Indulge in Bliss: The Ultimate Tiramisu Cookies Recipe – Soft, Coffee-Infused Treats with Velvety Mascarpone Cream
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Prepare to be amazed by these incredible Tiramisu Cookies – a truly sensational fusion that brings together the best of two dessert worlds: the comforting chewiness of a perfect cookie and the sophisticated, coffee-infused elegance of classic tiramisu. Imagine biting into a thick, tender coffee-flavored cookie, generously crowned with a cloud of smooth, rich mascarpone cream, all dusted with a fine layer of aromatic cocoa powder. Every single bite delivers that unmistakable tiramisu experience, but in a delightfully portable, cookie form. These aren’t just any cookies; they are an experience, a miniature masterpiece that explodes with robust flavor and luxurious texture.
What makes these Tiramisu Cookies truly exceptional is how effortlessly they come together using readily available pantry staples. Forget complicated techniques; this recipe is designed for ease and enjoyment. While traditional tiramisu relies on delicate ladyfingers soaked in espresso, our cookie rendition ingeniously transforms this concept. We start with soft, buttery cookies infused with a deep coffee flavor, providing a sturdy yet tender base. This is then lavishly topped with a homemade mascarpone cream – a velvety, luscious mixture that perfectly mimics the iconic layers of tiramisu. A final dusting of high-quality cocoa powder adds that essential touch of bittersweet chocolate, completing the authentic flavor profile. The result is a dessert that’s not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly satisfying. Be warned: these irresistible treats are so good, it’s a challenge to stop at just one! They are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, ideal for any special occasion, holiday gathering, or simply as an indulgent treat to brighten your day.
If you’re a fan of unique cookie creations, be sure to explore more of our delightful recipes, such as Lemon Blueberry Cookies, Oreo Espresso Cookies, and Coffee Cake Cookies.
Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Cookie Recipe
This Tiramisu Cookie recipe isn’t just another dessert; it’s a carefully crafted experience designed for both ease and unparalleled flavor. Here’s why these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Surprisingly Easy to Make: Don’t let the sophisticated flavor fool you – these cookies are incredibly straightforward to prepare. Using common kitchen tools and simple baking steps, you’ll find the process enjoyable and stress-free, making it a perfect recipe for bakers of all skill levels. It’s an ideal choice when you want an impressive dessert without the fuss.
- Irresistibly Soft Coffee Cookies: The foundation of this dessert lies in its cookies. We’ve perfected a recipe for large, wonderfully soft cookies that boast a rich, warm coffee flavor. Each cookie is chewy on the inside with slightly crisp edges, providing a delightful textural contrast and a burst of aromatic coffee that perfectly complements the tiramisu theme.
- Velvety Mascarpone Cream Topping: Elevating these coffee cookies is a luxurious mascarpone cream. This topping is exceptionally smooth, light, and wonderfully rich, with just the right balance of sweetness and tanginess from the mascarpone cheese. It’s whipped to perfection, creating a cloud-like texture that melts in your mouth and harmonizes beautifully with the coffee-infused base.
- Authentic Tiramisu Experience: Every element of this cookie is designed to evoke the essence of classic tiramisu. From the deep coffee notes in the cookie to the creamy mascarpone and the final delicate dusting of cocoa powder, you get all the beloved flavors and textures of the Italian dessert in a convenient, handheld form.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a unique treat for a potluck, or simply craving something special for yourself, these Tiramisu Cookies are a fantastic choice. Their impressive appearance and exquisite taste make them suitable for elegant gatherings, while their cookie format makes them fun and approachable for casual enjoyment.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Tiramisu Cookies
Crafting these sensational Tiramisu Cookies begins with understanding the role each ingredient plays. Below is a detailed look at the key components that give these cookies their distinctive flavor and texture. For a comprehensive list of all ingredients and precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Butter: This recipe calls for melted butter, which contributes significantly to the cookies’ soft and chewy texture. Melting the butter before mixing helps create a denser, chewier cookie by impacting how the gluten develops. Ensure the melted butter cools to room temperature before combining with other ingredients; this prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a smooth, consistent dough. You can use either salted or unsalted butter; if using unsalted, you might want to slightly increase the pinch of salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
- Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar is a crucial ingredient for adding moisture and depth of flavor to our cookie dough. Its molasses content not only keeps the cookies wonderfully soft and chewy but also imparts a subtle caramel-like note that complements the coffee beautifully. Using brown sugar also helps achieve that desirable soft, almost cakey interior while ensuring the edges retain a slight crispness.
