Tiramisu Cookies
Discover the joy of baking with this delightful recipe for Tiramisu Cookies. These cookies capture the decadent coffee flavor and creamy filling that make traditional tiramisu a favorite, but in a fun, handheld treat. Perfectly balanced between tender cake-like cookie and rich mascarpone cream, these Tiramisu Cookies offer a sweet escape for any dessert lover looking for something unique and utterly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Coffee-Infused: The rich coffee flavor shines through, making every bite a true tiramisu experience.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and clear steps mean you can bake these at home without stress.
- Creamy Filling: The luscious mascarpone-based filling adds a silky texture that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for parties or gifting, and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the flavors or fillings to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Tiramisu Cookies are straightforward but essential to getting that authentic flavor and texture. Each component plays a special role in creating cookies that are soft, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy base that ensures the cookies hold together well but remain tender.
- Instant Espresso Powder: Delivers an intense coffee taste without overpowering bitterness.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a smooth bite to the cookie dough.
- Sugar: Balances the coffee’s bitterness and sweetens the mascarpone filling.
- Mascarpone Cheese: The star of the creamy filling, lending a mild, tangy richness that’s essential for tiramisu flavor.
- Eggs: Help bind the dough and add moisture to the filling for a smooth consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to both the cookie dough and filling.
- Cocoa Powder: For dusting, adding a classic tiramisu finish with subtle chocolate notes.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped into the filling to enhance creaminess and lightness.
Variations for Tiramisu Cookies
The wonderful thing about Tiramisu Cookies is how versatile they are. Feel free to experiment with these easy variations to make your batch truly your own or to cater to different taste buds and dietary preferences.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra bursts of chocolate delight.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to keep everyone included.
- Nutty Flair: Mix crushed hazelnuts or almonds into the filling for added crunch and flavor.
- Alcohol Infusion: Add a splash of coffee liqueur or Marsala wine to the filling for an authentic Italian touch.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free mascarpone alternatives, and flax eggs to create a delicious vegan treat.
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming together the unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the eggs and vanilla extract, then sift in the flour and instant espresso powder to form a soft dough. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to work with.
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a lined baking sheet, keeping space between each. Press each ball gently to flatten slightly and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely before assembling.
Step 3: Make the Mascarpone Filling
Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, blend mascarpone cheese with a bit of sugar and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
Spread or pipe a generous amount of mascarpone filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with a second cookie. Repeat with the remaining cookies, and dust cocoa powder over the assembled sandwiches for a classic tiramisu look.
Pro Tips for Making Tiramisu Cookies
- Chill the Dough Well: Cold dough helps the cookies keep their shape and bake evenly.
- Use Quality Espresso Powder: Fresh, high-quality espresso powder intensifies the coffee flavor beautifully.
- Don’t Overbake: Slightly underbaked cookies stay soft and chewy, perfect for these tiramisu-inspired treats.
- Fold Cream Gently: To keep your filling light and fluffy, fold whipped cream into mascarpone slowly.
- Store Properly: Keep the cookies refrigerated to maintain the texture and freshness of the mascarpone filling.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cookies
Garnishes
Sprinkle unsweetened cocoa powder or finely grated dark chocolate on top of the cookies to replicate the classic tiramisu finish and elevate presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your Tiramisu Cookies with a hot espresso, a creamy cappuccino, or a glass of dessert wine to complement their rich coffee and creamy flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies elegantly on a tiered dessert tray, or wrap them individually in parchment paper tied with twine for an adorable gift or party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place the cookies in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the filling fresh and prevent the cookies from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze unfilled cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw them at room temperature before adding the mascarpone filling to maintain texture integrity.
Reheating
Since these cookies have a creamy filling, it’s best to enjoy them chilled or at room temperature rather than reheated, as warming may compromise the filling’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I make Tiramisu Cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed or chia seed “eggs” for a vegan or egg-free version, though the texture may be slightly different.
How long can I store Tiramisu Cookies after assembling?
Assembled Tiramisu Cookies are best eaten within 2-3 days if stored refrigerated to ensure the mascarpone filling stays fresh.
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso powder?
Instant espresso powder is preferred for its concentrated flavor, but finely ground instant coffee can work as a substitute in equal amounts.
Are Tiramisu Cookies gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, but by swapping in a gluten-free flour blend, you can easily make gluten-free Tiramisu Cookies.
What other flavors go well with Tiramisu Cookies?
Flavors like chocolate, hazelnut, vanilla, and even a hint of orange zest pair beautifully, offering exciting twists to your cookies.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up a batch of Tiramisu Cookies is like capturing the soul of a classic Italian dessert in a bite-sized cookie. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy coffee break, or to impress friends, these cookies deliver a unique and unforgettable treat every time. Dive into the process, savor the rich coffee and creamy mascarpone flavors, and enjoy sharing your delicious creation!
Related Posts
PrintTiramisu Cookies
Tiramisu Cookies capture the classic flavors of tiramisu in a delightful handheld dessert. Featuring tender coffee-infused cookies sandwiched with a luscious, creamy mascarpone filling and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder, these cookies offer a unique and irresistible treat perfect for sharing and special occasions.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies (12 sandwiches)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free flour blend for adaptation)
- Instant Espresso Powder
- Unsalted Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs (or flax/chia eggs for vegan/egg-free version)
- Vanilla Extract
Mascarpone Filling
- Mascarpone Cheese (or dairy-free mascarpone alternative for vegan version)
- Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Heavy Cream
Finishing
- Cocoa Powder (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Start by creaming together the unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the eggs and vanilla extract, then sift in the flour and instant espresso powder to form a soft dough. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to work with.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a lined baking sheet, keeping space between each. Press each ball gently to flatten slightly and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely before assembling.
- Make the Mascarpone Filling: Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, blend mascarpone cheese with a bit of sugar and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined and creamy.
- Assemble the Cookies: Spread or pipe a generous amount of mascarpone filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with a second cookie. Repeat with the remaining cookies, and dust cocoa powder over the assembled sandwiches for a classic tiramisu look.
Notes
- Chill the dough well to help cookies keep their shape and bake evenly.
- Use quality espresso powder for an intensely rich coffee flavor.
- Do not overbake; slightly underbaked cookies remain soft and chewy.
- Fold whipped cream gently into mascarpone to keep filling light and fluffy.
- Store assembled cookies refrigerated to maintain freshness and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie sandwich
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: tiramisu cookies, coffee cookies, mascarpone filling, Italian dessert, gluten-free cookies, handheld tiramisu, coffee dessert
