Tiramisu Cookies are like little bites of everyone’s favorite Italian dessert, with layers of coffee-soaked goodness and creamy, dreamy mascarpone flavor all wrapped into a soft and chewy cookie. These treats have a gentle coffee kick and just the right balance of sweetness, making them a perfect pick-me-up or a special treat to share.
I love making these cookies when I want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The fun part is the way the coffee flavor seeps into the cookie itself, reminding me of the classic tiramisu I enjoy at cafes. Plus, having that creamy mascarpone-inspired frosting on top gives each cookie a rich, velvety touch that makes it feel extra special.
When I serve these, I like to pair them with a simple cup of espresso or a glass of cold milk — the combo is fantastic. They’re also a crowd-pleaser for gatherings because they bring a little slice of Italy in a cookie form, and who can say no to that? If you’re craving a coffee-flavored treat that’s easy to enjoy any time, these cookies definitely fit the bill.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Espresso Powder: This gives the cookies that authentic tiramisu coffee flavor. If you don’t have espresso powder, strong instant coffee granules work too, just crush them finely.
Mascarpone Cheese: It’s creamy and mild, key for that tiramisu filling. If mascarpone isn’t available, cream cheese blended with a little heavy cream is a good stand-in.
Heavy Cream: Whipping this gives fluffiness to the filling. You can use whipping cream or a light coconut cream for a dairy-free option, but flavor will slightly change.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Sprinkled on top for the classic tiramisu look and a slight bitterness that balances sweetness. Dutch-processed cocoa tends to be smoother, but regular works fine.
How Do I Get Soft, Chewy Coffee-Flavored Cookies That Hold Up as Sandwiches?
The coffee flavor should shine, but the cookie texture must also support the creamy filling well. Here’s how to do it:
- Cream butter and sugar well until fluffy to trap air, making cookies tender.
- Use instant espresso powder rather than liquid coffee to avoid extra moisture that would soften the cookie too much.
- Mix dry ingredients gently into wet to keep a soft dough without overworking it.
- Bake just until edges are lightly golden — overbaking will dry out the cookie.
- Cool completely before adding filling, so they don’t get soggy.
- Pair cookies by size to get even sandwiches that stay stable.
- Chill after assembly to let the filling set, making cookies easier to handle and allowing flavors to meld.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a non-stick one helps the cookies bake evenly without sticking.
- Parchment paper – makes cleanup easy and prevents the cookies from burning on the bottom.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need at least two, one for dry ingredients and one for wet.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and whipping the filling quick and smooth.
- Spatula – great for folding ingredients gently without deflating the batter.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – for making cookies the same size so sandwiches match up well.
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve – to dust the cocoa powder evenly on top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough for extra chocolate bursts that complement the coffee flavor.
- Stir in a teaspoon of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa into the mascarpone filling for a richer adult twist.
- Swap mascarpone filling with cream cheese frosting for a tangier version that still stays creamy.
- Mix finely ground toasted almonds or hazelnuts into the cookie dough for a bit of crunch and nutty flavor.
Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder or finely ground espresso
For the Mascarpone Filling:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Garnish:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, 10-12 minutes to bake, plus at least 1 hour chilling time for the filling to set. So plan for just under 2 hours total, mostly hands-off while the cookies cool and chill.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully mixed. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing until just combined. Drop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
2. Bake and Cool:
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until edges turn light golden. Remove from oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important not to frost warm cookies to avoid melting the filling.
3. Make the Mascarpone Filling:
While cookies cool, beat the mascarpone cheese in a bowl until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and blend well. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream gently into the mascarpone mixture until smooth and airy.
4. Assemble the Cookies:
Pair cookies of similar size. Spread or pipe a good amount of mascarpone filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with its partner to form a sandwich. Dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder for the classic tiramisu touch.
5. Chill Before Serving:
Place your assembled cookies in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This helps the filling firm up and the flavors meld for the best taste experience. Then enjoy your delicious tiramisu cookies!
Can I Use Regular Coffee Instead of Espresso Powder?
It’s best to use instant espresso powder or finely ground espresso for the most authentic flavor without adding extra moisture. If you only have regular coffee, use it sparingly and soak a small amount of flour to avoid altering the dough texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Tiramisu Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The filling is perishable, so keeping them chilled helps maintain freshness and flavor.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the mascarpone filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Give it a quick stir before assembling your cookies to keep the texture smooth and creamy.
What If I Don’t Have Mascarpone Cheese?
You can substitute with cream cheese mixed with a little heavy cream to mimic mascarpone’s creamy texture. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
