
Tiramisu Cookies are the ultimate treat when you want the flavor of everyone’s favorite Italian dessert in a portable, crowd-pleasing package. With the creamy, coffee-kissed filling snuggled between tender cookies, these never last long at my house. Every bite is an irresistible mix of sweet mascarpone, a hint of cocoa, and soft, coffee-infused dough that tastes like pure comfort.
The first time I made these was for a snow day baking project. Now my sister always requests them for her birthday in place of cake.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure and chew to the cookies Look for unbleached flour for a more delicate texture
- Baking powder: Ensures a gentle rise in the dough Make sure it is fresh for best results
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors Use a fine sea salt for even distribution
- Unsalted butter: Softened for creaminess and that classic buttery cookie base Choose high-quality butter for superior taste
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning Use organic if possible for best flavor
- Large eggs: Bind the dough and create tenderness Look for room temperature eggs for smooth mixing
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cookies Pure vanilla is worth it for the richer aroma
- Instant coffee granules: Intensifies that signature tiramisu espresso note Choose a bold roast instant for best impact
- Hot water: Dissolves the coffee so you get bold flavor in every bite Filtered water is ideal
- Mascarpone cheese: Signature tiramisu creaminess Choose fresh and authentic Italian mascarpone for lush results
- Heavy cream: Makes the filling velvety and rich Go for heavy whipping cream not light cream
- Coffee liqueur: Adds grown-up depth and boosts the coffee flavor Kahlua or similar work especially well
- Cocoa powder: For dusting Gives that iconic tiramisu finish Use unsweetened Dutch process for deeper cocoa flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans:
- Set your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl whisk all-purpose flour baking powder and salt until blended so everything gets evenly incorporated
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- Using an electric mixer beat softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until fluffy and pale This step traps air for light airy cookies
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add eggs one at a time mixing well after each so dough stays smooth Stir in vanilla extract for a perfumed base
- Dissolve Coffee and Add:
- In a small bowl dissolve instant coffee granules in hot water Add to the butter mixture and mix well This boosts the espresso flavor throughout
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture Mixing until just combined Avoid overmixing to keep cookies soft
- Scoop and Portion Dough:
- Using a tablespoon or small scoop drop dough rounds onto baking sheets Spacing them so they do not spread into each other
- Bake:
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes Cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the center which ensures a tender bite
- Cool Cookies:
- Let cookies rest on baking sheets for five minutes before moving to wire racks to cool completely This helps them finish setting
- Make Mascarpone Filling:
- In a bowl beat mascarpone cheese and heavy cream together until smooth and creamy Aim for a thick but spreadable consistency
- Add Coffee Liqueur:
- Beat coffee liqueur into the filling so every bite has that classic tiramisu depth
- Assemble Cookies:
- Once cookies are cool spread plenty of mascarpone filling onto the bottom of one cookie and top with another to make a sandwich
- Dust with Cocoa:
- Use a sieve or sifter to dust cocoa powder on top Giving that classic tiramisu finish
- Chill and Serve:
- Enjoy right away or refrigerate cookies for about thirty minutes so the filling sets for less mess and a firmer bite

You Must Know
- High in satisfaction with moderate calories for a sweet treat
- Filling can be made ahead to speed up party prep
- Cookies hold together well and do not go soggy
I absolutely love mascarpone and find that using a really fresh Italian brand makes a world of difference Here is a tip I picked up from my grandmother Always taste your mascarpone before making the filling If it is creamy and mild you know your tiramisu cookies will be dreamy I still remember the first time my family tried these cookies at a holiday dinner Everyone wanted seconds before they finished their first

Storage Tips
Tiramisu cookies keep best when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days The flavor actually deepens after a day Chilling also helps the mascarpone filling set Keep a piece of parchment between layers so they do not stick together If you want to make them ahead only assemble the cookies and filling shortly before serving to keep them fresh
Ingredient Substitutions
If mascarpone cheese is unavailable full fat cream cheese makes a decent substitute though the flavor will be a little tangier Instant coffee can be swapped for a shot of cooled espresso use less so the dough is not too runny Do not skip the coffee liqueur for true tiramisu magic but vanilla extract works if you need a nonalcoholic option
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own but are absolutely heavenly next to a cup of espresso or after dinner coffee I also love to sprinkle a bit more cocoa right before serving for an extra touch of drama You can stack them up on a tiered dessert tray for parties or box them up for a special edible gift
Italian Origins
Tiramisu is the iconic dessert hailing from the Veneto region of Italy The flavor combination of creamy filling coffee and cocoa is instantly recognizable These cookies offer a playful tribute so you can bring a little Italian flair to your table without the fuss of assembling the traditional layered dessert
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you achieve a soft texture in these cookies?
Soften the butter before mixing and avoid overmixing the dough to maintain a tender crumb.
- → What can I use if I don't have mascarpone cheese?
Cream cheese is a suitable alternative, though it will introduce a tangier flavor profile.
- → How can I enhance the espresso flavor?
Increase the amount of instant coffee granules or allow the assembled cookies to chill for deeper flavor development.
- → How should these cookies be stored?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best freshness, as the mascarpone filling is perishable.
- → Is it necessary to sift cocoa powder on top?
While optional, sifting cocoa powder adds both flavor and a visually appealing finish.