Nothing beats the rich, coffee-infused taste of authentic Italian tiramisu, and now you can enjoy those same incredible flavors in cookie form! This tiramisu cookies recipe transforms the classic dessert into handheld treats that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving something special for your afternoon coffee break, these delicious cookies deliver all the creamy, coffee-forward goodness you love.
I've been perfecting this tiramisu cookies recipe for years, and I'm excited to share my foolproof method with you. These aren't just any ordinary cookies; they're soft, tender treats filled with authentic mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa powder. The best part? You don't need to be a professional baker to create these restaurant-quality tiramisu cookies recipe masterpieces at home.
Why This Italian-Inspired Cookie Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite
This tiramisu cookies recipe stands out because it captures the authentic taste of traditional tiramisu while being much easier to serve and share. Unlike the classic layered dessert that requires careful slicing, these cookies offer individual portions that are perfect for parties, picnics, or gift-giving. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of coffee, cream, and sweetness that makes tiramisu so beloved worldwide.
The secret to this tiramisu cookies recipe lies in the combination of espresso-soaked ladyfinger cookies and rich mascarpone filling. By incorporating coffee directly into both the cookie base and the cream, every element works together to create an intensely flavorful experience. These cookies also have the advantage of being more stable than traditional tiramisu, making them ideal for transportation and storage while maintaining all the classic flavors you expect from this tiramisu cookies recipe.
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Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- All-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Large egg yolks
- Espresso powder
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
For the Mascarpone Filling:
- Mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Strong espresso, cooled
For Assembly and Garnish:
- Dark chocolate chips (optional)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Ladyfinger cookies
- Strong espresso for soaking
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and espresso powder until fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Gently flatten each ball with your fingers to create round, flat cookies.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks before filling.
Make the Mascarpone Filling
- In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cooled espresso to the mascarpone.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined.
- Transfer the filling to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off.
Assemble the Tiramisu Cookies
- Refrigerate the assembled tiramisu cookies recipe treats for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Lightly brush half of the cooled cookies with the strong espresso for soaking.
- Pipe or spread a generous amount of mascarpone filling onto each espresso-brushed cookie.
- Top with the remaining cookies to create sandwich cookies.
- Dust the tops generously with cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve.
- Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Cream butter, sugar, egg yolks, espresso, and flour to make a soft dough.
- Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Form dough balls, flatten gently, and bake until golden brown.
- Step 3: Make the Mascarpone Filling
Whip mascarpone, cream, and espresso into a creamy, smooth filling.
- Step 4: Assemble the Tiramisu Cookies
Brush cookies with espresso, add mascarpone filling, and sandwich them together.
Expert Cooking Tips
- Perfect Espresso Integration: The key to authentic flavor in this tiramisu cookies recipe is using high-quality espresso powder. Don't substitute with instant coffee, as it won't provide the same depth of flavor.
- Mascarpone Handling: Always bring mascarpone to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps. If your mascarpone is too cold, it may curdle when combined with other ingredients.
- Cookie Texture Balance: These cookies should be tender but sturdy enough to hold the filling. If your dough seems too soft, add a tablespoon of flour; if too dry, add a teaspoon of milk.
- Assembly Timing: For the best texture, assemble your cookies just before serving or within 4 hours. This prevents the cookies from becoming too soft while allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Storage Success: Store assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll maintain their quality for up to 3 days, though they're best enjoyed within 24 hours.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Dietary Modifications
- For those following specific dietary needs, this tiramisu cookies recipe can be easily adapted. Create a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture remains remarkably similar to the original recipe.
- Dairy-Free Options: Replace mascarpone with dairy-free cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The filling will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
- Reduced Sugar Version: Cut the powdered sugar in both the cookies and filling by half, and add a natural sweetener like stevia to taste.
Creative Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Lovers: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cookie dough and fold mini chocolate chips into the mascarpone filling.
- Liqueur Enhancement: For adults, add 1 tablespoon of coffee liqueur or rum to the mascarpone filling for extra complexity.
- Seasonal Twists: During holidays, incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cookie dough for warming spices that complement the coffee flavors beautifully.
Equipment Recommendations
- Having the right tools makes this tiramisu cookies recipe much easier to execute perfectly. A stand mixer or high-quality hand mixer is essential for achieving the proper texture in both the cookie dough and mascarpone filling. The whipping action incorporates air, creating light, fluffy results.
