Omg guys I’m sooo excited to share these tiramisu cookies with u today! If ur like me and can’t get enough of that classic Italian dessert but want something easier to make, these are gonna be ur new fav. They’ve got all those amazing coffee and mascarpone flavors we love from tiramisu but in a convenient cookie form. The combo of soft cookies, creamy filling and that coffee kick is just chef’s kiss. Keep reading to find out how to make these amazing tiramisu cookies at home!
Why You’ll Love These Tiramisu Cookies
Let’s be real – traditional tiramisu can be kinda intimidating to make. These tiramisu cookies solve that problem by giving u all the same flavors without the fuss.
First time I made these was for my sister’s birthday last year. She’s obsessed with anything coffee-flavored, and when she bit into one of these cookies her eyes literally went wide! She couldn’t believe how much they tasted like the real deal.
The best part? U can adjust the coffee strength depending on who’s eating them. Make ’em stronger for the coffee lovers or tone it down for those who want just a hint. And they’re perfect for parties cuz people can grab one without needing a plate and fork!
Now let’s get to the good stuff…
Ingredients You’ll Need for Tiramisu Cookies
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – makes the cookie structure, don’t sub with cake flour or they’ll be too soft
- 1 tsp baking powder – gives just the right amount of lift
- 1/4 tsp salt – balances the sweetness, don’t skip!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – use real butter here, margarine won’t give u the same texture
- 1 cup granulated sugar – provides sweetness and helps with that crisp edge
- 2 large eggs – binds everything together, room temp works best
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds depth to the flavor
- 2 tbsp instant espresso powder – this is key for that tiramisu flavor! Can sub with instant coffee but double the amount
For the Filling:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese – the star of tiramisu! Try to get real Italian if u can
- 1 cup powdered sugar – sweetens without graininess
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances the creamy flavor
- 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional) – traditional tiramisu uses this, but u can skip for family-friendly version
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – for dusting, just like classic tiramisu
- 2 tbsp instant espresso powder mixed with 1 tbsp warm water – for brushing tops
If ur avoiding dairy, u can try vegan butter and a plant-based cream cheese, but honestly the texture won’t be quite the same.
How to Make Tiramisu Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper
- Mix flour, baking powder and salt in bowl and set aside
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar till light and fluffy (about 2 mins)
- Add eggs one at a time, beating after each
- Mix in vanilla and espresso powder till fully combined
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined – don’t overmix or cookies will be tough!
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
- Scoop dough using a 1.5 tbsp cookie scoop onto baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each
- Slightly flatten each cookie with palm of hand
- Bake for 10-12 mins until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft
- Look for light golden edges – that’s when u know they’re done
- Let cool on baking sheet for 5 mins then transfer to cooling rack
Step 3: Make the Mascarpone Filling
- Beat mascarpone cheese until smooth
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix till creamy
- Add vanilla and coffee liqueur (if using) and beat until well combined
- Refrigerate filling for 15-20 mins to firm up slightly
Step 4: Assemble the Tiramisu Cookies
- Brush flat side of half the cookies with the espresso mixture
- Let soak in for a minute (this is key for that tiramisu taste!)
- Spread or pipe mascarpone filling onto the non-brushed cookies
- Sandwich together with espresso-brushed cookies
- Dust tops with cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve
These tiramisu cookies are best when they sit for at least an hour in the fridge before serving. This lets the flavors meld together just like in traditional tiramisu!
Tasty Variations of Tiramisu Cookies
Chocolate Tiramisu Cookies
Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a double chocolate experience. Sooo good for serious chocolate lovers!
Lemon Tiramisu Cookies
Swap the espresso powder for 1 tbsp lemon zest in the cookie dough and add 1 tsp lemon juice to the filling. It’s like a summery twist on the classic!
Spiced Tiramisu Cookies
Add 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg to the cookie dough. Perfect for fall and winter!
Mocha Tiramisu Cookies
Add 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for extra chocolatey goodness that pairs perfectly with the coffee flavor.
Amaretto Tiramisu Cookies
Use amaretto liqueur instead of coffee liqueur in the filling for a nutty twist. My friends always ask for these at holiday parties!
Tiramisu Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Cookie scoop (1.5 Tbsp)
- Sieve for dusting
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temp
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp instant espresso powder
For the Filling:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp coffee liqueur optional
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- 2 tbsp instant espresso powder mixed with 1 tbsp warm water for brushing
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2 mins). Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla and espresso powder. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Scoop dough using a 1.5 tbsp scoop onto baking sheets, 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with your palm. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set. Cool 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to rack.
Make the Filling:
- Beat mascarpone until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until creamy. Add vanilla and coffee liqueur (if using). Chill for 15–20 mins to thicken.
Assemble Cookies:
- Brush the flat side of half the cookies with espresso mixture. Let it soak for 1 min. Pipe or spread filling onto the other half. Sandwich cookies together and dust tops with cocoa powder.
Chill & Serve:
- Chill assembled cookies for at least 1 hour for best flavor. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Tiramisu Cookies FAQs
What cookies are used in tiramisu?
Traditional tiramisu uses ladyfinger cookies (also called savoiardi), which are light, dry sponge cookies. For these tiramisu cookies, we’re creating a soft butter cookie that captures the same flavors but in a more substantial form. If u want to try making a more authentic version, check out our Cottage Cheese Cookies which have a similar texture to ladyfingers!
What is a substitute for ladyfingers in tiramisu?
If u can’t find ladyfingers for traditional tiramisu, u can use pound cake slices, sponge cake, or even butter cookies like these tiramisu cookies! Some people also use graham crackers or vanilla wafers, but they’ll give a different texture. Our Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies could also work as a fun substitute!
What alcohol is in tiramisu?
Classic tiramisu usually contains marsala wine, rum, or coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa). In these tiramisu cookies, we use a small amount of coffee liqueur in the filling for that authentic taste, but it’s totally optional! If ur making these for kids or don’t want to use alcohol, just skip it – they’ll still taste amazing.
What ladyfingers are best for tiramisu?
For traditional tiramisu, Italian savoiardi ladyfingers are best because they’re drier and absorb the coffee mixture without falling apart. But for these tiramisu cookies, we’re making our own cookie base that’s inspired by the flavors but sturdier for holding the filling. If ur interested in other filled cookie ideas, our Samoa Cookies have a similar sandwich concept!
What do you soak ladyfingers in for tiramisu?
In traditional tiramisu, ladyfingers are soaked in a mixture of strong coffee or espresso and alcohol (usually marsala wine, rum, or coffee liqueur). For these tiramisu cookies, we brush the cookies with an espresso mixture to get that same coffee-soaked effect but without making them too soggy. For another take on coffee-flavored treats, u might enjoy our Apple Cider Cookies which have a similar warm spice profile!
Storage Tips for Tiramisu Cookies
These tiramisu cookies will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Actually they get better after a day or two as the flavors meld together!
U can also freeze the assembled cookies for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
If u want to prep ahead, make the cookies and filling separately. Store cookies at room temp and filling in fridge, then assemble day of serving.
The Perfect Tiramisu Cookies for Any Occasion
Honestly making these tiramisu cookies has become kind of a tradition at my house. My mom who’s super picky about desserts (especially anything trying to be “Italian”) actually gave these her approval, which is huge!
What I love most is how they capture the essence of tiramisu but in a portable, less fussy package. They’re fancy enough for dinner parties but simple enough for a weeknight treat when ur craving something special.
Give these homemade tiramisu cookies a try and see how they bring a bit of Italian coffee shop magic right to ur kitchen. Trust me, once u try them, they’ll become part of ur regular cookie rotation!
Buon appetito!