There’s something magical about biting into a soft, coffee-infused cookie that instantly transports you to an Italian café. These Tiramisu Cookies have become my absolute favorite treat to bake when I want to impress guests or simply treat myself to something special. Imagine the rich, aromatic coffee flavor melding perfectly with creamy mascarpone, all wrapped up in a tender cookie that practically melts in your mouth. The delicate dusting of cocoa powder on top creates that classic tiramisu look while adding another layer of indulgence to every bite.
What makes these Tiramisu Cookies truly spectacular is how they work for any occasion. They’re elegant enough for afternoon tea, perfect alongside your morning coffee, lovely as a post-dinner treat, and make an impressive addition to any cookie exchange or holiday platter. I’ve even packed them in lunch boxes for a midday pick-me-up that makes ordinary workdays feel special.
Why This Dish is a Go-To
I’ve always had a soft spot for tiramisu – that classic Italian dessert with its perfect balance of coffee, cream, and cocoa. But traditional tiramisu requires time and refrigeration that isn’t always practical. These Tiramisu Cookies deliver all those beloved flavors in a convenient, portable form that satisfies my cravings without the fuss of the full dessert.
What makes these cookies a staple in my baking rotation is their versatility. They’re sophisticated enough for special occasions but simple enough for everyday indulgence. They pair beautifully with everything from morning espresso to evening dessert wine. And for those who appreciate a coffee-infused treat that isn’t overwhelmingly sweet, these cookies strike that perfect balance between complex flavor and comfort.
What Makes This Recipe Special
The brilliance of these Tiramisu Cookies lies in how they transform a layered Italian dessert into a handheld treat without losing any of the essential character. Unlike regular coffee cookies that simply incorporate coffee flavoring, these cookies are constructed with the true tiramisu experience in mind – from the coffee-soaked base to the mascarpone cream element and the finishing touch of cocoa.
The secret is in the two-part baking process. First, we create a tender, light cookie base that gets brushed with real espresso (not just extract!), allowing it to absorb that deep coffee flavor just like ladyfingers in traditional tiramisu. Then, we add a mascarpone frosting center before sandwiching the cookies together – creating distinct layers of flavor and texture that truly capture the essence of the classic dessert.
Easy to Customize
One of the joys of Tiramisu Cookies is how easily they adapt to your preferences. Here are some of my favorite variations:
For the coffee element, you can adjust the strength to your taste – use a bold espresso for intense flavor or a milder coffee if you prefer subtlety. For an adult version, try adding a splash of rum or marsala wine to the coffee brushing liquid, just like in traditional tiramisu.
The mascarpone filling is equally flexible. Fold in some orange zest for a bright citrus note, or add mini chocolate chips for extra texture. For a lighter version, you can cut the mascarpone with Greek yogurt, though I find the full-fat version creates that authentic, luxurious mouthfeel that makes these cookies so special.
My personal favorite variation is adding a thin layer of melted dark chocolate between the cookie and the mascarpone filling – it adds a delightful snap and intensifies the chocolate notes already present in the cocoa dusting.
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
Step 1: Prep Key Ingredients
Before diving into making these Tiramisu Cookies, make sure your butter and mascarpone cheese are properly softened to room temperature – this ensures a smooth texture in both the cookie base and filling. Brew a strong espresso or very strong coffee and let it cool completely; we’ll be using this to brush the cookies later, and hot coffee could make them fall apart.
Sift the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) together to ensure even distribution and a tender cookie texture. This seemingly small step makes a significant difference in the final product, creating that perfect balance between structure and delicate crumb.
Step 2: Core Flavor Builders
The foundation of our Tiramisu Cookies starts with creaming together butter and sugar until light and fluffy – about 3-4 minutes of beating is needed to incorporate enough air for the perfect texture. Add in vanilla extract and a touch of coffee extract (if using) to build that foundational flavor.
