Description
Tiramisu cookies are a delectable, bite-sized twist on the iconic Italian dessert, tiramisu. These cookies combine the bold, rich flavors of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone cheese, and a dusting of cocoa powder—all in a convenient cookie form. Perfect for coffee lovers, these treats bring together the comforting texture of a soft cookie with the elegant flavor profile of the classic dessert. Whether you’re serving them at a special gathering or enjoying them with a hot cup of coffee, tiramisu cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of bitterness from the coffee, these cookies are a modern take on an Italian favorite that will impress everyone who tries them!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the base of the dough, giving the cookies structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and gives it a delicate texture.
- 2 large eggs – Acts as a binding agent to hold the dough together and provide moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor to the cookies.
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled – The key flavoring ingredient that infuses the cookies with a rich coffee taste, mimicking the original tiramisu flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Gives the cookies a deep chocolate flavor and enhances the rich, dessert-like quality of the cookies.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional) – Adds a touch of sweetness and extra chocolate flavor, giving the cookies a more decadent texture.
For the Mascarpone Filling:
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened – A key ingredient in tiramisu, mascarpone cheese creates a creamy and rich filling.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – Adds airiness and lightness to the mascarpone filling, ensuring it’s smooth and fluffy.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling without making it too heavy, balancing the bitterness of the coffee.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and a complementary flavor to the mascarpone filling.
For Dusting:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – The finishing touch, giving the cookies their signature dusting and additional rich cocoa flavor.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Set this mixture aside.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the dough gently.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to shape the cookies and help them hold their form during baking.
2. Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Mascarpone Filling:
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be sure to not over-whip, as it may become too stiff.
- In a separate bowl, mix the softened mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. This will create a light, airy filling that will complement the rich flavors of the cookies.
4. Assemble the Cookies:
- Once the cookies have completely cooled, briefly dip the flat side of each cookie into the cooled coffee. Be careful not to oversaturate them, as the cookies can become too soggy.
- Spread a generous layer of mascarpone filling onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie, pressing gently to form a sandwich.
- Dust the assembled cookies with a light layer of unsweetened cocoa powder to give them that signature tiramisu look.
Notes
- Coffee Substitution: If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you can use espresso or add a splash of coffee liqueur such as Kahlúa to the coffee soak. This will give the cookies a deeper flavor.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough not only helps the cookies hold their shape but also enhances their texture, making them softer and more cake-like.
- Alternative Fillings: If mascarpone is difficult to find, you can substitute with a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream, though the flavor may differ slightly.
- Storage Tips: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days. If you wish to keep them longer, freeze the assembled cookies and thaw them at room temperature before serving.
- Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the level of sweetness in the mascarpone filling by adding more or less powdered sugar, depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies, Italian-Inspired
- Cuisine: Italian, American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg