Best Coffee Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 25 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the rich flavors of tiramisu with the portable charm of a cookie, then you’re in for a treat. This Best Coffee Tiramisu Cookies Recipe nails those bold espresso notes layered with creamy mascarpone frosting, all wrapped into a soft, chewy sugar cookie base. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become your new favorite coffee-flavored indulgence. Let’s dive right in so you can impress your friends or just enjoy some decadent bites yourself!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Bold Coffee Flavor: Using instant espresso powder in both dough and frosting guarantees a rich mocha goodness without any bitterness.
  • Soft Yet Chewy Texture: The cornstarch and balanced leavening help keep the cookies tender, with just the right amount of chew.
  • Creamy Mascarpone Frosting: Whipping heavy cream with mascarpone cheese creates a luscious, fluffy frosting that’s perfectly coffee-infused and easy to spread.
Best Coffee Tiramisu Cookies, coffee flavored cookies, tiramisu cookie recipe, coffee cake cookies, mascarpone frosting cookies - The image shows seven round cookies on a black wire cooling rack placed over a white marbled surface. Six cookies have a smooth and creamy light beige frosting swirled on top, with each swirl giving a soft texture look. One cookie stands out with a darker, chocolate-colored frosting that has a drier, thicker texture and a dusting of cocoa powder on top. The cookies are evenly spaced except for one chocolate-frosted cookie placed near the bottom left. The overall arrangement and lighting make the frosting look soft and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This cookie recipe blends simple pantry staples with a few special touches to deliver that tiramisu magic. I’ve found that using cold mascarpone and cream helps the frosting whip up smoothly, and letting the dough rest while the oven heats makes all the difference for texture.

Best Coffee Tiramisu Cookies, coffee flavored cookies, tiramisu cookie recipe, coffee cake cookies, mascarpone frosting cookies - Flat lay of a small mound of unsalted butter with a slightly softened texture, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark brown instant espresso powder, a neat pile of fine all purpose flour, a small heap of white cornstarch powder, a small heap of baking powder crystals, a small heap of baking soda powder, a modest pile of white granulated sugar, one large whole egg with a smooth clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of pale golden vanilla extract, a chunk of cold creamy mascarpone cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of cocoa powder with a rich dark brown color, a small white ceramic bowl filled with cold heavy whipping cream with gentle ripples on the surface, all ingredients perfectly arranged in balanced symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Unsalted Butter: Melting and infusing it with espresso powder creates an even coffee flavor dispersed through the dough.
  • Instant Powder Espresso: Key to that coffee kick, plus it dissolves easily without affecting texture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base for soft sugar cookies that hold their shape well.
  • Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth chewiness.
  • Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Work together to create lightness without puffiness.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and adds to the texture, balancing the bitterness from coffee.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients while adding moisture and richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances all flavors, adding warmth and sweetness.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: The luxurious, creamy base for our frosting, essential for authentic tiramisu flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and ensures smooth texture.
  • Cold Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped into the mascarpone for lightness and fluff.
  • Cocoa Powder: For that classic tiramisu finishing dusting that adds bittersweet contrast.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love experimenting with these cookies! You can easily dial up the coffee intensity, swap mascarpone for cream cheese if you want a tangier frosting, or even add a splash of liqueur for an adult twist.

  • Extra Espresso Kick: Once, I doubled the espresso powder in frosting—made the flavor pop without bitterness, great for real coffee lovers.
  • Dairy-Free Version: You can substitute vegan butter and coconut cream for mascarpone and heavy cream; texture will shift but flavor still rocks.
  • Seasonal Twist: Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or orange zest to the dough makes for lovely holiday vibes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Best Coffee Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Infuse Butter with Coffee Goodness

Start by gently melting your unsalted butter, then whisk in the instant espresso powder until fully blended. This step really sets the tone for the coffee flavor—no grainy bits here! Pop it in the fridge for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly but not harden completely.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately

While the butter chills, whisk together your flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt in another bowl. This pre-mix saves time and ensures even distribution of leavening agents so your cookies rise and texture stays consistent.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Egg & Vanilla

In a large bowl, combine the cooled espresso butter with the granulated sugar. Whisk thoroughly until it looks smooth and creamy—this might take a couple of minutes. Then stir in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. This part is key for creating a tender crumb.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients Gently

Add the dry mix to the wet in two batches, folding just until combined after each addition. Overmixing will make the cookies tough, so take your time here. The dough will feel soft but manageable.

Step 5: Chill Dough and Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), which usually takes about 20–30 minutes. Let your cookie dough rest while the oven comes up to temperature; this brief rest helps hydrate the flour and makes scooping easier.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Use a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) to portion out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set and the cookie centers puff slightly. Don’t overbake — you want that tender chew!

Step 7: Cool and Make the Mascarpone Frosting

While cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, start the frosting by whipping cold mascarpone cheese on low until smooth. Add espresso powder, vanilla, and powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Slowly pour in cold heavy cream, then whip on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost and Dust

Once the cookies have fully cooled, spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of frosting on top using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Finish with a generous dusting of cocoa powder to get that classic tiramisu look and contrast. Now, dig in and savor every coffee-kissed bite!

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Pro Tips for Making Best Coffee Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

  • Chill the Butter Mixture: Don’t skip cooling the espresso butter; it ensures the dough isn’t too soft and helps the cookies hold their shape better.
  • Don’t Overmix Dough: Overworking the flour will produce tough cookies—fold gently until just incorporated for best texture.
  • Cold Ingredients for Frosting: Keep mascarpone and cream cold before whipping; they come together easier and hold fluffy peaks longer.
  • Dust with Cocoa Powder Last: Adding cocoa powder just before serving prevents it from moistening and losing that fresh bitterness.

How to Serve Best Coffee Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

Best Coffee Tiramisu Cookies, coffee flavored cookies, tiramisu cookie recipe, coffee cake cookies, mascarpone frosting cookies - The image shows a close-up view of round pastries with a light tan base layer that looks soft. Each pastry has a thick, swirled layer of creamy light brown frosting on top. The frosting is dusted heavily with dark brown cocoa powder, which also shadows and spreads around the white marbled surface beneath the pastries. The texture of the frosting is smooth with visible swirls and peaks. The scene is bright and clear, highlighting the contrast between the light frosting and the dark cocoa powder. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually stick with the classic dusting of cocoa powder on these cookies because it brings that authentic tiramisu feel. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few finely grated dark chocolate shavings over the frosting for a little extra texture and a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

Pairing these with a cup of your favorite espresso or a creamy latte really amplifies their flavor. For something sweet but balanced, a fresh berry salad or tangy lemon tart cuts through the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve served these at parties, I arranged them on tiered dessert stands with little flags made from coffee stirrers labeled “Tiramisu Cookies” for a fun touch. They also look stunning stacked with a drizzle of chocolate ganache on top for holidays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, I store these cookies in an airtight container in the fridge, layering parchment paper between stacks to keep the frosting pristine. They stay fresh and delicious for about 5 days this way—perfect for planning ahead.

Freezing

I’ve had success freezing just the baked cookies (unfrosted) by tightly wrapping them and placing in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and then frost fresh. Freezing the frosted ones usually compromises the mascarpone texture, so I don’t recommend it.

Reheating

Since these are best enjoyed cool, I don’t reheat the cookies themselves. But if you want softer cookies, a few seconds in a microwave can warm them gently—just avoid the frosting with heat. I prefer letting that creamy topping stay chilled.

FAQs

  1. Can I use brewed coffee instead of espresso powder?

    You can, but espresso powder dissolves better and delivers a more concentrated flavor without adding extra liquid that could affect cookie texture. If using brewed coffee, reduce other liquids slightly.

  2. What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?

    Though mascarpone is ideal for texture and flavor, you could try a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream as a substitute. Keep in mind, this will give a tangier frosting and slightly different mouthfeel.

  3. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

    Make sure your butter is cooled but not melted when mixing dough, chill the dough briefly, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Using cornstarch also helps stabilize the dough for less spreading.

  4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

    Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures 1:1. Just be mindful that texture may be a little different, so watch baking time closely.

Final Thoughts

This Best Coffee Tiramisu Cookies Recipe has become my go-to when I want something that’s both comforting and a little fancy. I love how it brings all the tiramisu vibes without needing layering or chilling time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do—they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with just a spoonful of coffee magic in every bite!

Print
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Best Coffee Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 25 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 20 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these soft and chewy Tiramisu Cookies, combining rich espresso-flavored sugar cookies with creamy mascarpone frosting and a dusting of cocoa powder for a perfect coffee-inspired treat.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Coffee Sugar Cookies

  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon instant powder espresso
  • 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (US), room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Espresso Mascarpone Frosting

  • 8 oz. mascarpone cheese, cold
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons instant powder espresso
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (237 ml) cold heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons (10 g) cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

  1. Melt and chill butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter and whisk in the espresso powder. Transfer to the fridge and cool for about 10 minutes.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the cooled espresso butter with granulated sugar until combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth.
  4. Make the dough: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in two additions and mix until just combined.
  5. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 375 F (190 C) for 30 minutes. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Let the dough rest while the oven preheats.
  6. Scoop cookies: Using a medium cookie scoop (2 tablespoons), place cookie dough balls 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake cookies: Bake at 375 F (190 C) for 12 minutes or until edges are set and centers slightly puffed.
  8. Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely to room temperature.
  9. Prepare frosting: On low speed, whisk mascarpone cheese until smooth. Add espresso powder, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar and mix well.
  10. Whip cream into frosting: Slowly add heavy whipping cream on low speed, then increase to medium and whip for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  11. Frost cookies and finish: Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of mascarpone frosting onto each cookie using a spatula. Dust with cocoa powder and serve.

Notes

  • Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Unfrosted cookies can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days.
  • For a stronger espresso flavor, increase the instant espresso powder by 1 teaspoon in both cookie dough and frosting.
  • Ensure butter is cooled but still liquid before mixing to avoid cooking the egg prematurely.
  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 65 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg

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