In a separate bowl, whip the mascarpone with powdered sugar and a dash of vanilla until smooth for the filling. The key here is to avoid overbeating the mascarpone, which can cause it to break. Gentle folding techniques will maintain that silky-smooth consistency that makes tiramisu so luxurious.
Step 3: Cook or Assemble
Once your dough is prepared, chill it for at least an hour – this prevents spreading and helps maintain the perfect shape. Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into rounds (or any shape you prefer). Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just set but the centers remain pale – these Tiramisu Cookies should be soft, not crisp.
After cooling for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, transfer to a wire rack. While still slightly warm, brush each cookie with the cooled espresso, allowing the liquid to soak in slightly. Let the cookies cool completely before assembling.
To assemble, pipe or spread a generous dollop of the mascarpone filling onto half of the cookies, then top with the remaining cookies to create sandwiches. Gentle pressure is all that’s needed – press too hard and the filling will squish out the sides.
Step 4: Final Touches
The finishing touch that transforms these from coffee cookies to true Tiramisu Cookies is a liberal dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder over the tops. Use a fine mesh sieve for the most even application. For an extra-special presentation, create a stencil from parchment paper and dust through it to create patterns on the cookie tops.
You’ll know your cookies are perfectly finished when they have that characteristic two-tone look of traditional tiramisu – the pale cookie with the rich, dark cocoa contrast. For an additional elegant touch, you can add a light sprinkle of finely grated chocolate or a tiny chocolate-covered espresso bean on top of each cookie.
Storage & Serving Tips
These Tiramisu Cookies are at their absolute best within the first 24 hours of assembly, when the cookies have softened slightly from the coffee but still maintain their structure. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep well for up to 3 days.
If you’d like to prepare ahead, you can make the cookie bases and freeze them for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature, then brush with coffee and assemble with freshly made mascarpone filling when you’re ready to serve.
For the best serving experience, take the cookies out of the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the filling to soften slightly – this enhances both the flavor and the mouthfeel, bringing out the delicate coffee notes and creamy texture that make Tiramisu Cookies so irresistible.
Add-Ons & Toppings
While these Tiramisu Cookies are perfect on their own, there are several ways to elevate them even further:
Serve alongside a small glass of sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo for an authentic Italian pairing, or with a shot of espresso for a double dose of coffee goodness. For special occasions, a scoop of coffee or vanilla gelato between two cookies creates an incredible ice cream sandwich variation.
If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, drizzle the assembled cookies with a thin stream of chocolate ganache, or dip half of each sandwich cookie in melted chocolate and allow it to set. A sprinkle of finely chopped hazelnuts or pistachios adds a pleasant textural contrast and visual appeal.
My personal favorite way to serve these Tiramisu Cookies is with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side – it echoes the creamy elements of the dessert and makes for an even more luxurious experience.
Final Thoughts
These Tiramisu Cookies beautifully capture everything there is to love about the classic Italian dessert – the bitter notes of coffee, the creamy richness of mascarpone, and the dusty finish of cocoa – all in a convenient, handheld format. What makes them truly special is how they transform with time; as the coffee gently permeates the cookie, the textures and flavors meld together to create something greater than the sum of their parts.
Whether you’re an experienced baker looking for something new or simply a tiramisu enthusiast wanting to experience those beloved flavors in a different form, I urge you to give these cookies a try. They’ve become my signature bake for good reason – one bite, and I’m confident they’ll earn a permanent place in your recipe collection too!
Tiramisu Cookies
Equipment
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp coffee extract optional
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Coffee Brushing
- 1/4 cup espresso or strong coffee cooled
Mascarpone Filling
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Finishing Touch
- unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and coffee extract.
- In another bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet and mix until a dough forms. Chill for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll chilled dough to 1/4-inch thick and cut into rounds. Bake 10–12 minutes. Cool on rack.
- While still warm, lightly brush cookie tops with cooled espresso. Let cool completely.
- For the filling, beat mascarpone with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Pipe onto half the cookies and top with the rest to form sandwiches.
- Dust the tops with cocoa powder before serving.