- Instant Coffee Powder (or Espresso Powder): This is where the magic of “tiramisu” truly shines in the cookie base. Use a high-quality instant coffee or espresso powder for the best flavor. Espresso powder, in particular, offers a more concentrated and robust coffee taste without adding excess liquid, ensuring a deep, authentic flavor. I highly recommend Nescafe Gold espresso powder due to its excellent dissolvability and rich 100% Arabica coffee flavor. Avoid using brewed coffee, as it would alter the dough consistency too much.
- Cocoa Powder: No tiramisu-inspired dessert is complete without a generous dusting of cocoa powder. This provides the classic slightly bitter, rich chocolate finish that cuts through the sweetness of the mascarpone cream. For an unparalleled depth of flavor and beautiful dark color, I strongly recommend using a high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Brands like Valrhona or Ghirardelli are excellent choices, offering a smoother, less acidic chocolate flavor.
- Mascarpone Cheese: The star of our creamy topping, mascarpone cheese is essential for achieving that authentic tiramisu experience. This Italian cream cheese is incredibly rich, smooth, and naturally sweet, providing a luxurious, velvety texture that is unmatched. Ensure your mascarpone is cold when you start whipping the cream to achieve the best consistency and stiff peaks. Do not substitute with regular cream cheese, as its tangier flavor and different consistency will not yield the same delicate result.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is a flavor enhancer that brings warmth and complexity to both the cookie dough and the mascarpone cream. Its aromatic notes bridge the coffee and chocolate flavors beautifully, adding a subtle sweetness and depth. Always opt for pure vanilla extract over artificial vanilla flavoring for the best, most authentic taste.
- Heavy Cream: Used in the mascarpone topping, heavy cream (also known as whipping cream) is vital for achieving a light, airy, and stable cream that can be piped beautifully. It should be very cold before whipping to ensure it reaches stiff peaks. Combine it with the mascarpone, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla to create that perfectly balanced, cloud-like topping.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting the Perfect Coffee Cookies
Creating the coffee-infused base for these Tiramisu Cookies is a straightforward process when you follow these instructions carefully. You’ll need an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment), two large mixing bowls, and a trusty spatula. For a complete list of ingredients and their exact measurements, please refer to the recipe card.
Let’s dive into making these wonderfully soft and flavorful cookies:
STEP 1: Prepare the Butter Base. Begin by melting the butter. You can do this gently in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, or in a small saucepan over low-medium heat. The key is to melt it without letting it sizzle or bubble vigorously, as you want to retain all the liquid and flavor. Once fully melted, transfer the butter into a large mixing bowl. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature. You can speed this up by placing it in the fridge for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooling. This step is crucial for achieving the desired chewy texture and preventing the eggs from cooking when added.
STEP 2: Cream Sugars with Butter. Once your melted butter has reached room temperature, add both the granulated sugar and dark brown sugar to the bowl. Using a sturdy spatula or a whisk, vigorously mix these ingredients together for about one minute until they are well combined and form a smooth, somewhat thick mixture. The sugars should be fully incorporated into the butter. Alternatively, if using a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment on medium speed for about 30 seconds to achieve this.
STEP 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients. Add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything is fully combined and the mixture is smooth and cohesive. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, instant coffee powder (or espresso powder), and salt. Make sure these are well distributed. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing with your spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as overworking the gluten can lead to tough cookies. A few streaks of flour are acceptable; they will disappear during the next step.
STEP 4: Scoop and Chill the Dough. Using a 2 tablespoon (or approximately 1.3 ounce) cookie scoop, portion out 11 equally sized cookies. Place these scoops onto a baking tray that has been lined with parchment paper. Gently roll each scooped portion between your palms to form a smooth, uniform ball. This helps them bake evenly and gives them a neater appearance. Once all the cookie balls are formed, place the entire tray into the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to an hour. Chilling the dough is essential; it prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring they maintain their thick, chewy texture.
Pro Tip: While your cookie dough is chilling, take this time to preheat your oven to 180ºC / 355ºF. Also, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with fresh parchment paper. This ensures a smooth transition from fridge to oven.
STEP 5: Bake the Cookies in Batches. After the chilling period, retrieve your cookie dough from the fridge. Place no more than 6 cookies on a single prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s enough space between each for them to spread slightly. If you have remaining dough, keep it refrigerated until it’s ready for the next batch. Bake one tray at a time for 10-11 minutes. The cookies should have slightly golden edges and still look a little soft in the center when removed from the oven. This indicates they will be perfectly soft and chewy once cooled.
