Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
If you adore the classic Italian dessert but want to enjoy it in a fun, portable form, this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies capture the dreamy combination of coffee, mascarpone, cocoa, and just a hint of cinnamon, all baked into a soft, chewy treat that melts in your mouth. Perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness and a sprinkle of cocoa powder, these Tiramisu Cookies will quickly become your go-to for cozy afternoons, friendly gatherings, or anytime you crave that authentic tiramisu flavor without the fuss of layers and chilling time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the simple yet essential ingredients for this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is half the joy, as each element plays a crucial role in crafting the cookies’ rich and irresistible flavor. From the tender buttery base to the bold coffee notes and creamy mascarpone, every bite offers a harmony of tastes and textures.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for soft, chewy cookies that hold their shape beautifully.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right, giving a light texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for tender bites.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances bitterness from coffee with essential sweetness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a subtle caramel depth and chewiness.
- 2 large eggs: Offers structure and moisture to bind all ingredients smoothly.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that brighten the overall flavor.
- 1 tbsp instant coffee granules (or espresso powder): Key for capturing the classic tiramisu’s bold coffee essence.
- 1 tbsp warm water: Helps dissolve coffee granules evenly for a smooth coffee flavor throughout.
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese: A wonderfully creamy, tangy addition that mimics tiramisu’s signature texture.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Introduces a gentle spice to complement the coffee and cocoa notes.
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for dusting): Provides the traditional bittersweet topping familiar to tiramisu lovers.
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional): For an extra touch of decadent richness and delightful melty pockets.
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Mixture
Start by dissolving the instant coffee granules or espresso powder in 1 tablespoon of warm water. This simple step is crucial as it ensures the coffee flavor distributes evenly in the cookie dough, giving each bite that authentic tiramisu character.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Next, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl. Setting these aside allows for smooth incorporation later, and the cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that beautifully complements the coffee notes.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take around 2 to 3 minutes. This step creates the perfect base for light-textured cookies with a touch of caramel flavor.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Coffee
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and your cooled coffee mixture. Combining these wet ingredients now ensures your dough is smooth, fragrant, and full of that signature tiramisu aroma.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. This careful folding prevents overworking the dough and keeps your cookies tender.
Step 6: Fold in Mascarpone and Chocolate Chips
For the ultimate tiramisu feel, fold in the creamy mascarpone cheese and optional dark chocolate chips. The mascarpone gives a small burst of luxurious creaminess in each cookie, while chocolate chips add scrumptious richness and texture.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers feel soft but set. These cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem slightly delicate at first.
Step 8: Cool and Dust with Cocoa Powder
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, sift a light dusting of cocoa powder over the tops to give them that iconic tiramisu look and add a touch of bittersweet flavor.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is now ready for tasting! Serve these with a steaming cup of coffee or espresso to fully indulge in that classic tiramisu experience in cookie form.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of cocoa powder is exquisite, but you can elevate presentation by adding a few freshly grated dark chocolate shavings or a small dollop of mascarpone on the side. These little touches enhance the look and flavor while keeping things authentic and elegant.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cup of rich espresso or a creamy cappuccino for a perfect pairing. They also go beautifully with a chilled glass of dessert wine or a scoop of vanilla gelato if you want to turn your tiramisu-inspired treat into a mini celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by arranging your tiramisu cookies in a dessert platter surrounded by ladyfingers and small bowls of coffee sauce or mascarpone cream for dipping. Or stack them in a cookie tower tied with rustic twine as a charming gift idea. This recipe shines when shared and displayed with love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh for up to 4 days. This makes them ideal for making ahead for parties or enjoying as a quick coffee-time treat during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container once solid. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enjoy their fresh-baked flavor.
Reheating
Warm cookies briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds to revive their soft, melty texture. Just be careful not to overheat, as mascarpone can melt and create a mess if too hot.
FAQs
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?
While instant coffee granules dissolve easily and evenly, you can substitute with a strong brewed espresso or coffee concentrate. Use less liquid overall to keep the dough from becoming too wet, and add coffee slowly to avoid over-moisturizing the batter.
Is mascarpone cheese necessary in this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe?
Mascarpone adds a signature creamy texture and subtle tang that truly elevates the cookies. If you cannot find it, cream cheese can be a substitute, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
How chewy or crispy are these cookies?
The cookies are soft and chewy in the center with a lightly golden edge. They are not crispy, aiming to mimic the melt-in-your-mouth feel of traditional tiramisu. Baking less or more can adjust the texture slightly.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. However, monitor the texture carefully, as gluten-free flours behave differently and may require tweaks to baking time or liquid amounts.
Why is cocoa powder dusted on top after baking?
The dusting of cocoa powder is a hallmark of tiramisu and gives the cookies an authentic finishing touch with a pleasant, slightly bitter contrast to the natural sweetness. It also adds visual appeal, making the cookies look instantly recognizable as tiramisu-inspired.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe enough if you’re looking for a delightful way to enjoy tiramisu flavors without all the fuss of layering and chilling. These cookies are quick to make, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for sharing with friends and family over a cozy cup of coffee. Once you try them, they’ll surely become a favorite in your recipe collection, bringing a little Italian magic into your everyday moments.
Print
Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These Tiramisu Cookies are a delightful fusion of classic Italian tiramisu flavors and comforting cookie texture. Soft and slightly chewy, infused with coffee and mascarpone, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder, they bring all the beloved elements of tiramisu into a convenient handheld treat perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp instant coffee granules (or espresso powder)
- 1 tbsp warm water
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for dusting)
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for added richness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee Mixture: In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules or espresso powder in 1 tablespoon of warm water. Set this coffee mixture aside to cool completely before adding to the dough.
- Make the Cookie Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to combine well.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes, using an electric mixer for best results.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract and the cooled coffee mixture gradually until evenly blended.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. If desired, fold in the mascarpone cheese and dark chocolate chips gently to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Form and Bake the Cookies: Using a tablespoon, drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookie edges turn lightly golden and the centers appear set. The cookies will be soft initially but will firm up upon cooling.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to avoid sogginess and to set their shape properly.
- Dust with Cocoa Powder: Once the cookies are fully cooled, sift a light layer of cocoa powder over each cookie to emulate the classic tiramisu topping.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Tiramisu Cookies alongside a cup of coffee or espresso to enhance the tiramisu flavor experience perfectly.
Notes
- Make sure the coffee mixture is completely cooled before adding to the dough to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely or melting the butter.
- Using mascarpone cheese gives the cookies their authentic creamy tiramisu flavor, but if unavailable, cream cheese can be used as a substitute with slightly different texture.
- The dark chocolate chips are optional but add a nice richness that complements the coffee flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the instant coffee granules to 1 1/2 tablespoons.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired