Name: Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 1 h 11 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 110 g butter; 100 g granulated sugar; 100 g dark brown sugar; 1 egg (57-60 g with shell); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 230 g all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tbsp instant espresso powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 180 g mascarpone cheese; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 90 g confectioners sugar; 20 g agave or honey; 120 g heavy cream; 1 tbsp cocoa powder (for dusting)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 20 reviews

If you are a fan of the rich, creamy flavors of classic tiramisu but crave the convenience of a handheld treat, this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These cookies capture everything you love about the traditional dessert, combining tender, coffee-kissed cookie dough with a luscious mascarpone cream topping dusted generously with cocoa powder. They are delightfully soft yet sturdy enough to hold their cream, making them perfect for sharing or savoring with your favorite cup of coffee. Trust me, once you try this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe, it will feel like having a little slice of Italy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several round cookies on a white marbled surface, each cookie having two layers. The bottom layer is a golden-brown crispy cookie base. The top layer is a thick, creamy white frosting swirled in a spiral shape and dusted with a dark brown powder, spread evenly across the frosting in a spiral pattern. One cookie is missing a bite, revealing the clear separation between the creamy frosting and the thick cookie base. The cookies are spaced apart in a casual arrangement. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this recipe, and luckily, each element is simple yet essential. From the punch of espresso powder that flavors the cookie base to the creamy mascarpone that turns these cookies into a dreamy dessert, every ingredient plays a special role in balancing taste and texture.

Butter (110 g): Provides richness and keeps the cookies tender and moist.
Granulated sugar (100 g): Adds sweetness with a clean, bright flavor.
Dark brown sugar (100 g): Brings a deep molasses note that enhances the cookie’s complexity.
Egg (1, 57-60 g with shell): Binds ingredients together and adds structure.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp + 1 tsp): Infuses a warm aromatic sweetness in both the dough and cream.
All-purpose flour (230 g): The foundation that gives the cookies their structure.
Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Works with acids to create tenderness and spread.
Instant espresso powder (1 tbsp): Imparts that signature coffee flavor with no added liquid.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Mascarpone cheese (180 g): The silky, creamy element that mimics tiramisu’s luscious filling.
Confectioners sugar (90 g): Sweetens the cream with a silky finish.
Agave or honey (20 g): Adds natural sweetness and a subtle floral note to the cream.
Heavy cream (120 g): Whipped together with mascarpone for that light, fluffy topping.
Cocoa powder (1 tbsp): For dusting, giving that classic tiramisu look and bittersweet contrast.

How to Make Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Butter and Sugar Mixture

Start by melting the butter gently—either in the microwave or over low heat on the stove. The key is to avoid bubbling because you want to keep all the moisture intact for a perfectly soft cookie. Once melted, pour the butter into a large bowl and chill briefly until it cools to room temperature, about 20 minutes. This step ensures your dough won’t be greasy and helps the sugars blend smoothly when you whisk them in.

Step 2: Mix Sugars into the Butter

When the butter has cooled, add both granulated and dark brown sugar to the bowl. Use a spatula or a stand mixer to whisk everything together for about a minute until combined and starting to lighten in color. This creates a creamy base that will give the cookies a tender crumb with a slight caramel note from the brown sugar—just the right balance.

Step 3: Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract into your butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is smoothly combined. The egg adds moisture and helps the dough hold together, while vanilla deepens the aroma and flavor, making the cookies taste like a cozy afternoon treat.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, instant espresso powder, and salt. The espresso powder is your secret hero here—it delivers that rich, coffee kick without any liquid, keeping the dough perfectly textured while giving it tiramisu’s signature flavor. Including the leavening agents and salt ensures the cookies rise slightly and balance sweetness perfectly.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture

Gradually add the dry ingredient blend to your wet mixture and fold with a spatula just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; overdoing it can make the cookies tough. The goal is a soft, just-holding dough so that after chilling, it bakes into tender cookies with a subtle snap on the edges.