- Essential Tools: Large mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire cooling racks, and a fine-mesh sieve for dusting cocoa powder. A piping bag makes filling assembly much neater, though a zip-top bag works as a substitute.
- Helpful Additions: An offset spatula for spreading filling, a kitchen scale for precise measurements, and airtight storage containers for keeping your finished cookies fresh.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Short-Term Storage
- Store your completed tiramisu cookies recipe creations in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain the cocoa powder dusting.
Make-Ahead Strategy
- The cookie components can be prepared separately up to 2 days in advance. Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and keep the mascarpone filling covered in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving for optimal texture.
Freezing Instructions
- Unbaked cookie dough balls freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Freeze on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.zing for X days/weeks/months.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
Here's the game-changing tip that transformed my tiramisu cookies recipe from good to absolutely incredible: always let your assembled cookies rest in the refrigerator for exactly 2 hours before serving. This resting period allows the espresso-soaked cookies to soften slightly while the mascarpone filling firms up, creating the perfect textural contrast that mimics traditional tiramisu.
The second secret involves the cocoa powder dusting technique. Instead of simply sprinkling cocoa on top, I create a stencil using a paper doily or even a homemade template. This creates beautiful patterns that make your tiramisu cookies recipe results look professionally crafted. The visual appeal combined with the authentic flavors makes these cookies truly unforgettable for any occasion.
FAQ
How long should you let tiramisu sit before serving?
For traditional tiramisu and this tiramisu cookies recipe, 2-4 hours of chilling time is ideal. This allows all flavors to meld together while achieving the perfect texture balance between the coffee-soaked elements and creamy filling.
What are some common mistakes when making tiramisu?
The biggest mistake is using mascarpone that's too cold, which creates lumps in the filling. Another error is over-soaking the cookies with espresso, making them fall apart instead of maintaining their structure in this tiramisu cookies recipe.
How long to soak ladyfingers for tiramisu?
In this tiramisu cookies recipe, a light brush of espresso is sufficient; about 2-3 seconds per cookie. Over-soaking will make the cookies too soft to handle as sandwich cookie bases.
Do lady fingers get soggy in tiramisu?
When properly prepared, ladyfingers should be soft but not soggy. In this tiramisu cookies recipe, the controlled espresso application keeps them tender while maintaining enough structure to hold the mascarpone filling securely.
Perfect Pairings for Your Italian Cookie Collection
Now that you've mastered this incredible tiramisu cookies recipe, why not expand your dessert repertoire with two more show-stopping treats? These complementary recipes will give you a complete arsenal of impressive desserts for any occasion.
The rich, coffee-forward flavors of your tiramisu cookies recipe pair beautifully with the buttery sweetness of a Salted Caramel Pie Recipe. The contrast between the Italian coffee notes and the American comfort food classic creates an sophisticated dessert spread. Similarly, a Brownie Bottom Cheesecake Recipe offers the perfect chocolate counterpoint to your coffee-infused cookies, giving your guests a complete range of indulgent flavors to enjoy.
Whether you're planning a dinner party or simply want to have multiple tiramisu cookies recipe options available for unexpected guests, these three desserts work together harmoniously while each standing proudly on its own merits.
With love and sprinkles
By Lisa Johnson ❤️
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Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowls At least one large, one medium
- 1 Hand or stand mixer For whipping and beating
- 1 Wire cooling rack For cooling baked cookies
- 1 Baking sheet Parchment-lined recommended
- 1 Fine-mesh sieve For dusting cocoa powder
- 1 Piping bag or zip-top bag For mascarpone filling
- 1 Measuring cups & spoons For accuracy
- 1 Plastic wrap To chill dough
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 egg yolks large
- 2 tablespoon espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Mascarpone Filling
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese room temperature
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon strong espresso cooled
Assembly & Garnish
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 24 ladyfinger cookies for sandwiching
- ¼ cup strong espresso for brushing
- dark chocolate chips to taste, optional
Instructions
- Cream butter and powdered sugar.
- Add yolks, espresso, vanilla, flour, and salt.
- Chill dough 30 min.
- Shape into 1-inch balls and flatten.
- Bake at 350°F for 12–15 min.
- Whip cream, beat mascarpone.
- Add sugar, vanilla, espresso to mascarpone.
- Fold in whipped cream.
- Pipe filling on half of cookies.
- Brush cookies with espresso.
- Sandwich and dust with cocoa.
- Chill for 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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