Tiramisu Cookies: A Legendary Recipe You’ll Bake Again and Again

Tiramisu Cookies The Ultimate 7-Step Guide for Amazing Flavor

Whip up rich, unforgettable tiramisu cookies in no time with this easy, foolproof method.

Tiramisu cookies have always held a special place in my heart. One bite of that creamy mascarpone topping over a coffee-kissed cookie, and I’m instantly transported to a cozy café in Rome. Honestly, who could resist that magical combination?

If you’re a dessert lover, a busy home baker, or someone craving a twist on a classic favorite, you’re in for a real treat. This recipe is designed to be simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for seasoned pros. Furthermore, it’s packed with tips and tricks that’ll guarantee your cookies turn out bakery-quality every single time.

In the next few minutes, you’ll discover how to create tiramisu cookies that are not only easy to whip up but also bursting with authentic Italian flavor. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into a dessert you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredient Breakdown

Before we dive into making these irresistible tiramisu cookies, let’s go over everything you’ll need. Simple, quality ingredients make all the difference here!

• 110g butter (salted or unsalted; I prefer Kerrygold for a rich flavor)
• 100g granulated sugar
• 100g dark brown sugar (adds moisture and depth)
• 1 large egg (about 57–60g with shell)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (go for real extract, not imitation)
• 230g all-purpose flour (King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill recommended)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder (Nescafé Gold or Illy works beautifully)
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Mascarpone Topping:

• 180g mascarpone cheese (BelGioioso is a great supermarket option)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 90g powdered sugar (sifted for smoothness)
• 20g agave syrup or honey (natural sweetness without overpowering)
• 120g heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon high-quality cocoa powder (Valrhona or Ghirardelli suggested)

If you’re looking to cut a few calories, you can swap agave for a stevia-based syrup and choose a lighter mascarpone blend. However, traditional ingredients really give tiramisu cookies their iconic taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s roll up those sleeves! Follow these steps closely for bakery-worthy tiramisu cookies every time.

Prep

1. Melt the Butter
   First, gently melt the butter in a microwave or small saucepan. Let it cool to room temperature. Cooling is important so it doesn’t scramble the eggs later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, espresso powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Preheat the Oven
   Next, preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Making the Cookie Dough

4. Combine Sugars and Butter
   In a large bowl, mix the cooled butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until smooth and creamy. You can use a spatula or a stand mixer.
5. Add Egg and Vanilla
   Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. It should look silky and a little glossy.
6. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as that could make the cookies tough.
7. Scoop and Chill
   Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls. Place them on a tray and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step helps control spreading and intensifies the espresso flavor.

Baking the Cookies

8. Bake the Cookies
   After chilling, arrange the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
9. Cool Completely
   Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 3 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Don’t skip this—warm cookies will melt the mascarpone topping.

Making the Mascarpone Topping

10. Whip the Mascarpone Cream
    While cookies cool, whip mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, agave syrup, vanilla extract, and heavy cream together in a bowl. Use a hand mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form. It should be creamy but not runny.
11. Prepare for Piping
    Next, transfer the mascarpone cream into a piping bag fitted with a round tip (Wilton 2A works well). If you don’t have one, a plastic sandwich bag with a corner snipped off will do.

Final Assembly

12. Decorate the Cookies
    Pipe a generous swirl of mascarpone cream onto each cooled cookie. Start from the center and work your way outwards for a pretty finish.
13. Dust with Cocoa Powder
    Finally, using a fine-mesh sieve, dust a light coating of cocoa powder over the cookies. This step gives tiramisu cookies their signature look and a slight bittersweet edge.
14. Serve and Enjoy
    Your tiramisu cookies are now ready! They’re best served immediately but can also be refrigerated for a cool, refreshing treat.

Nutrition Facts

These tiramisu cookies are a truly indulgent treat, yet they offer a well-balanced bite without feeling overly heavy. Here’s a quick breakdown of what one cookie typically provides:

For those following a gluten-free diet, you can easily swap the all-purpose flour for a trusted 1:1 gluten-free blend. However, keep in mind that texture may vary slightly. Sadly, these tiramisu cookies aren’t keto-friendly due to the sugar content, but you could experiment with low-carb sugar alternatives if desired.

Pro Tips / Variations

When it comes to baking tiramisu cookies, small changes can make a big difference in both flavor and appearance. Here are a few insider tips to ensure success, plus some fun ways to put your own spin on this classic!

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Chill the Dough Thoroughly
  Chilling isn’t just optional; it’s essential. A colder dough holds its shape and delivers that perfect thick, chewy texture.
• Use High-Quality Cocoa and Espresso
  The flavor of these cookies heavily leans on cocoa powder and espresso. Therefore, investing in better brands like Valrhona or Illy can really pay off.
• Don’t Overbake
  Even if the centers look underdone, pull them out once the edges are firm. They will continue to set as they cool.
• Whip Mascarpone Carefully
  Overwhipping mascarpone can turn it grainy. Stop as soon as you see stiff peaks forming.
• Measure Ingredients Precisely
  Especially the flour! A kitchen scale can save you from ending up with dry cookies.

