Luscious Tiramisu Espresso Cookies Fusion

Category: Sweet Innovations Across Cultures

If you love tiramisu’s classic flavors, these chewy cookies are your thing. You’ll get coffee and vanilla inside the dough, plus a smooth mascarpone cream in the middle. Everything gets a layer of cocoa on top for that wow factor. Grab them warm or cool for bolder coffee tones. Great with a cup of tea or whenever you want a bite of something sweet and rich. They totally nail tiramisu character in an easy cookie form.

Monica
By Monica Monica
Updated on Tue, 17 Jun 2025 15:01:56 GMT
White cream clouds and cocoa sprinkles on a dessert. Pin
White cream clouds and cocoa sprinkles on a dessert. | flavorsfuse.com

If you're craving a classic Italian sweet but want it easy to share, these Tiramisu Cookies hit the spot. Soft, coffee-spiked cookies hug a dreamy mascarpone middle for a treat that'll disappear fast at your place. Every nibble is pure coziness—creamy, a little chocolatey, and with just the right coffee punch.

The very first batch I baked was during a snowy afternoon. Now my sister skips cake at birthdays and asks for these every single year.

Dreamy Ingredients

  • Cocoa powder: To finish things off just like the original tiramisu Try unsweetened and Dutch processed for a stronger taste
  • Mascarpone cheese: What gives these their signature richness Use a fresh Italian one for best flavor
  • Instant coffee granules: The secret to that bold coffee kick Pick a really robust blend
  • Baking powder: This is what makes your cookies puff up gently Always check it’s nice and fresh
  • Salt: Helps all the other flavors pop A finely ground salt mixes best
  • Heavy cream: Adds major fluff and lushness Use heavy (not light) cream for the filling
  • Coffee liqueur: Brings depth and makes things extra fancy Kahlua or similar options work well
  • All-purpose flour: The backbone for a chewy-soft cookie Go unbleached for a lighter touch
  • Hot water: Needed to melt the coffee granules Make it filtered for cleanest flavor
  • Large eggs: Hold everything together and help the dough stay soft For the smoothest mix, let them warm up to room temperature first
  • Granulated sugar: Lends sweetness and golden edges Use organic for a pure taste
  • Unsalted butter: Classic cookie base Make sure it's softened for easy mixing, and go top-shelf for the richest outcome
  • Vanilla extract: Wraps everything in cozy flavor Go for real vanilla if you can

Simple Steps

Chill and Enjoy:
Pop your finished cookies in the fridge for about half an hour so the filling gets nice and sturdy or grab one right away if you just can't wait
Cocoa Time:
Right before serving, sprinkle the tops with cocoa powder using a little sieve for that perfect classic look
Cookie Assembly:
Take two cookies, slather the bottom of one with your mascarpone mixture, and sandwich them together
Add Coffee Liqueur:
Pour the liqueur into your creamy filling and beat it again This is what makes every bite taste like tiramisu
Whip Mascarpone Filling:
Beat mascarpone and heavy cream in a bowl until you get a thick, smooth, dreamy texture
Let Cookies Cool:
Give your cookies about five minutes to rest on the pans, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely They’ll finish setting up this way
Bake:
Slide the sheets into your oven for 10 to 12 minutes The edges should be golden and the centers soft for that perfect chewy bite
Scoop Dough:
Drop dough balls with a tablespoon or small scoop on the prepped sheets Make sure there’s room between each so they don’t stick together
Blend Wet and Dry:
Gently add your dry mix to your butter mixture Blend until everything just comes together Don’t overdo it or cookies might get tough
Mix in Coffee:
Stir those dissolved coffee granules into your batter for that signature buzz
Eggs and Vanilla Go In:
Add eggs to your butter mix, one after the other, mixing in between, then splash in the vanilla
Cream Butter and Sugar:
Beat softened butter with sugar using a mixer until light and airy That’s how you get those lovely soft cookies
Dry Stuff:
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl Get them well blended
Prep Oven and Sheets:
Fire up your oven to 350°F, and line two pans with parchment or silicone liners so cookies won’t stick
A cookie topped with white icing and mini chocolate chips. Pin
A cookie topped with white icing and mini chocolate chips. | flavorsfuse.com

Handy Details

  • The mascarpone filling can be whipped up in advance, which totally helps when party time sneaks up on you
  • Cookies stay sturdy and won’t turn into a soggy mess
  • Just enough sweetness without overloading on calories or sugar

I’m absolutely hooked on mascarpone, and if you can get your hands on a really great Italian one, do it! My grandma told me to always taste mascarpone before using it—if it’s mild and creamy, your cookies are gonna be next level. I still remember when my family first tried these at a holiday dinner. Everyone wanted seconds before even finishing their first cookie.