STEP 6: Cool Down for Perfection. Once baked, resist the urge to move the cookies immediately! Let them cool on the baking tray for a crucial 3 minutes. They will still be very delicate and soft at this stage, and cooling on the tray allows them to firm up slightly. After 3 minutes, carefully use a wide, thin spatula to transfer the cookies onto a wire rack. Allow them to cool down completely before moving on to the mascarpone topping. Cooling completely is essential for the topping to adhere properly and not melt.
Creating the Velvety Mascarpone Cream & Assembling Your Tiramisu Cookies
Now for the exquisite finishing touch! The mascarpone cream is what truly transforms these coffee cookies into a tiramisu dream. Here’s how to prepare it and assemble your gorgeous treats:
STEP 1: Whip the Mascarpone Cream to Perfection. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cold mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, confectioners’ sugar, agave (or honey), and very cold heavy cream. Using an electric mixer (either a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment), begin whipping all the ingredients together on medium-low speed, gradually increasing to medium-high. Continue to whip until the mixture achieves stiff peaks and holds its shape beautifully. This means when you lift the whisk, the cream stands up straight without drooping. Be careful not to over-whip, as mascarpone can curdle if beaten too long. If you’re preparing this ahead of time, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble your cookies. Chilling helps maintain its consistency.
STEP 2: Assemble and Decorate Your Tiramisu Cookies. Once your coffee cookies are completely cooled and your mascarpone cream is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Transfer the whipped mascarpone cream into a piping bag fitted with your favorite decorative piping tip; a Wilton 2A or a large round tip works wonderfully for creating a classic swirl. Starting from the center of each cooled cookie, pipe a generous swirl of mascarpone cream, working your way outwards to cover the surface. For the authentic tiramisu finish, take a tablespoon of high-quality cocoa powder and use a fine mesh sieve to lightly dust it over the mascarpone topping of each cookie. This adds a beautiful visual appeal and that essential bittersweet chocolate note that is characteristic of tiramisu.
Expert Baking Tips for Tiramisu Cookie Success
Achieving baking perfection often comes down to a few key techniques and considerations. Heed these expert tips to ensure your Tiramisu Cookies turn out absolutely flawless every time:
- Utilize a Kitchen Scale for Precision: For truly consistent and professional-level baking results, I cannot stress enough the importance of using a kitchen scale. My recipes are typically developed using gram measurements, as this is the most precise way to measure ingredients. Volume measurements (cups and spoons) can vary greatly depending on how ingredients are scooped and leveled, leading to inconsistencies in dough texture and final product. A scale eliminates guesswork and ensures your cookies have the perfect balance of ingredients every single time.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix them just until they are combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour excessively, which can lead to tough, dense cookies rather than the soft, tender texture we’re aiming for. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring no pockets of flour remain at the bottom of the bowl. A light touch here makes a big difference in the final chewiness of your cookies.
- Choose the Right Baking Pans: The type of baking pan you use can significantly impact your cookies. For the best outcome with these Tiramisu Cookies, opt for an aluminum baking sheet, ideally lined with parchment paper. Lighter-colored aluminum pans attract less heat than dark-colored pans, promoting more even baking and preventing the bottoms of your cookies from browning too quickly or becoming overly crisp. Darker pans absorb more heat, which can lead to a darker crust and potentially a drier cookie. Always ensure your baking sheet is clean and properly lined for easy removal and consistent results.
- Chill Your Dough Adequately: Don’t skip the chilling step! Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes, ideally an hour, is crucial. This allows the butter to re-solidify, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also gives the flavors a chance to meld and the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a richer flavor and a thicker, chewier cookie with a more desirable texture.
- Bake One Tray at a Time: For even baking, especially in home ovens, it’s best to bake one tray of cookies at a time on the middle rack. This ensures consistent heat distribution around each cookie, preventing some from being underbaked while others are overbaked. If you bake multiple trays simultaneously, your oven’s airflow can be compromised, leading to uneven results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiramisu Cookies
Here are answers to some common questions you might have while making and enjoying these delightful Tiramisu Cookies:
Absolutely! If you prefer larger, more indulgent cookies, you can certainly adjust the size. Use a larger cookie scoop (approximately 2.5-3 ounces of dough per cookie). When baking bigger cookies, you’ll need to increase the baking time slightly. Aim for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare the cookie dough balls a day in advance. After scooping and rolling the dough into balls, place them on a tray lined with parchment paper, then transfer them to an airtight container or cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap. Store the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to bake, follow the instructions as usual for preheating the oven and baking the cookies. Prepare the mascarpone cream fresh on the day of serving for the best texture.
Freezing the cookie dough is a fantastic way to prepare for future cravings or unexpected guests! Scoop the cookie dough into individual balls and arrange them on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 30 days. When you’re ready to bake, let the frozen cookie balls thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour before baking them according to the recipe instructions. You might need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time if they are still very cold.
For perfectly uniform cookies, which ensures even baking and a professional look, using a cookie scoop is highly recommended. A 2-tablespoon (1.3 ounce) scoop works perfectly for this recipe. If you don’t have a scoop, you can use a kitchen scale to weigh out individual portions of dough, aiming for roughly 37-40 grams per cookie. This consistency makes a big difference in the final presentation and texture.
Yes, you absolutely can! If you prefer to avoid caffeine or are serving these cookies in the evening, feel free to use a good quality decaffeinated instant coffee or espresso powder. The flavor profile will remain largely the same, ensuring you still get that wonderful coffee essence without the caffeine kick.
Storage Recommendations for Tiramisu Cookies
To maintain the deliciousness and freshness of your Tiramisu Cookies, proper storage is key, especially due to the mascarpone cream topping. Here’s how to store them effectively:
Always store your Tiramisu Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The mascarpone cream is dairy-based and requires refrigeration to remain fresh and safe to eat. Placing them in an airtight container also prevents them from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge and keeps the cookies from drying out. For the absolute best flavor and texture, these cookies are truly at their peak when enjoyed within 1-2 days of baking and assembling. While they might last a little longer, the texture of the cookie and the freshness of the cream are best preserved within this timeframe. If serving at a party, try to assemble them closer to serving time for optimal quality, then refrigerate any leftovers promptly.
Other Irresistible Cookie Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed these Tiramisu Cookies, you’ll surely love exploring more of our delightful cookie creations. Here are a few other recipes that promise to tantalize your taste buds:
- Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- 25 Best Summer Dessert Ideas
- Carrot Cake Cookies
- 20 Best Easter Dessert Ideas
If you’ve baked these amazing Tiramisu Cookies, we’d love to hear from you! Please make sure to leave a STAR REVIEW in the recipe card below if you loved this recipe. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @juliemarieeats so I can see your wonderful creations. For more inspiring recipe ideas and baking tips, be sure to follow me on Pinterest!
Tiramisu Cookies
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- Cookie scoops
Ingredients
COOKIES
- 110 g butter
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 100 g dark brown sugar
- 1 egg (57-60 g with shell)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 230 g all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
MASCARPONE CREAM
- 180 g mascarpone cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 90 g confectioners sugar
- 20 g agave or honey
- 120 g heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
COOKIES
- Melt the butter in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low-medium heat. You don’t want it to bubble, so as to not lose any of the liquid in the butter. Pour the melted butter into a big mixing bowl and let it cool down to room temperature in the fridge. Takes about 20 minutes.110 g butter
- Once the butter has reached room temperature add the granulated sugar and brown sugar and with spatula whisk it together for 1 minute. Alternatively, mix it together in a stand mixer using the paddle attachment.100 g granulated sugar, 100 g dark brown sugar
- Add the egg, vanilla extract and mix it in until combined.1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, instant espresso powder and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and with spatula mix it together until just combined.230 g all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder, ½ teaspoon salt
- Using a 2 tbsp/ 1.3 ounce cookie scoop, scoop out 11 cookies and place them on a tray lined with baking paper. Then roll them between your hands into a ball. Place the prepared cookies in the fridge to set for 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven at 180ºC / 355ºF and prepare a baking sheet with baking paper. Place 6 cookies per baking tray and bake one tray at a time for 10-11 minutes.
- Once baked, let them cool down on the baking tray for 3 minutes as they still will be soft when they are done. After they have cooled down a bit, use a spatula to lift them onto a cooling rack and let them cool down completely.
MASCARPONE CREAM
- In a medium bowl with an electric mixer or in a stand mixer using the whisk attachment, whip together all of the ingredients until it reaches stiff peaks and it holds its shape. If making ahead of serving, place in the fridge, covered by plastic wrap, until ready to assemble.180 g mascarpone cheese, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 90 g confectioners sugar, 20 g agave or honey, 120 g heavy cream
- When ready to serve, add the cream to a piping bag fitted with a piping tip e.g. Wilton 2A. Pipe the mascarpone cream on top of the cookies in a swirl, starting from the middle and moving outwards. Add a tablespoon of cocoa to fine mesh sieve and finish the cookies with dusting of cocoa powder.1 tablespoon cocoa powder