Name: Tiramisu Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp instant espresso powder (or 2 tbsp strong brewed espresso); 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional); 8 oz mascarpone cheese; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tbsp heavy cream; 1/2 tsp espresso powder (for frosting); Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

Tiramisu Cookies take all the luxurious flavors of the classic Italian dessert and wrap them into a soft, coffee-infused cookie with creamy mascarpone frosting. These cookies are rich, slightly boozy, and full of espresso flavor, just like traditional tiramisu. I love baking these when I want something elegant and a little indulgent without having to layer an entire dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies pack all the flavor complexity of tiramisu into an easy-to-make treat. The cookie base is tender and subtly sweet, with notes of coffee and vanilla, while the mascarpone frosting on top is silky and rich. A dusting of cocoa powder finishes them perfectly. Whether I’m making them for a dinner party or just because, they always feel a little extra special.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Instant espresso powder (or strong brewed espresso)
Coffee liqueur (optional, but I love the authentic touch)
Mascarpone cheese
Powdered sugar
Heavy cream
Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)

directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, I cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
I beat in the egg, vanilla, espresso powder, and a splash of coffee liqueur if I’m using it.
I slowly mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, then scoop the dough onto the baking sheets.
I bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are just set, then cool them completely on a wire rack.
While the cookies cool, I make the frosting by whipping mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar, a bit of heavy cream, and another dash of espresso powder.
Once the cookies are cool, I pipe or spread the frosting on top, then dust lightly with cocoa powder.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 cookies. The dough takes around 15 minutes to prepare, and the cookies bake in 10–12 minutes. Including frosting and decorating time, I have everything ready in about 40 minutes.

Variations

For a non-alcoholic version, I leave out the coffee liqueur and use extra brewed espresso instead. I’ve also made sandwich-style tiramisu cookies by putting a layer of mascarpone filling between two cookies. If I want a firmer frosting, I add a little cream cheese to the mascarpone for extra structure.

storage/reheating

I store these cookies in the fridge because of the mascarpone topping. They last about 4–5 days in an airtight container. I like bringing them to room temperature before serving so the frosting softens. If I need to freeze them, I do so before frosting and add the topping fresh once thawed.

FAQs

What kind of coffee should I use?

I usually use instant espresso powder for convenience and strong flavor, but brewed espresso or strong coffee works too. Just avoid adding too much liquid if using brewed coffee.

Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

Yes, I’ve substituted cream cheese before when I couldn’t find mascarpone. The flavor is a bit tangier, but still delicious.

Do these cookies taste like real tiramisu?

They do! I get the coffee, creamy, and cocoa elements just like the traditional dessert, but in a convenient cookie form.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. I refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking, which also helps the cookies bake up thicker and chewier.

Do I have to frost them?

No, they’re tasty even without frosting. But I think the mascarpone topping really makes them feel like tiramisu, so I usually don’t skip it.

Conclusion

Tiramisu Cookies are a sweet and elegant twist on the classic dessert I love. They deliver all the creamy, coffee-kissed flavors in a handheld treat that’s easy to make and share. Whether I serve them after dinner or as a special snack, they always impress with their rich taste and beautiful presentation.