Tiramisu Cookies

Imagine taking a bite of Italy’s most beloved dessert, Tiramisu, but in the form of a cookie that’s perfectly sized for a quick indulgence. These Tiramisu Cookies combine the classic flavors of rich espresso, creamy mascarpone, and delicate cocoa in a delightful, handheld form. Topped with a creamy mascarpone frosting and dusted with cocoa powder, these cookies are the perfect marriage of cookie and dessert, capturing all the flavors and layers of a traditional tiramisu in every bite.

These Tiramisu Cookies are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, making them the ideal treat for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. They’re perfect for special occasions, afternoon tea, or simply when you want to treat yourself to a gourmet cookie. While they may look fancy, they’re surprisingly simple to make with straightforward ingredients. By following this recipe, you’ll achieve bakery-quality cookies that are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Tiramisu Cookies are everything you love about tiramisu in a smaller, more convenient form. You’ll love the way the flavors of espresso, cocoa, and mascarpone come together for an indulgent experience with every bite. The cookie base is soft and buttery, while the mascarpone frosting adds a layer of creaminess that mimics the richness of tiramisu filling. Plus, these cookies can be customized to your taste by adjusting the intensity of the espresso or cocoa. They’re a fun twist on a classic dessert, and perfect for when you want the flavor of tiramisu without the time and effort of making a full-sized dessert.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Serving Size: 1 cookie

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 9g

Ingredients

For the Tiramisu Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (for a light, tender texture)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder

For the Mascarpone Frosting

• 4 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon espresso or coffee liqueur (optional, for flavor)

For Dusting

• Unsweetened cocoa powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugars properly creates a soft and tender cookie base.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
3. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and instant espresso powder. The cornstarch helps create a light and tender texture, while the espresso powder adds a bold coffee flavor.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and intensifies the flavors.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Portion the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked. The centers should still be soft, as the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
4. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Prepare the Mascarpone Frosting

1. Beat Mascarpone and Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened mascarpone cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar and Flavoring: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and espresso or coffee liqueur, if using, and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Step 5: Frost and Dust the Cookies

1. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a layer of mascarpone frosting on top of each cookie using a small offset spatula or piping bag for a decorative touch.
2. Dust with Cocoa Powder: Lightly dust each cookie with unsweetened cocoa powder to give them the classic tiramisu appearance.

Ingredient Background

Each ingredient in these Tiramisu Cookies is chosen to mimic the flavors and textures of traditional tiramisu. Butter provides a rich, tender texture, while the sugar blend adds both sweetness and depth. Mascarpone cheese is the key to the creamy, authentic tiramisu flavor, and instant espresso powder captures the coffee essence. The combination of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that perfectly complements the creamy mascarpone frosting.

Technique Tips

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential to keep the cookies from spreading too much. It also helps the flavors to meld, giving you a richer, more flavorful cookie.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, egg, and mascarpone are at room temperature for smooth mixing and even texture.
• Dust the Cocoa Gently: Use a small sieve or sifter to dust the cocoa powder on top. This gives the cookies a beautiful, even layer of cocoa, just like traditional tiramisu.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Tiramisu Cookie Sandwiches: Make cookie sandwiches by spreading a layer of mascarpone frosting between two cookies and dusting the outside with cocoa powder.
• Mini Tiramisu Cups: Break the cookies into pieces and layer them with mascarpone frosting and cocoa powder in small glasses for a parfait-style dessert.
• Tiramisu Cookie Bars: Press the dough into a baking dish and bake as a bar, then spread frosting over the top and dust with cocoa powder.
• Espresso Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the frosted cookies for a fancier presentation.

Additional Tips for Success

• Measure Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make the cookies dry. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Let Cookies Cool Before Frosting: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before adding the mascarpone frosting, as the frosting can melt if the cookies are warm.
• Sift Cocoa Powder: Sifting the cocoa powder prevents clumps and ensures a fine, even dusting on the cookies.

Recipe Variations

• Tiramisu Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a hint of chocolate flavor in each bite.
• Vegan Tiramisu Cookies: Use vegan butter, dairy-free mascarpone, and a flaxseed egg to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
• Kahlua Tiramisu Cookies: Add a tablespoon of Kahlua or coffee liqueur to the frosting for an extra layer of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Tiramisu Cookies: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free cookies.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: These cookies can be frozen without the frosting. Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.
• Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. For a fresh-baked feel, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Reduce Sugar: Use a little less sugar in both the dough and frosting for a less sweet cookie.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of frosting, drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a lower-sugar topping.
• Use Coconut Sugar: Substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar for a natural sweetener.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Holiday Party: These cookies make a festive addition to any holiday dessert table. Arrange them on a platter with fresh coffee beans for a fun presentation.
• Afternoon Tea: Serve Tiramisu Cookies alongside espresso or cappuccino for a sophisticated afternoon treat.
• Wedding Dessert Table: Tiramisu Cookies are elegant and delicious, making them perfect for a wedding dessert table.
• Italian-Themed Dinner Party: End your Italian meal on a high note by serving these cookies as a nod to classic tiramisu.

Special Equipment

• Electric Mixer: An electric mixer or stand mixer is useful for creaming the butter and sugar and making the frosting.
• Sifter: A sifter or fine-mesh sieve is helpful for dusting the cocoa powder on top of the cookies.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures even-sized cookies, which bake more evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
Yes, cream cheese can be used as a substitute for mascarpone. However, it has a tangier flavor, so the cookies will taste slightly different.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

3. How do I make the cookies softer?
These cookies are naturally soft, but chilling the dough and slightly under-baking can help keep them extra tender.

4. Can I skip the espresso powder?
The espresso powder is essential for the tiramisu flavor. However, you can reduce the amount if you prefer a milder coffee taste.

5. Can I make these cookies without frosting?
Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own, but the frosting adds an extra layer of tiramisu flavor.

6. What can I use instead of cocoa powder?
For a twist, try dusting with cinnamon or even finely grated chocolate instead of cocoa powder.

7. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, these cookies are perfect for making ahead. You can bake them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

8. How long can I keep the frosting?
The mascarpone frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

Tiramisu Cookies are an incredible way to enjoy the classic flavors of tiramisu in a fun, bite-sized form. With a soft, espresso-infused cookie base and a creamy mascarpone frosting topped with cocoa powder, these cookies are a true treat for tiramisu lovers. Perfect for holiday gatherings, Italian-themed dinners, or as an afternoon indulgence, these cookies are both easy to make and impressive to serve. With each bite, you’ll taste the essence of tiramisu in a unique and delightful way. Enjoy these gourmet cookies with a cup of espresso or a glass of dessert wine, and savor the magic of tiramisu in every bite!

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