If you adore the rich flavors of classic tiramisu but crave something portable and cookie-friendly, then this Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These cookies perfectly blend the deep, bold notes of espresso with a creamy mascarpone filling, all wrapped up inside a soft, tender cookie that’s dusted with a delicate sprinkle of cocoa powder. Every bite delivers that dreamy tiramisu experience in hand-held form, making it ideal for cozy afternoons, celebrations, or simply satisfying your coffee-and-dessert cravings in one go.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully straightforward, relying on a handful of high-quality ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the espresso powder that infuses the cookie dough with bold coffee flavor, to the luscious mascarpone cream filling that adds that perfectly smooth tiramisu touch, every component makes these cookies a standout.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies structure and a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise gently, keeping them soft and fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and coffee flavors magnificently.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the tender texture.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a hint of caramel depth and chewiness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds a slight richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle background flavor that complements the coffee.
- 2 tablespoons espresso powder (or instant coffee powder): The star ingredient that gives the cookies their signature kick.
- 1/4 cup milk: Helps dissolve the espresso and keeps the dough moist.
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, softened: Creamy filling base that captures traditional tiramisu’s luscious texture.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone filling without graininess.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the filling): Lifts the creaminess of the filling with aromatic warmth.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting: The final flourish that adds a touch of classic tiramisu bitterness and elegance.
How to Make Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure easy cleanup. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This blend creates the perfect structure and balance for the cookies.
Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until the mixture turns creamy and smooth. This step is essential to achieving the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies irresistible.
Step 3: Adding the Egg and Vanilla
Incorporate the large egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mix, beating thoroughly to combine. This adds richness and a hint of warmth that complements the espresso beautifully.
Step 4: Mixing the Espresso and Milk
In a small bowl, dissolve the espresso powder in the milk, creating a concentrated coffee liquid. This boosts the coffee flavor in your dough without adding grit or dryness.
Step 5: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the espresso mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until it’s smooth. Then, gradually fold in the dry flour mixture just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies tender and soft.
Step 6: Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the centers are set but still soft. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Preparing the Mascarpone Filling
While your cookies cool, whip up the luscious filling by beating together softened mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This dreamy filling is what truly transforms these cookies into a tiramisu-inspired delight.
Step 8: Assembling the Cookies
Spread a generous dollop of the mascarpone filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently sandwich it with another cookie. Finish by dusting the assembled cookies lightly with unsweetened cocoa powder for that irresistible tiramisu look and flavor.
How to Serve Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a light dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder over these cookies boosts their classic tiramisu look and adds a subtle bittersweet edge that perfectly balances the creamy filling. For an extra special touch, you can also top them with a few finely shaved dark chocolate curls or a light espresso drizzle.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a simple cup of espresso or cappuccino, intensifying the coffee experience. You might also enjoy them alongside fresh berries to add a bright contrast or a scoop of vanilla gelato for an indulgent dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, stack these cookies in a decorative box lined with parchment paper, or present them on a wooden serving board dusted with cocoa powder. You could also serve them on individual plates with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of fresh mint for a sophisticated flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, keep leftover Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen beautifully as they rest, but refrigeration ensures the mascarpone stays fresh and the cookies maintain their shape.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead or save some for later, freeze the unfilled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, thaw, prepare the mascarpone filling, and assemble for the freshest taste. Avoid freezing fully assembled cookies to preserve texture.
Reheating
Since these cookies are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature because of the creamy filling, reheating is not recommended. Just bring them to room temperature if refrigerated to enjoy the most balanced flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder for this recipe?
Absolutely! Instant coffee powder works though espresso powder is preferred for a richer, more authentic coffee flavor. Just be sure it dissolves fully in the milk to avoid gritty bits.
Do I have to use mascarpone cheese for the filling?
Mascarpone is key to achieving the creamy, smooth texture that gives tiramisu its charm. While you could try cream cheese as a substitute, it will alter the flavor and texture somewhat.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, the assembled cookies stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. Unassembled cookies last up to a week at room temperature in an airtight container.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
For a dairy-free twist, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and try a dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream blend for the filling, though the taste will differ from traditional tiramisu.
What’s the best way to get even cookie sizes?
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon measuring spoon ensures uniform size and thickness, which helps with even baking and assembly.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, you’ll fall head over heels for this Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe as much as I have. It’s the perfect marriage of coffee, cream, and cookie that’s both comforting and elegant. Take the plunge, bake a batch, and share the joy of this delightful treat with friends and family — you won’t regret a single bite!
Print
Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (cookie sandwiches)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
These Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies combine the rich flavors of espresso and mascarpone cheese to create a delightful coffee-infused treat. Soft yet slightly crisp cookies sandwich a creamy mascarpone filling, dusted with cocoa powder for an authentic tiramisu experience in cookie form. Perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike, these cookies are a delicious twist on the classic Italian dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons espresso powder (or instant coffee powder)
- 1/4 cup milk
Mascarpone Filling
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Dusting
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for incorporation later.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth, creating a fluffy base for the cookies.
- Add egg and vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, beating until fully combined, ensuring the dough is well emulsified.
- Dissolve espresso: In a small bowl, dissolve the espresso powder in the milk, then add this mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth, infusing the dough with rich coffee flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and ensure tender cookies.
- Portion dough: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn golden and the centers are set. After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make mascarpone filling: While cookies cool, beat together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and creamy, preparing the luscious filling.
- Assemble cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of mascarpone filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with another cookie to form a delicious treat.
- Finish with cocoa dusting: Lightly dust the tops of each cookie sandwich with unsweetened cocoa powder to emulate classic tiramisu and enhance the presentation. Serve and enjoy immediately or store appropriately.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the espresso powder to 3 tablespoons.
- Make sure the mascarpone cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth filling.
- Store assembled cookies in the refrigerator to keep the mascarpone filling fresh.
- These cookies are best enjoyed within 2 days for maximum freshness.
- If you prefer a firm cookie, bake an extra 1-2 minutes but be careful not to overbake.
