Tiramisu cookies are a delightful fusion of your favorite Italian dessert and soft-baked cookies. Imagine the richness of mascarpone, the bold notes of espresso, and a hint of cocoa—all tucked into a chewy, irresistible bite. These cookies bring the comfort of classic tiramisu into a portable, shareable treat that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a dessert enthusiast, tiramisu cookies offer a creative spin that’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying. Once you try them, you’ll find they’re just as indulgent as the layered classic—but even more addictive.
A Comforting Idea Turned Creative Bake
How a Classic Dessert Became a Handheld Favorite
Tiramisu is a timeless favorite, but sometimes you want the flavor without the layers and chill time. That’s when the idea for coffee-flavored cookies with mascarpone was born. Instead of ladyfingers and whipped cream, you’ll find buttery cookies, espresso-soaked centers, and smooth fillings in every bite.
Some bakers even call them cookie tiramisu or dress them up as miniature tiramisu desserts, layering them in cups or jars. Whichever version you choose, you’ll love the simplicity and elegance they bring to your table.
Social-Friendly, Bake-Easy, Crowd-Pleasing
Food bloggers, especially from Preppy Kitchen and Broma Bakery, have spotlighted tiramisu-inspired cookies made with just a few ingredients — mascarpone, brewed coffee, and a soft dough. Add cocoa and a light cream swirl, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Serve them alongside biscoff tiramisu for a cookie-based dessert tray, or pair with lemon blueberry cupcakes to balance flavors. These soft, creamy bites are great for gift boxes, tea time, or weekend bakes.
Unearthing the Flavor Layers in Tiramisu Cookies
Transforming coffee essence into a cookie base
There’s something uniquely satisfying about merging espresso’s bold bitterness with the comforting texture of cookies. In this take on tiramisu cookies, the dough begins with pantry basics—flour, sugar, and butter—but transforms when espresso powder is folded in. Just a teaspoon awakens the mixture, offering a warm aroma and flavor that echo the original Italian dessert.
Letting the dough rest in the fridge is crucial; it enhances flavor and prevents spreading. After 10–12 minutes in the oven, these cookies emerge with crisp edges and soft, cake-like centers—ready for the luxurious finish that defines tiramisu cookies.
Recreating creamy richness in each bite
To capture the soul of tiramisu, coffee alone won’t do. A light mascarpone cream—whipped with vanilla and a hint of sugar—adds the smoothness that traditional recipes rely on. Once the cookies cool, spoon or pipe this cream between two halves for a sandwich-style dessert that’s elegant, nostalgic, and new.
Dust each cookie with cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu finish, or drizzle with melted dark chocolate for added decadence. These tiramisu cookies shine on a holiday dessert board next to our matcha tiramisu or carrot cake cookies, offering a bite-sized twist on a beloved favorite.
Print
Tiramisu Cookies Recipe: Soft, Creamy, and Full of Flavor
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 18 sandwich cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tiramisu cookies combine the richness of coffee and mascarpone in a chewy, elegant bite-sized dessert perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp espresso powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla
Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, espresso powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto the prepared tray and chill for 30 minutes.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden.
8. Let cookies cool completely.
9. Whip mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
10. Sandwich the cream between two cookies.
11. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.
Notes
Chilling the dough prevents spreading.
For stronger coffee flavor, increase espresso powder by 1/2 tsp.
Store assembled cookies in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie sandwich
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Creative Twists for Tiramisu Cookies
Flavor upgrades that take tiramisu cookies further
Tiramisu cookies already bring a lot to the table, but a few smart upgrades can make them even more irresistible. Try mixing in crushed biscoff or ladyfinger crumbs for added crunch and a nod to classic tiramisu layers. You can also fold in mini dark chocolate chunks or a dusting of cocoa powder into the cookie dough to deepen that rich flavor.
For those who love bolder notes, swap traditional espresso for a cinnamon coffee blend or a hint of almond extract. And if you’re into festive options, a pinch of pumpkin spice turns them into the perfect fall treat. You can even match them with our pumpkin tiramisu for a themed dessert board.
Stunning presentations and gifting ideas
Beyond their flavor, tiramisu cookies can also be showstoppers in presentation. For a polished finish, top each with a swirl of mascarpone cream and a dusting of cocoa. Serve on elegant dessert trays, or tuck a few into glass jars layered with mascarpone and crushed cookie — similar to our mini tiramisu cups in concept, but more portable.
For gifting, wrap individual cookies in wax paper and tie with bakery twine, or box them with a handwritten label for that artisan touch. Their blend of elegance and nostalgia makes them perfect for birthdays, holidays, and thank-you gifts. Plus, they hold up well during travel or shipping.
Tiramisu cookies are a creative canvas. Whether you go classic or inventive, they always deliver a crowd-pleasing mix of creamy, coffee-kissed indulgence in every bite.
Tips to Make Tiramisu Cookies Stand Out
Nail the texture with chill time and baking control
To master tiramisu cookies, timing is everything. After mixing your dough, let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step not only prevents spreading but also enhances flavor by allowing ingredients to meld. Chilled dough yields that soft center and slight crisp edge tiramisu lovers crave.
When baking, look for edges that are barely golden and centers that seem underdone. That’s perfect — the residual heat finishes the job outside the oven. It’s the same method we love using in our matcha tiramisu to maintain softness in every bite.
If you plan to fill your cookies, wait until they’re fully cool before adding mascarpone cream. For easier handling, refrigerate the finished cookies for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Serve creatively and store smartly
Tiramisu cookies are a flexible dessert. Serve them stacked on rustic boards or packaged in mini gift boxes for festive gatherings. They’re just as welcome at brunch as they are on a late-night dessert tray.
Store your cookies in a sealed container in the fridge if filled, or on the counter if plain. They stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, but you can freeze unfilled cookies for up to two months.
Try pairing these treats with bold drinks like cold brew or alongside treats such as carrot cake cookies. Their rich espresso notes and creamy filling will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Tiramisu cookies are more than a treat — they’re a creative spin on an iconic dessert, offering elegance in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tiramisu Cookies
1. Can I freeze tiramisu cookies?
Yes, tiramisu cookies freeze well if you store the cookies separately from the cream. Keep them in an airtight bag for up to two months. When ready, thaw at room temperature and add the mascarpone cream just before serving.
2. What cookies are best for making tiramisu cookies?
You can bake soft mascarpone-based cookies or use ladyfingers crushed into dough. For a twist, try mascarpone cookies with hints of espresso or vanilla, similar to our biscoff tiramisu style.
3. Can I make tiramisu cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the cookies and cream separately and store in the fridge. Assemble just before serving for the best texture. This method is great for gatherings or special treats.
4. What mascarpone works best for tiramisu cookies?
Choose full-fat mascarpone at room temperature for smooth mixing. Avoid low-fat versions. If you’re experimenting, check out our tiramisu cheesecake for similar creamy inspiration.
Conclusion
Tiramisu cookies are more than a trendy dessert—they’re a cozy, creative fusion of two classics: soft cookies and rich tiramisu. With creamy mascarpone, a gentle espresso kick, and a dusting of cocoa, they’re perfect for intimate gatherings or afternoon coffee breaks.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t miss our lemon blueberry cupcakes or mini pancakes for more bite-sized crowd-pleasers. Sweet moments like these are what James, our virtual home chef, is all about—simple joy, one bite at a time.