Step 6: Scoop and Chill the Cookie Dough

Use a 2-tablespoon (about 1.3 ounces) cookie scoop to portion out 11 dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roll each into a smooth ball with your hands, then pop the tray in the fridge for a full hour. Chilling the dough is crucial for helping the cookies keep their shape and develop the perfect chewy texture after baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 180ºC (355ºF). Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper and place 6 cookies evenly spaced on it. Bake one tray at a time for 10 to 11 minutes. The cookies will look soft when you take them out — that’s exactly what you want. Let them set for 3 minutes on the tray before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Whip the Mascarpone Cream

While the cookies cool, whip together mascarpone cheese, confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, agave or honey, and heavy cream using an electric mixer until the mixture forms stiff peaks that hold their shape. This fluffy, creamy topping is what transforms your cookies into a tiramisu-inspired masterpiece. Keep it refrigerated if you’re assembling later.

Step 9: Assemble with Cream and Cocoa Dusting

Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip (like a Wilton 2A) with the mascarpone cream. Pipe generous swirls of cream onto the cooled cookies, starting from the center and moving outwards. Finally, sift cocoa powder over the tops for that classic, bittersweet tiramisu finish that looks as stunning as it tastes.

How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

The image shows a single round cookie placed on a metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface. The cookie has one layer of soft, light brown dough topped by one thick layer of white, creamy frosting piped in a smooth spiral pattern. The frosting has a fluffy texture with small air pockets visible, creating a soft look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and add extra flair, dusting your assembled cookies with a fine layer of cocoa powder is a must. You might also sprinkle a few finely chopped dark chocolate shavings or espresso beans for a bite of extra crunch and visual appeal. These small touches create an irresistible invitation to indulge.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a creamy cappuccino, a rich espresso, or even a simple glass of cold milk. For a more decadent spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a small fruit salad to cut through the richness and add a refreshing contrast. This combination makes your coffee break or dessert time feel truly special.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these to a party or gifting, consider layering the cookies in a clear box with sheets of parchment paper between each cookie to keep the cream intact. For an elegant touch at home, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand or place each cookie in a decorative cupcake liner. The luscious cream swirls and cocoa-dusted tops make for a beautiful display every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover tiramisu cookies in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream topping will stay fresh, and the cookies will maintain their soft texture. Just be sure to keep them chilled to prevent the mascarpone cream from becoming too warm or runny.

Freezing

Freezing is an option if you want to prepare the cookies ahead of time. Freeze the baked cookies (without cream) on a baking tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, thaw completely and pipe the mascarpone cream fresh. Avoid freezing the assembled cookies as cream texture can suffer upon thawing.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, gently reheat the baked cookies (without cream) in a low oven (around 150ºC / 300ºF) for 5 minutes. Then, add the mascarpone cream right before serving to keep it fresh and dreamy. Avoid microwaving assembled cookies to prevent melting the cream too quickly.

FAQs

Can I use regular coffee instead of instant espresso powder in the Tiramisu Cookies Recipe?

While regular brewed coffee has great flavor, instant espresso powder is preferred because it delivers concentrated coffee taste without adding extra liquid, which can affect the dough texture. If you must substitute, reduce other liquids accordingly and use a thick, strongly brewed coffee or espresso.

Is mascarpone cheese essential for the cream topping?

Yes, mascarpone gives the cream its smooth, rich, and slightly tangy flavor characteristic of tiramisu. While cream cheese can be a substitute in a pinch, it won’t achieve the same delicate texture and flavor balance.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chilling the cookie dough for at least an hour before baking is key to controlling spread. Also, using the right amount of flour and not over-mixing the dough helps cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can attempt a gluten-free version using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but results might vary. The texture may be slightly different, so it’s best to test a small batch first to adjust for moisture and binding.

How long does it take to whip the mascarpone cream?

Whipping the mascarpone cream usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip as the cream can become grainy or separate.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about merging familiar favorites into a new, delightful treat, and this Tiramisu Cookies Recipe does just that with elegance and ease. Each bite is a perfect balance of coffee, cream, and cocoa that feels indulgent without being complicated. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll find it a charming crowd-pleaser and a wonderful way to bring a bit of Italian café magic straight into your kitchen.