Tiramisu Cookies with Mascarpone Frosting

These tiramisu cookies deliver a bold espresso punch in every bite. They have crisp, golden edges that give way to a creamy mascarpone filling. The bittersweet balance of rich coffee and sweet cookie is nothing short of addictive. One taste of these Italian-inspired tiramisu cookies with mascarpone frosting, and you will never look at dessert the same way again.

Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

• Small batch dessert: This recipe makes just 6 cookies, which is perfect for small households.
• Classic tiramisu flavors: This cookie has all the components of a tiramisu: coffee, vanilla, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder.
• Soft and chewy texture: These cookies stay soft in the center with slightly crisp edges.
• Creamy mascarpone topping: The creamy frosting gives it the classic tiramisu texture.

Tiramisu Origin

Tiramisu is an Italian dessert that means “pick me up.” Most people credit the creation to pastry chef Roberto Linguanotto at Le Beccherie restaurant, but others have tried to dispute this theory. Eventually, it gained incredible popularity in the 1980s.

Ingredients

Cookies

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • Creates the rich texture
• 6 tbsp brown sugar
  • Adds a deep caramel flavor
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • Helps create crisp edges
• 2 large egg yolks
  • Helps add richness
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Adds a warmth depth
• 2 tsp instant coffee powder
  • Adds the classic coffee flavor
• 100g all-purpose flour
  • Provides the cookie’s structure
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • Helps the cookie rise
• 1/2 tsp salt
  • Balances the sweetness

Mascarpone Cream Topping

• 4 oz mascarpone cheese
  • Creates the creamy frosting
• 6 tbsp powdered sugar
  • Sweetens the frosting while maintaining its smoothness
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Adds a warm depth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Creates a more airy and fluffy frosting
• Cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Gives it the classic tiramisu appearance

Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients/tools I used:

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined.

Add the egg yolks, instant coffee powder, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold until a soft cookie dough forms.

Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

Bake for 10–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set.

Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding the frosting.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Add the heavy cream and whisk gently until the mixture is thick, creamy, and spreadable. Avoid overwhisking.

Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread or pipe the mascarpone cream onto each cookie.

Finish with a light dusting of cocoa powder.

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Tiramisu Cookies with Mascarpone Frosting Cooking Tips

Use room temperature ingredients. Use softened butter, egg yolks, and mascarpone cheese, so it mixes smoothly.

Do not overmix the dough. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter.

Bake until the edges are slightly firm and the center looks underdone. The cookie will set as it cools down.

If you want a strong coffee flavor, add more instant coffee mix.

Use a cookie scoop to evenly portion the cookies. This is to ensure that all the cookies have similar baking times.

Tiramisu Cookies with Mascarpone Frosting Storage Tips

Due to the mascarpone frosting, you will need to store these cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Dust cocoa powder before eating for best aesthetic results.

Ingredient Substitutions

Egg Yolks → 1 Whole Egg
If you don’t want leftover egg whites, you can use 1 whole egg, but the cookies may be less decadent

Vanilla Extract → Vanilla Bean Paste
Vanilla bean paste gives it a more intense vanilla flavor

Instant Coffee Powder → Instant Espresso Powder
Instant espresso powder creates a stronger coffee flavor and is a great option for coffee lovers.

Mascarpone Cheese → Cream Cheese
Cream cheese works as a substitute, but the topping will have a tangier flavor and slightly denser texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to chill the dough?

No, but chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help create thicker cookies.

Can I use espresso instead of instant coffee powder?

Yes, but keep in mind the espresso might affect the texture. You might need to add more flour to balance.

Can I substitute the mascarpone cheese?

Mascarpone is the main component in a classic tiramisu, but you can use cream cheese as a solid substitute.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if the butter was too warm or the dough wasn’t measured correctly. Chilling the dough before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.

Common Mistakes

Using cold butter or cold mascarpone. Mixing cold ingredients can result in a lumpy dough/frosting.

Overmixing the cookie dough. Overmixing develops too much gluten, resulting in dense cookies.

Adding too much flour. Using too much flour can make the cookies dry, dense, and overly doughy.

Adding frosting to warm cookies. The frosting will melt when it comes into contact with heat.

Storing the cookies at room temperature too long. Due to its mascarpone frosting, it should not be left out for long. Follow food safety rules.

What to Serve With Tiramisu Cookies

More coffee drinks! Iced coffee, espresso, cappuccino, latte, or cold brew coffee.

If you enjoyed this tiramisu cookies recipe, you might also want to check out my actual tiramisu recipe. I have other cookie flavors recipes, such as my s’mores cookies.

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