If you love the flavors of tiramisu but want something simple, this Easy Tiramisu Cookies with Mascarpone Frosting recipe is the answer. It’s a fun twist on a traditional tiramisu, bringing all the creamy, coffee-infused magic into chewy cookie form.

These chewy coffee cookies are topped with creamy mascarpone frosting and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. They’re perfect for coffee drinkers or if you love the taste of coffee. If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy classic tiramisu flavors in a new way, this is it.

Ingredients

This recipe calls for simple ingredients, found in any grocery store. Each one plays a key role in creating the best results.

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and keeps the sugar cookies tender.
• Granulated sugar: Creates structure while balancing the bold coffee flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors of tiramisu and ties the cookie dough together.
• Large egg: Provides structure and helps the cookie dough balls hold their shape.
• Large yolk: Adds richness and contributes to soft cookies with a chewy texture.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, measured correctly with a measuring cup using the scoop and level method.
• Instant espresso powder: Infuses the cookies with deep coffee flavor that mirrors espresso grounds in a tiramisu recipe.
• Baking powder: Ensures the baked cookies rise slightly while staying soft.
• Baking soda: Balances acidity and gives the edges of the cookies a gentle lift.
• Salt: Sharpens flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Mascarpone cheese: The base of the mascarpone cream, giving a smooth and creamy mascarpone frosting.
• Heavy cream: Whipped to stiff peaks to lighten the mascarpone mixture and make it spreadable.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it silky.
• Cocoa powder: A dusting of cocoa powder over the top of the cookies completes the traditional tiramisu look.

Take a look at the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe.

Add-ons & Substitutions

This tiramisu cookie recipe is flexible and fun to adjust for different preferences.

• Add a touch of coffee liqueur to the mascarpone mixture for authentic tiramisu flavor.
• Use natural cocoa powder, dark chocolate shavings, or even black cocoa powder for dusting the top of the cookies.
• Try spreading with a knife or a small offset spatula for frosting instead of a piping bag

How to Make Tiramisu Cookies

Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to make sure everything is well mixed. 

Add the vanilla extract, then beat in the large egg and yolk until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, instant espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to add too much flour or overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.

Scoop cookie dough balls using a cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons each). If the dough feels sticky, chill it in a small bowl for 15 minutes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced 2 ½ inches apart.

Bake in the lower third of the oven until the edges of the cookies are set, but the centers still look slightly soft. Transfer baked cookies to a wire rack or cooling rack after 5 minutes to cool completely.

Mascarpone Frosting

Beat mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional instant coffee in a medium bowl with an electric mixer or hand mixer.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the whisk attachment until medium to stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture with a rubber spatula until smooth.

Fill the creamy mascarpone frosting into a piping bag with an 1M piping tip and pipe generously over the cooled cookies. Finish with a dusting of cocoa powder in a circular motion for the perfect tiramisu cookie recipe presentation.

Expert Tips

• Use room temperature butter and eggs for smooth mixing and a uniform cookie dough.
• Always measure flour correctly with the scoop and level method using a measuring cup. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Let the baked cookies cool completely before adding mascarpone cream to prevent the frosting from melting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store tiramisu cookies?

Keep frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Unfrosted cookies can stay at room temperature.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, bake the cookies in advance and freeze them unfrosted. Add the mascarpone cream and dusting of cocoa powder just before serving.

Can I freeze frosted tiramisu cookies?

It’s best to freeze unfrosted cookies, as mascarpone cream doesn’t freeze well. Add the topping after thawing.

What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese for a similar texture, though the flavor will be slightly tangier.

How do I get soft cookies with a chewy texture?

Avoid overbaking. Pull them from the oven when the edges of the cookies are set, but the centers look slightly underdone.

Can I add coffee liqueur to the frosting?

Yes, a small splash of coffee liqueur gives these cookies an authentic tiramisu flavor.

​Take a look at the links below for more Coffee-inspired recipes, or click this link for more cookie recipes.

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