the cold heavy cream and continue whipping until fluffy stiff peaks form. If you want to add a little boozy kick, gently mix in the Kahlua now. This frosting will be light, velvety, and perfectly spreadable.

Step 9: Frost and Finish the Cookies

Transfer your frosting to a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch wide tip and decorate each cookie with swirls starting from the center outward. Finally, dust generously with dark cocoa powder using a sifter or fine-mesh sieve. The slight bitterness of cocoa dusting balances the creamy sweetness.

How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

The classic dusting of dark cocoa powder adds the final touch to your tiramisu cookies, giving them that stunning café-style look. If you want to add a little extra flair, shaved chocolate or a single espresso bean on top pairs wonderfully and intrigues your guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies are delightful on their own but also pair beautifully with a freshly brewed cup of espresso or a creamy latte. For afternoon tea, serve alongside delicate biscotti or fresh berries to contrast the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dessert platter, serve the cookies on a rustic wooden board layered with coffee beans and small bowls of Kahlua or mascarpone cream for dipping. You can even sandwich two cookies together with an extra thick layer of frosting for an elegant tiramisu cookie sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because of the creamy frosting, store leftover tiramisu cookies in a single layer inside an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep nicely for up to 3 days, though they’re best when eaten within the first 24 hours to enjoy that perfect fresh texture.

Freezing

If you want to save them for later, these cookies freeze well without the frosting. Freeze the baked but unfrosted cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a month. Thaw before frosting and serving for the freshest experience.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, let refrigerated cookies sit at room temperature for around 15 minutes to soften slightly. Avoid heating too much since the frosting contains delicate mascarpone and cream cheese, which can separate if overheated.

FAQs

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mascarpone cream frosting a day in advance and keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Whip it briefly with a hand mixer before piping to bring back its fluffiness.

What if I don’t have espresso powder?

If espresso powder isn’t available, you can substitute with very finely ground instant coffee, but use sparingly to avoid bitterness. Alternatively, strong brewed espresso reduced to a paste can also work in the dough.

Can these cookies be made vegan?

While this recipe relies on dairy-rich mascarpone and cream cheese, you could experiment with vegan cream cheese and non-dairy whipping cream. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will change somewhat.

Is Kahlua necessary?

Kahlua is optional but adds an authentic boozy note reminiscent of traditional tiramisu. If you prefer, simply omit it or substitute with a splash of vanilla or coffee liqueur.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill your dough for 15 minutes before baking if the kitchen is warm. Also, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart helps control spreading.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe a try because it’s such a fun and delicious way to enjoy one of Italy’s favorite desserts in cookie form. These cookies will charm anyone with their creamy frosting, rich coffee flavor, and that perfect dusting of cocoa. Once you make them, expect them to become a beloved treat you’ll reach for time and again. Happy baking and buon appetito!

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