Variations to Try

• Boozy Tiramisu Cookies
  Add a tablespoon of Marsala wine or coffee liqueur to the mascarpone cream for a sophisticated twist. However, if you’re serving kids, skip the booze.
• Chocolate Chip Tiramisu Cookies
  Fold a handful of mini chocolate chips into the dough for extra texture and richness. It’s a simple but delicious addition.
• Vegan Tiramisu Cookies
  Use a vegan butter substitute and swap the mascarpone with a whipped coconut cream mixture. Also, make sure to use dairy-free chocolate powder.
• Gluten-Free Version
  Replace regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and double-check all other ingredients for hidden gluten sources.

Mistakes to Avoid:

• Skipping the chilling step will result in flat, sad cookies.
• Using mascarpone that’s too warm will make your topping runny.
• Dusting cocoa powder too early can cause it to absorb moisture and lose its pretty look.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These tiramisu cookies are stunning enough to serve solo, but they can also be the star of a more elaborate dessert spread. Here’s how to make the most of them.

Simple, Elegant Serving Ideas

• Coffee Pairing
  Naturally, a strong espresso or rich cappuccino is the perfect companion to tiramisu cookies. Furthermore, a sprinkle of cinnamon over your coffee will complement the cookie’s cocoa notes.
• Dessert Boards
  For a show-stopping dessert platter, arrange these cookies alongside fresh berries, small chocolate truffles, and mini cream puffs. The creamy, bold flavors balance beautifully with lighter fruit.
• Make It a Gift
  Wrap a few cookies in parchment and tie with twine for a lovely homemade gift. They’re perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because.
• Frozen Treat Option
  For a hot summer day, you can even freeze these tiramisu cookies for about 30 minutes before serving. The mascarpone sets into a semi-frozen delight that’s wonderfully refreshing.

Leftover Ideas

• Tiramisu Cookie Sundaes
  Crumble leftover tiramisu cookies over vanilla bean ice cream. Top with a drizzle of espresso syrup for an unforgettable sundae.
• Elegant Parfaits
  Layer broken cookies with whipped cream and berries in small glasses for an effortless tiramisu cookie parfait.

Therefore, whether you’re entertaining guests or indulging at home, these versatile tiramisu cookies deliver a memorable dessert experience every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love traditional tiramisu, you’re going to fall head over heels for these tiramisu cookies. They’re packed with bold espresso flavor, layered with creamy mascarpone topping, and finished with a dusting of rich cocoa powder.

First, the prep is surprisingly easy, even for beginners. Furthermore, the recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home. These cookies also fit a variety of occasions—whether it’s a casual weekend bake or an elegant dinner party dessert.

Another bonus is how adaptable the tiramisu cookies can be. You can make them slightly boozy for adults or skip the alcohol to make them family-friendly. I still remember the first time I made these for a gathering—everyone was blown away by the flavor and presentation!

Therefore, if you’re looking for a cookie that’s impressive, delicious, and unforgettable, this recipe will not disappoint.

FAQ

What is the best biscuit for tiramisu?

Traditionally, tiramisu uses savoiardi or ladyfingers, which are light, crisp biscuits perfect for soaking up coffee. However, when making tiramisu cookies, we replicate the same flavors inside a chewy cookie without needing to dip anything.

What is the main flavor in tiramisu?

The primary flavor in tiramisu is a blend of strong espresso and creamy mascarpone, enhanced by a slight bitterness from cocoa powder. Therefore, tiramisu cookies capture that same magical combination in each bite.

What pairs well with tiramisu?

Tiramisu pairs beautifully with a hot espresso, cappuccino, or even a sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo. Additionally, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a few squares of dark chocolate make delightful companions on the dessert table.

What not to do when making tiramisu?

One major mistake is using weak coffee or watery espresso, which can dull the dessert’s flavor. Also, it’s important not to overbeat the mascarpone cream, as it can turn grainy and lose its luxurious texture. Lastly, never rush the chilling process; tiramisu needs time to set properly for the best flavor.

Tiramisu cookies are the ultimate fusion of two dessert worlds: the rich elegance of classic tiramisu and the cozy charm of homemade cookies. From their bold espresso base to the luxurious mascarpone topping, every element comes together in a way that’s both simple and showstopping.

Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, these tiramisu cookies will become a new favorite in your kitchen. Thanks to their easy method and unforgettable taste, you’ll want to make them again and again.

If you loved this recipe, feel free to explore for more snacks ideas visit our collection. And if you have any questions or baking stories to share, I’d love to hear them!