Tiramisu Cookies bring the beloved flavors of the classic Italian dessert into the form of a delicious, portable cookie. These soft and chewy treats feature the rich, coffee-soaked goodness of tiramisu, with layers of mascarpone flavor and a hint of cocoa, all wrapped up in a cookie form. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional dessert or looking for something new to try, Tiramisu Cookies are the perfect way to enjoy that signature combination of coffee, chocolate, and cream in every bite.

With their slightly crisp edges, soft centers, and dusting of cocoa powder on top, these cookies are the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, just like a traditional tiramisu. Whether served with a cup of coffee or as a standalone treat, they’ll transport you straight to an Italian café. These cookies are an excellent choice for special occasions, casual get-togethers, or simply as a delightful snack to enjoy with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Tiramisu Flavors in Every Bite

These cookies capture the rich, indulgent flavors of tiramisu—coffee, cocoa, and mascarpone—in a fun, portable form that’s perfect for any occasion.

2. Easy to Make

This recipe is much easier than making traditional tiramisu, but you still get all the delicious flavors. It’s a great way to enjoy tiramisu without all the layers and steps.

3. Perfectly Balanced Sweetness

The coffee and cocoa balance out the sweetness of the cookie, making each bite a harmonious combination of flavors that isn’t too sweet but still deeply satisfying.

4. Great for Coffee Lovers

If you love coffee-flavored desserts, these cookies are made for you! The espresso adds a rich depth that pairs perfectly with the creamy mascarpone notes.

5. Impressive Yet Simple

These cookies are an impressive twist on a classic dessert. They’re simple to make yet look and taste fancy, making them perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Espresso powder or strong brewed coffee
Vanilla extract
Mascarpone cheese
Cocoa powder (for dusting)
Chocolate chips (optional)

Variations

Chocolate Chips: Add semisweet or white chocolate chips to the dough for extra richness and texture.
Rum Flavoring: Add a splash of rum extract or real rum to the dough for a more authentic tiramisu flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
Tiramisu Layered Cookies: For a more complex flavor, you can sandwich two cookies together with mascarpone frosting or a whipped cream filling.
Tiramisu Bars: If you prefer a bar over cookies, press the dough into a baking pan and bake as bars instead.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the espresso powder or brewed coffee and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Add the Mascarpone

Gently fold the mascarpone cheese into the wet ingredients, blending until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in at this point.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop spoonfuls of dough (about 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons each) and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Dust with Cocoa

Once the cookies have cooled, lightly dust them with cocoa powder to mimic the finish of traditional tiramisu.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix until just combined to ensure the cookies stay tender.
Espresso Powder vs. Coffee: Espresso powder is more concentrated and gives a more intense coffee flavor. If using brewed coffee, make sure it’s strong for the best results.
Chill the Dough: If you want slightly thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Even Baking: For even baking, rotate the cookie sheets halfway through the baking time.
Mascarpone Consistency: Make sure the mascarpone is at room temperature to ensure smooth incorporation into the dough.

How to Serve

Tiramisu Cookies are perfect on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or even a glass of dessert wine. Serve them at coffee gatherings, with after-dinner drinks, or as a sweet treat during the day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. The cookies will soften slightly but will remain delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough by rolling it into balls and freezing them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

If you’d like to reheat the cookies, simply warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to bring back some of their original texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

Mascarpone is key to the flavor of tiramisu cookies, but you can substitute cream cheese in a pinch. Just note that the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Be sure to check that your baking soda and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

3. Can I add other flavorings to the dough?

Absolutely! You could add a splash of coffee liqueur or flavored extracts, such as almond or hazelnut, to elevate the flavor.

4. How can I make these cookies more like traditional tiramisu?

To make the cookies more like tiramisu, you could add a little bit of rum or coffee liqueur to the dough or use a whipped mascarpone filling between the cookies.

5. Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

Yes, instant coffee can work in place of espresso powder, though espresso powder is more concentrated and gives a stronger coffee flavor.

6. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be golden around the edges and set in the center. If the center is still soft but no longer wet, the cookies are done.

7. Can I freeze the finished cookies?

Yes, you can freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

8. How do I store the cookies to keep them fresh?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent them from drying out. You can also add a slice of bread to the container to keep them soft.

9. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Yes! Adding chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white) would complement the tiramisu flavors and add an extra layer of sweetness.

10. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.

Conclusion

Tiramisu Cookies are the perfect fusion of a beloved dessert and a convenient, bite-sized treat. With their rich coffee flavor, creamy mascarpone, and subtle cocoa dusting, they’ll satisfy any tiramisu lover. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a special event or enjoying them as an everyday treat, Tiramisu Cookies are sure to impress with their irresistible flavor and unique twist on a classic dessert.