There’s something deeply comforting about the flavor of tiramisu—the bold espresso, the creamy mascarpone, the dusting of cocoa. But what if all of that could be wrapped up in a soft cookie? That’s exactly what these tiramisu cookies deliver: all the indulgence of the classic Italian dessert, in a portable, bakery-style cookie.
These cookies have a soft and chewy espresso-flavored base, topped with a swirl of mascarpone whipped cream and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder—just like traditional tiramisu. Whether you’re a coffee lover or just love elegant desserts, this recipe is a must-bake.
Let’s dive into how to make them, what they taste like, and answer popular questions about tiramisu-style cookies.
Table of Contents
Best Ingredients for Tiramisu Cookies
These cookies are built from two parts: the espresso cookie base and the mascarpone cream topping.
For the cookies:
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar (adds moisture and chew)
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Espresso or instant coffee powder
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
For the topping:
- Heavy cream
- Mascarpone cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
The espresso powder gives the cookies a bold coffee flavor, and the topping adds that creamy tiramisu richness. Using mascarpone instead of cream cheese is key—it gives the topping that unmistakable tiramisu taste.
Step-by-Step Method
1. Make the cookie dough:
Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and espresso powder, mixing until smooth. Then mix in dry ingredients just until combined.
2. Scoop and bake:
Scoop the dough into equal portions and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes until just golden around the edges.
3. Cool completely:
Let the cookies cool completely before adding the topping. This prevents melting and helps the topping hold.
4. Make the mascarpone cream:
Whip cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add mascarpone and powdered sugar, whipping just until smooth and thick enough to pipe.
5. Pipe and dust:
Pipe a swirl of mascarpone cream onto each cookie and dust with unsweetened cocoa powder to finish. These techniques are similar to decorating cookie bars, such as our No Bake Cookie Bars, where the finishing layer makes all the difference.
Serving, Storing & Tips
These cookies are best stored in the fridge due to the fresh cream topping. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The cookie base itself can be baked and stored ahead of time; just add the topping fresh before serving.
Tip: If you want a stronger espresso kick, use espresso powder instead of instant coffee. For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle a little coffee liqueur into the topping (just a splash).
FAQ: Tiramisu Cookies Questions Answered
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Tiramisu Cookies/
These tiramisu cookies take the bold, creamy layers of a classic tiramisu and wrap them into a simple, elegant treat. With their chewy espresso base and soft mascarpone swirl, they’re perfect for coffee lovers, holiday trays, or anytime indulgence.
No forks, no layers—just pure tiramisu joy in every cookie bite.