Tiramisu cookies are a dreamy fusion of two beloved desserts: the classic Italian tiramisu and soft, espresso-infused cookies. With rich mascarpone cream, hints of cocoa, and bold coffee flavor, these cookies are an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a comforting sweet snack, tiramisu cookies will satisfy your cravings. This easy recipe brings together familiar pantry ingredients and delivers bakery-style results right from your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
These tiramisu cookies have everything to love: chewy espresso-laced cookies topped with a cloud-like mascarpone cream and a dusting of cocoa powder. The recipe is simple but yields a sophisticated dessert that impresses at first bite. You get the flavors of tiramisu in a neat handheld form, without the need for layering or chilling. They’re ideal for holidays, coffee dates, or a luxurious afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 180 g all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 115 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 50 g brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mascarpone Cream
- 200 g mascarpone cheese
- 100 g whipping cream
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, for dusting
Step-by-Step: How to Make Tiramisu Cookies
- Preheat and Prep: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter using an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add both sugars and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture on low speed, just until everything is incorporated.
- Scoop and Bake: Use a 4-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each one 2 to 3 inches apart. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes until the edges are set.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
- Prepare Mascarpone Cream: In a clean bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until just creamy. Add whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the cream until it firms up and barely shifts when you tilt the bowl.
- Assemble: Use a cookie scoop or piping bag to add mascarpone cream to each cooled cookie. Spread with an offset spatula or spoon to create a swirl.
- Dust with Cocoa: Finish each cookie with a generous dusting of cocoa powder.
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for the smoothest dough.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the cookies soft.
- Chill the mascarpone slightly before spreading if it’s too runny.
- Use a fine mesh sieve for an even cocoa powder dusting.
- Store cookies in a single layer to keep the cream intact.
Substitutions And Variations
- No espresso powder? Try strong instant coffee granules instead.
- Dairy-free version: Substitute plant-based butter and a vegan mascarpone alternative.
- Add-ins: Consider mini chocolate chips in the cookie dough for added richness.
- Spiked version: Add a splash of coffee liqueur to the mascarpone cream for an adult twist.
- Chocolate twist: Mix cocoa into the cookie dough for double chocolate flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store tiramisu cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor. These cookies are not ideal for freezing once frosted, but you can freeze the plain cookies for up to a month and frost them when ready to serve.
Nutritional Information

Each tiramisu cookie contains approximately:
- Calories: 403 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Sugar: 22 g
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a cup of espresso or cappuccino for a coffee lover’s dream.
- Serve as a dessert option on an Italian-themed dinner night.
- Stack on a festive dessert platter for holiday gatherings.
- Top with chocolate shavings or a drizzle of coffee syrup for extra flair.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiramisu Cookies
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, the cookies can be baked a day ahead. Just frost and dust them right before serving.
What if I don’t have mascarpone? Cream cheese is a decent substitute, though it has a tangier flavor.
How do I keep the mascarpone cream from being runny? Make sure to whip the cream until thick and keep all ingredients cold.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just bake in batches and make sure your mixing bowl can handle the extra volume.
Are these cookies suitable for kids? Yes, though you can reduce the espresso powder if you’re concerned about caffeine.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me in the kitchen to make these delightful tiramisu cookies. This recipe is close to my heart because it brings the comfort of classic tiramisu into a fun and easy-to-share format. I hope you love how simple they are to make and how rich the flavors turn out. From the coffee-kissed cookies to the velvety mascarpone topping, each bite is pure indulgence. Enjoy baking and sharing these treats with your loved ones, and thank you for being part of our food-loving community. Happy baking!
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Tiramisu Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 10 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
Description
Tiramisu Cookies are soft espresso-flavored cookies topped with mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa for a rich, coffee-inspired dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookies
180 g all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
115 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
100 g granulated sugar
50 g brown sugar1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mascarpone Cream
200 g mascarpone cheese
100 g whipping cream
50 g powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter using an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add both sugars and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture on low speed, just until everything is incorporated.
- Scoop and Bake: Use a 4-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each one 2 to 3 inches apart. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes until the edges are set.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
- Prepare Mascarpone Cream: In a clean bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until just creamy. Add whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the cream until it firms up and barely shifts when you tilt the bowl.
- Assemble: Use a cookie scoop or piping bag to add mascarpone cream to each cooled cookie. Spread with an offset spatula or spoon to create a swirl.
- Dust with Cocoa: Finish each cookie with a generous dusting of cocoa powder.
Notes
Use cold mascarpone and cream for best results.
Don’t overmix the cookie dough.
Store frosted cookies in a single layer in the fridge.
Freeze baked cookies unfrosted for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 403 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 5 g