Tiramisu Cookies: A Bite-Sized Twist on a Classic Dessert 🍪☕✨
Table of contents
1. Introduction
Tiramisu is a timeless Italian dessert, celebrated for its rich layers of coffee-soaked sponge, velvety mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa. This beloved treat has inspired countless variations, but none quite as delightful as Tiramisu Cookies. These bite-sized wonders capture the essence of traditional tiramisu—its bold coffee flavor, creamy texture, and indulgent sweetness—in a portable format perfect for sharing.

Whether you’re hosting a themed party, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving a sweet treat with a coffee kick, these cookies are sure to impress. Dive deeper into the origins of tiramisu by visiting this link. For more dessert inspiration, explore our collection of Italian-inspired recipes here.
2. What Are Tiramisu Cookies?
Tiramisu Cookies are a modern twist on the classic dessert, combining soft, coffee-infused cookies with a luscious mascarpone filling. Each bite delivers the rich flavors of espresso and creamy mascarpone, while a dusting of cocoa adds an authentic touch. These cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making them ideal for kids’ events, adult gatherings, or holiday celebrations.
By transforming the layered elegance of tiramisu into a handheld treat, these cookies offer a convenient yet sophisticated option for any occasion. For tips on creating smooth mascarpone cream, check out our guide on mascarpone filling techniques here.
3. Ingredients List (Exact Measurements)
To create these irresistible Tiramisu Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder (dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water)
The Mascarpone Filling:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Optional: Chocolate shavings or espresso drizzle
These high-quality ingredients ensure your cookies will be as flavorful as they are satisfying. For more ingredient ideas, browse our guide on dessert recipes here.
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Stir in the dissolved instant espresso powder for a rich coffee flavor. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up before shaping. For more cookie-making tips, explore our guide on baking techniques here.
Making the Mascarpone Filling

In a medium bowl, combine 8 oz of softened mascarpone cheese, ¼ cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Chill the filling in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm it slightly before assembling the cookies. This step ensures the filling holds its shape when piped. For more mascarpone tips, visit our guide on creating creamy fillings here.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each), flatten them slightly, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For best results, chill the dough thoroughly before baking to prevent excessive spreading. For more baking tips, browse our collection of dessert recipes here.
Assembling and Decorating

Once the cookies have cooled, pipe a dollop of mascarpone filling onto the flat side of half the cookies. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich, pressing gently to seal. Dust the assembled cookies generously with cocoa powder for an authentic tiramisu touch. For extra flair, add chocolate shavings or drizzle melted chocolate or espresso over the cookies. Arrange them on a platter or package them in festive boxes for gifting. For more assembly tips, explore our guide on creative presentations here.
5. Decorating Your Tiramisu Cookies
To elevate your Tiramisu Cookies, focus on the finishing touches. Dust them generously with cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu look. Use a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip to add elegant swirls of mascarpone cream, creating a professional appearance. For a luxurious touch, sprinkle chocolate shavings, drizzle melted chocolate, or add edible gold accents.

If gifting the cookies, package them in clear boxes or jars tied with ribbon, making them perfect for holiday gift baskets or party favors. These thoughtful details make your cookies even more memorable. For more decorating ideas, explore our guide on festive desserts here.
6. Serving Suggestions
These magical cookies pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience. They’re perfect for serving at parties, bake sales, or as gifts for friends and family. For a thoughtful presentation, wrap individual cookies in parchment paper and tie them with ribbon for a personal touch.
To store leftovers, keep the unfilled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Store the filled cookies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the unfilled cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before assembling with filling. For more serving ideas, browse our collection of dessert recipes here.
7. Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is adaptable to suit various preferences:
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a safe alternative.
- Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based butter, egg substitutes like flax eggs, and dairy-free mascarpone for a vegan version.
- Coffee Substitution: Replace instant espresso powder with strong brewed coffee for a milder flavor.
These variations ensure everyone can enjoy the magic. For more customization ideas, check out our family-friendly recipes here.
8. Nutritional Information
Each Tiramisu Cookie contains approximately 180 calories. Here’s the macronutrient breakdown per cookie:
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fats: 10g
- Proteins: 3g
Please note these values may vary slightly based on substitutions or portion sizes. Enjoy responsibly!
9. FAQs Section
Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:
Q: Can I use store-bought mascarpone instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, store-bought mascarpone works perfectly fine and saves time. Ensure it’s fresh and high-quality for the best results.
Q: Why do my cookies spread too much?
Chill the dough thoroughly before baking and ensure your oven is preheated properly. Overmixing the dough can also lead to spreading, so mix just until combined.
Q: Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 1 month. Assemble with filling after thawing for the freshest taste.
Q: How do I prevent the mascarpone filling from being too runny?
Chill the filling before piping and avoid adding too much liquid. If needed, adjust the consistency with a bit more powdered sugar.
10. Conclusion
Making Tiramisu Cookies is a joyful way to enjoy the flavors of a classic dessert in a fun, bite-sized format. With their coffee-infused dough, creamy mascarpone filling, and elegant decorations, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to loved ones, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe promises to spark joy and creativity in the kitchen.
We’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on social media using the hashtag #TiramisuCookiesMagic and tag us for a chance to be featured. Have feedback or questions? Leave a comment below—we’re here to help! For more dessert inspiration, explore our collection of easy recipes here. Happy baking! 🍪☕✨
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Lovely Tiramisu Cookies At Home
Description
These Tiramisu Cookies take the beloved Italian dessert and transform it into a delightful bite-sized treat! With a rich coffee flavor, a creamy mascarpone filling, and a dusting of cocoa, these cookies offer the best of tiramisu in every bite. Perfect for parties, gifting, or indulging in a coffee-flavored dessert! ☕🍰
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp instant espresso powder (dissolved in 2 tbsp hot water)
For the Mascarpone Filling:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Optional: Chocolate shavings or espresso drizzle
Instructions
1. Preparing the Cookie Dough
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and the dissolved espresso mixture.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Chill dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Making the Mascarpone Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Chill the filling for 15–20 minutes to firm it up before assembling the cookies.
3. Shaping and Baking the Cookies
- Roll dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Flatten slightly with your fingers or a fork and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before filling.
4. Assembling and Decorating
- Pipe or spread mascarpone filling onto the bottom of half of the cookies.
- Top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches.
- Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings or an espresso drizzle if desired.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Vegan Alternative: Substitute plant-based butter, egg replacer, and dairy-free mascarpone.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze unfilled cookies for up to 1 month and fill them after thawing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian