Tiramisu Cookies

Tiramisu Cookies bring the classic flavors of the beloved Italian dessert into a bite-sized treat. Combining the rich taste of coffee, the creamy goodness of mascarpone, and a delicate sugar cookie base, these cookies are the perfect way to indulge in a timeless dessert in a more portable, easy-to-enjoy form. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a special gift, or simply craving a decadent sweet, Tiramisu Cookies are the perfect combination of coffee, sweetness, and creaminess.

These cookies are an absolute delight for coffee lovers, with their subtle espresso flavor in both the cookie dough and the frosting. The espresso mascarpone frosting adds a luxurious creamy layer, while the cocoa powder dusting gives it that finishing touch that mimics the traditional tiramisu look. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to recreate a dessert that brings comfort, warmth, and sophistication—all in one bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tiramisu Cookies are the ideal treat for those who love tiramisu but prefer a simpler, more portable version of the dessert. These cookies combine the best aspects of tiramisu: rich coffee flavor, creamy mascarpone frosting, and the perfect balance of sweetness. The coffee sugar cookies are soft and slightly chewy, and the espresso mascarpone frosting adds a rich, indulgent layer to each bite. The dusting of cocoa powder on top adds a hint of chocolate and gives these cookies an authentic tiramisu appearance. These cookies will be a hit at any gathering or can serve as a delightful personal treat.

Ingredients

For the Coffee Sugar Cookies:

• Unsalted butter
• Instant powder espresso
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

For the Espresso Mascarpone Frosting:

• Mascarpone cheese, cold
• Powdered sugar
• Instant powder espresso
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy whipping cream
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Variations

• Add a Liqueur Twist: For a more authentic tiramisu flavor, you can add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa to the frosting.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free while maintaining their delicious texture.
• Different Flavors: You can replace the instant espresso with instant coffee or try flavored coffee options like hazelnut or caramel for a unique spin.
• Vegan Version: To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter for a dairy-free option, the egg for a flax egg, and the mascarpone cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Coffee Sugar Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and instant espresso powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Espresso Mascarpone Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the cold mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar, instant espresso powder, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until combined and fluffy.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous amount of espresso mascarpone frosting onto the flat side of each cookie.

Sprinkle a small amount of cocoa powder on top of the frosting for the final touch, giving the cookies a classic tiramisu look.

Step 4: Serve

Serve these delicious tiramisu-inspired cookies immediately or refrigerate them for later. They make a perfect treat for coffee lovers, dessert enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys a bite of indulgence.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill the Dough: If you find the dough to be too soft to handle, chill it for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture in the cookies.
• Whip the Cream Properly: When whipping the heavy cream for the frosting, make sure it’s cold and whip until stiff peaks form. This will ensure the frosting is light and airy.
• Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream to loosen it up; if it’s too thin, refrigerate it for a few minutes to help it set.

How to Serve

Tiramisu Cookies are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a cup of coffee or espresso for an added treat. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of dessert wine or a warm mug of hot chocolate. These cookies are great for parties, coffee gatherings, or as a sweet surprise in your lunchbox.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also keep them in the refrigerator if you prefer them chilled, especially because of the mascarpone frosting.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookies either before or after frosting them. To freeze the cookies without frosting, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. To freeze them with frosting, place the frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating

If you freeze the cookies without frosting, you can frost them after thawing. If they’re already frosted, just thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. You can also gently warm the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies without espresso powder?

Yes, you can substitute the espresso powder with instant coffee for a similar flavor.

2. Can I use a different type of frosting?

If you prefer, you can use a whipped cream frosting or a mascarpone whipped cream combination for a lighter frosting.

3. How do I get the cookies to be soft and chewy?

Make sure you don’t overbake the cookies. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.

4. Can I add chocolate to these cookies?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist.

5. Can I make these cookies without the frosting?

Yes, you can make the cookies on their own and still enjoy a delicious, coffee-flavored treat.

6. How do I make sure my frosting is smooth?

Make sure both the mascarpone cheese and whipped cream are at the correct temperature before mixing. Cold mascarpone and whipped cream create the best consistency.

7. Can I use a different frosting flavor?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of frosting, such as chocolate or vanilla, if you prefer a change.

8. How do I store the frosting?

Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can whip it again before using it if it has stiffened too much.

9. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free.

10. Can I make the cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container for a few days. Frost them just before serving.

Conclusion

Tiramisu Cookies are a delightful combination of coffee-flavored cookies and rich, creamy mascarpone frosting. They’re a perfect bite-sized version of the classic tiramisu dessert, offering all the coffee, sweetness, and creaminess in one delicious cookie. With their indulgent flavor and soft texture, these cookies are sure to become a favorite among friends and family.

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