Tiramisu Cookies are a rich, indulgent spin on the classic Italian dessert—transformed into a soft, espresso-kissed cookie. I love how they pack the creamy, coffee-flavored layers of traditional tiramisu into a treat that’s easy to bake, share, and enjoy. With mascarpone cheese for a touch of creaminess and a dusting of cocoa powder on top, these cookies truly taste like tiramisu in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are one of my favorite ways to satisfy a coffee-and-dessert craving at the same time. Here’s why I keep making them:
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Classic Tiramisu Flavor: I get all the creamy, coffee-soaked richness of tiramisu—without any layering or assembly.
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Soft and Chewy Texture: I love how the cookies stay pillowy in the center but still have slightly crisp edges.
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Simple and Quick: It takes me less than an hour from start to finish, and the process is totally straightforward.
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Perfect for Coffee Lovers: The espresso flavor isn’t too strong—it’s just enough to bring that distinct tiramisu essence.
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Customizable: I’ve tried adding chocolate chips or Nutella, and they turn out amazing every time.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons espresso powder or instant coffee powder
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2 teaspoons hot water
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup mascarpone cheese, softened
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¼ cup cocoa powder (for dusting)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. -
Make the Cookie Base
I cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes using my electric mixer. -
Add the Espresso Mix
I dissolve the espresso powder in hot water, then stir it into the butter mixture along with the eggs and vanilla extract. -
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, I whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Then I add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. -
Add Mascarpone
I gently fold in the mascarpone. It gives the dough that creamy texture and slight tang that reminds me of tiramisu filling. -
Scoop and Bake
I scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Then I bake them for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges are golden. -
Cool
I let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. After they’ve cooled for at least 20 minutes, I dust them with cocoa powder. -
Serve
Once they’re fully cooled and dusted, they’re ready to serve. I usually pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
Servings and Timing
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Yield: About 24 cookies
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour
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Calories: Approximately 140-160 per cookie
Variations
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Tiramisu Chocolate Chip Cookies: I sometimes add dark chocolate chips for a richer bite.
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Nutella-Stuffed Tiramisu Cookies: I’ll add a small spoonful of Nutella in the center of the dough before baking—it melts into a delicious surprise.
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Mini Tiramisu Cookies: Making smaller cookies is great for party platters or gifts. I just reduce the baking time slightly.
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Tiramisu Biscotti: I shape the dough into logs and double-bake for a crispy, dunkable version.
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Frosted Tiramisu Cookies: A swirl of mascarpone or cream cheese frosting on top takes them to a whole new level.
Storage/Reheating
I store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer to a sealed container or bag. They last up to 2 months in the freezer.
To reheat, I either leave them out for a couple of hours to thaw or microwave them for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness.

FAQs
How strong is the coffee flavor in these cookies?
The espresso flavor is noticeable but balanced. I think it gives the cookies a grown-up edge without overpowering the sweetness or creaminess.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. It also helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?
If I don’t have mascarpone, I’ve used cream cheese as a substitute. It gives a similar tangy richness, although the texture will be a bit firmer.
Can I skip the cocoa powder dusting?
Absolutely. I’ve skipped it when in a rush, and the cookies still taste amazing. But I find the cocoa powder adds that authentic tiramisu flair.
Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Yes, I’ve served them to kids at family events, and they were a big hit. The coffee flavor is mild enough that most kids enjoy them.
Conclusion
Tiramisu Cookies are one of those recipes I keep coming back to—simple, elegant, and packed with flavor. I love how they bring all the best parts of tiramisu into a single, chewy cookie. Whether I’m making them for a party or just to enjoy with my afternoon coffee, they always disappear fast. If you’re a tiramisu fan like me, you’ll fall in love with these cookies.
Print
Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tiramisu Cookies are a soft, espresso-flavored cookie inspired by the classic Italian dessert. Made with mascarpone cheese and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder, they capture the creamy, coffee-rich taste of tiramisu in a simple, shareable treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp espresso powder or instant coffee powder
- 2 tsp hot water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup mascarpone cheese, softened
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Dissolve the espresso powder in hot water. Add it to the butter mixture along with the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until incorporated.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with cocoa powder before serving.
Notes
- Add chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Stuff the dough with Nutella before baking for a gooey center.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you prefer thicker cookies.
- Swap mascarpone with cream cheese if needed, though texture may vary.
- Skip the cocoa powder dusting for a simpler version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg