Tiramisu Cookies

Name: Tiramisu Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 91 min
Ingredients: ½ cup salted butter (softened); 1 cup light brown sugar; ½ cup white granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon espresso powder; ¼ cup cocoa powder; 3 cups powdered sugar; ¼ cup heavy whipping cream; ½ cup mascarpone; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you love tiramisu, I do not doubt that you will also love Tiramisu Cookies. This recipe is delicious, unique, and perfect for coffee drinkers (and cookie eaters). I’ve made them countless times for the family and for guests and they’re a hit every time

Tiramisu cookie on the counter topped with cocoa powder.

The rich chocolate flavor from the cocoa powder dusting enhances the espresso, taking the flavor of these cookies to the next level. I love their soft texture, too. With the sweet and tangy mascarpone frosting, you have a balanced treat reminiscent of a slice of tiramisu.

If you like easy espresso recipes you will love Tequila Espresso Martini and this Espresso Granita.

Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

Bold coffee flavor: These cookies have a bold and rich coffee flavor without feeling overwhelming.
Unique dessert: This is a creative and unique twist on the tiramisu layered dessert.
Perfect for special occasions: Not only are these cookies delicious, but they are pretty as well! If you use a piping bag, you can make them look extra elegant.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients for both the tiramisu cookie dough and the sweet mascarpone frosting. It’s a super simple recipe and everything listed is easy to find at your local grocery store.

For the tiramisu cookie dough:

Butter: I used salted butter for this cookie recipe. If you have unsalted, add ½ teaspoon of salt to the dough. Ensure that it is softened before you make the cookies.
Sugars: This recipe has a combination of white and light brown sugar. The molasses flavor of the light brown sugar adds depth.
Baking powder and soda: These leavening agents add a light and airy texture to the cookies while also helping them rise.
Espresso powder: You can’t have tiramisu without espresso! The bold coffee flavor pairs perfectly with the frosting.
Cocoa powder: I like adding a dusting of cocoa powder to the finished cookies to enhance the espresso.

For the frosting:

Powdered sugar: This variety of sugar adds sweetness while keeping the frosting smooth and creamy.
Heavy cream: A small amount of cream keeps the frosting light!
Mascarpone: The tangy mascarpone cheese balances the sweetness and is a classic ingredient in tiramisu.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips to make these cookies extra rich.
Spiced: Add warm spices to the cookie dough such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves to enhance the flavors.
Hazelnut: Mix a small amount of Nutella into the mascarpone frosting for a chocolate-hazelnut variation.

How to Make Tiramisu Cookies

Below you will find the directions needed to make this delectable tiramisu cookie recipe! To get started, make sure you preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9x13 baking sheet with parchment paper.

Brown and white sugar in a mixing bowl with butter.

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugars. In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Using a stand or hand mixer, cream the butter and sugars together at medium speed until they are fully mixed and creamy.

Creamed butter and sugar in a bowl with the eggs added.

Step 2: Add eggs and vanilla. Add the eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture and beat it at medium speed until the eggs are incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Flour and espresso powder added to the mixing bowl.

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients. Pour in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and espresso powder. Mix on a lower setting until all of the ingredients are just combined.

Step 4: Divide the dough. You may use your hands or a cookie scoop to divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll them into balls and then flatten them to make thick discs. Place them all onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake. Place the pan in the oven and bake the cookies for about 11 minutes or until the edges are golden. Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about an hour.

Frosting added on top of cookies on a wire rack and sprinkled with cocoa powder.

Step 6: Top with frosting and cocoa. Whisk the powdered sugar, mascarpone, and vanilla in a separate mixing bowl with a hand or stand mixer. Once the cookies are completely cooled, use a piping bag or spatula to spread the frosting on each cookie. Top them with a light dusting of cocoa powder and enjoy!

⭐️ Hint: If you don’t have a piping bag, you can make one with a large ziplock bag. Fill it with the frosting and cut off one of the tips.

If you love coffee-flavored desserts you've got to try these Double Chocolate Chip Espresso Nut Cookies.

A stack of frosted cookies on the table with a bite missing from the one on top.

Storage Directions

Refrigeration: Store leftover tiramisu cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can enjoy them cold straight from the fridge or let them sit on the counter to warm up to room temperature. Do not store them on the counter.
Freezing: Place the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them completely and make the mascarpone frosting before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Indulge and enjoy one of these tasty cookies with a Gingerbread Milkshake.
Keep it simple and serve these alongside a cold glass of milk!
Enjoy a tiramisu cookie with a side of fresh fruit. These July 4 Fruit Kabobs feature fresh, juicy berries.
Make a crowd-pleasing cookie platter! I recommend trying White Chocolate Coconut Cookies and Rhubarb Cookies.

A plateful of tiramisu cookies on the table with some placed directly on the table and a glass of milk.

Recipe Tips

Don’t overmix the frosting: When mascarpone is overworked, it takes on a grainy texture. Mix the ingredients until smooth on a low setting and it will be perfect.
Chill the dough: If you find the cookie dough to be a little sticky, place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before dividing it and shaping the cookies.
Make them ahead: Prepare the cookies and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days until you are ready to bake them!
Cool the cookies completely: This way the frosting sticks to the cookie and does not slide off.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these without caffeine?

Yes! Use Pero instead of espresso powder. It is a caffeine-free alternative that still has a robust coffee flavor.

Can I use cream cheese as a substitute for mascarpone?

Cream cheese has a tangier flavor but it may be used if you can’t find mascarpone or simply don’t enjoy it.

A hand holding up an espresso cookie over a plateful of more.

Do you like homemade cookies? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.