A cookie topped with white icing and chocolate sprinkles. Pin
A cookie topped with white icing and chocolate sprinkles. | flavorsfuse.com

How to Store

These guys stay fresh for up to four days if you stash them in the fridge in something airtight. They actually taste deeper and better after the first night. Cold also helps the middle set up nicely. Layer parchment in between if you’re stacking. If you want max freshness, wait to put together the cookies and filling until right before serving.

Swaps and Switches

No mascarpone nearby? Go for regular cream cheese—just be ready for a little tangier flavor. You can also trade instant coffee for a shot of cooled espresso, but add less so your dough won’t get soupy. For that traditional grown-up kick, coffee liqueur is a must. Need an alcohol-free option? Splash in a bit of vanilla extract instead.

Ways to Serve

Honestly, these are awesome solo, but they really shine when you pair them with a hot cup of coffee or espresso after dinner. I like to dust an extra layer of cocoa if I’m feeling fancy. Stack 'em on a pretty tiered tray for parties or wrap them up in a box for a special edible gift.

Italian Background

Tiramisu comes straight from Italy’s Veneto region and is easy to recognize with its mix of creamy, coffee, and chocolate flavors. These cookies give a playful spin, bringing a little slice of Italian café life to your table—no fussing around with perfect layers needed.

FAQs About the Recipe

→ What’s the trick for keeping these cookies soft?

Let the butter get nice and soft before you start, and try not to work the dough too much or your cookies might get a bit tough.

→ Can I swap out mascarpone if I’m out?

You can totally use cream cheese instead, just know it’ll taste a bit tangier.

→ How do I make the espresso taste pop?

Try bumping up the coffee granules or let the finished cookies chill for a stronger flavor.

→ What’s the best way to store them?

Pop them in the fridge in a sealed container so that creamy filling stays fresh.

→ Is the cocoa powder on top a must?

Totally up to you—it adds a nice finish and flavor, but you can skip it if you want.

Tiramisu Espresso Cookies

Buttery cookies filled with mascarpone and coffee hints. Cocoa and espresso balance out each taste.

Prep Time
20 min
Cooking Time
12 min
Total Time
32 min
By Monica: Monica

Category: Hybrid Desserts

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Style: Italian-American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 sandwich cookies)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

What You'll Need

→ Cookie Dough

01 1 tablespoon hot water
02 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 2 large eggs
05 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 1 teaspoon baking powder
09 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

→ Mascarpone Filling

10 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur
11 1/4 cup heavy cream
12 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese

→ Finishing

13 1/4 cup cocoa powder, to sprinkle on top

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Lay out some parchment paper or baking mats on two trays. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for the cookies.

Step 02

Toss together the salt, baking powder, and all-purpose flour in a medium bowl. Give it a good whisk so everything mixes up nicely.

Step 03

Beat your softened unsalted butter with the sugar using a mixer until it turns fluffy and pale.

Step 04

Drop in one egg at a time and mix well after each. Pour in the vanilla and stir until you don’t see any streaks left.

Step 05

Stir the instant coffee into some hot water so it fully melts, then pour it into your butter and egg mixture. Blend until there are no coffee bits left.

Step 06

Little by little, add the dry stuff into your wet mix. Just combine it—don’t keep beating or it’ll get tough.

Step 07

Scoop tablespoon-sized blobs of dough onto your lined trays, leaving about two inches between them so they don’t stick together.

Step 08

Pop them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges to look faintly golden but the centers should be soft.

Step 09

Take the trays out. Let the cookies hang out for five minutes before moving them onto wire racks until they’re completely cool.

Step 10

Whip the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream together until you get a silky, creamy filling.

Step 11

Pour the coffee liqueur into the creamy cheese mix and keep blending until all smooth.

Step 12

Slather plenty of that mascarpone filling on the underside of a cookie, then gently press another cookie on top to make sandwiches.

Step 13

Dust cocoa over the cookie tops. You can enjoy them right away, or let them chill for 30 minutes in the fridge so the filling sets up.

Additional Notes

  1. Let the butter sit out so it softens before you mix it. This really helps get your cookies light and fluffy.
  2. If you want stronger coffee vibes, just bump up the instant coffee by one teaspoon.
  3. Mascarpone not around? Cream cheese works, though it’ll taste a bit different.
  4. Try not to overwork your dough—less mixing means softer cookies.
  5. Letting your cookies set up in the fridge helps the flavors come together and keeps the filling from oozing out.

Essential Tools

  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone mats for baking
  • Wire racks
  • Sifter or mesh strainer for dusting
  • Spatula
  • Tablespoon or little cookie scoop

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient for possible allergens and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Has eggs, milk, wheat, and a bit of booze from the coffee liqueur.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

This info is for reference purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 150
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~