Tiramisu Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Tiramisu Cookies combine all the rich, creamy, and coffee-flavored goodness of the classic Italian dessert with the portability and convenience of a cookie. These delicious treats are a wonderful twist on the traditional tiramisu, delivering layers of flavor and texture in every bite. With a soft, pillowy center, a subtle espresso flavor, and a dusting of cocoa powder, these cookies bring together the best elements of tiramisu without the need for assembly or fancy presentation.

Perfect for coffee lovers, dessert enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys a sweet, decadent treat, Tiramisu Cookies are a fun and easy way to indulge in the iconic flavors of tiramisu. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party, bringing them to a holiday gathering, or just treating yourself, these cookies will certainly impress.

Why You’ll Love Tiramisu Cookies

• Classic Tiramisu Flavor: These cookies capture the iconic flavors of tiramisu, including rich espresso, mascarpone, and cocoa powder, all in one bite. They deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and coffee flavor.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The cookies are soft and chewy with a slight crispness around the edges. The texture is perfect for those who love cookies with a little bit of bite but a melt-in-your-mouth interior.
• Easy to Make: Unlike traditional tiramisu, which can require layering and chilling, these cookies come together quickly and easily. With just a few ingredients, you can make a batch in under an hour.
• Perfect for Coffee Lovers: If you’re a fan of tiramisu or espresso, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. The rich coffee flavor is not overpowering, but just enough to make each bite delightful.
• Versatile and Fun: These cookies are ideal for a variety of occasions, from casual get-togethers to festive gatherings. They’re also easily customizable if you want to add extra flavor, texture, or even a twist of your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Calories per Serving: Around 140-160 calories per cookie, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 140-160 kcal
• Fat: 7-9g
• Carbohydrates: 18-20g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12-14g

Ingredients

For the Tiramisu Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons espresso powder or instant coffee powder
• 2 teaspoons hot water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup mascarpone cheese, softened
• ¼ cup cocoa powder (for dusting)

Special Equipment

Making Tiramisu Cookies is straightforward, but a few tools can help streamline the process and ensure the best results:

1. Electric Mixer: An electric mixer is ideal for creaming the butter and sugar together, and it helps combine the ingredients quickly and evenly. This is especially important when working with butter and sugar to create a light and fluffy texture.
2. Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures that the cookies are all the same size, making for even baking. It also makes the process of rolling dough into uniform balls much faster.
3. Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat will help prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure that they bake evenly.
4. Wire Rack: After baking, transferring the cookies to a wire rack will allow them to cool evenly and avoid the risk of soggy bottoms. It also prevents the cookies from becoming overly soft as they cool.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are essential for the success of this recipe. Make sure to use proper measuring cups and spoons to get the right amounts of flour, sugar, and other ingredients.
6. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of bowls: one for the wet ingredients and another for the dry ingredients. Opt for sturdy glass or stainless steel mixing bowls to ensure even mixing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure the cookies don’t stick during baking.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies become soft and chewy.

In a small bowl, dissolve the espresso powder or instant coffee powder in hot water. Stir until completely dissolved. Add this coffee mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, followed by the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until fully incorporated.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. The baking powder helps the cookies rise slightly, creating a light and tender texture, while the salt enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this could result in dense cookies. The dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and easy to scoop.

3. Add the Mascarpone Cheese

Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese. The mascarpone gives these cookies their signature creaminess, mimicking the richness of traditional tiramisu. It will also add a slight tang, balancing the sweetness and coffee flavor.

4. Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. If you prefer larger or smaller cookies, simply adjust the size of the dough balls, but keep in mind that the baking time may vary slightly.

5. Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them. You want them to have a soft, chewy center with a slightly crisp edge.

If you prefer a softer center, you can remove the cookies from the oven a minute or two earlier, but be sure not to underbake them too much.

6. Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack prevents the cookies from becoming too soft or soggy on the bottom. Let them cool for at least 20 minutes before dusting with cocoa powder.

7. Dust with Cocoa Powder

Once the cookies have cooled, dust them with a light coating of cocoa powder. This final touch adds the finishing tiramisu-inspired flair, mimicking the traditional dusting of cocoa on the dessert. Use a fine-mesh sieve or sifter to ensure the cocoa powder is evenly distributed for a polished look.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Once the cookies are completely cool and dusted with cocoa powder, they’re ready to enjoy! Serve them with a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or a glass of milk for the ultimate treat. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Tips for Perfect Tiramisu Cookies

• Use High-Quality Espresso: For the best flavor, use good-quality espresso or coffee powder. This will help ensure the coffee flavor shines through in the cookies without being too bitter or overpowering.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Be sure to mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so it’s important to handle the dough gently.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you prefer a thicker cookie, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking and prevents them from spreading too much.
• Experiment with Coffee Flavors: You can experiment with different types of coffee or flavored espresso powders, such as caramel, vanilla, or hazelnut, to give these cookies a unique twist.
• Add a Cream Cheese Frosting: For an extra indulgent treat, consider adding a light cream cheese frosting or mascarpone frosting on top of the cooled cookies for an even more decadent flavor.

Variations of Tiramisu Cookies

• Tiramisu Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the dough for an extra layer of richness. The chocolate will complement the coffee flavor perfectly.
• Nutella Tiramisu Cookies: Add a small spoonful of Nutella to the center of each dough ball before baking. This creates a gooey, chocolate-hazelnut center that pairs beautifully with the coffee flavor.
• Tiramisu Biscotti: Shape the dough into logs and bake them twice to make a crunchy biscotti version of Tiramisu Cookies. Dip the biscotti into coffee or milk for an extra special treat.
• Mini Tiramisu Cookies: Make mini versions of these cookies by scooping smaller dough balls and reducing the baking time slightly. These mini cookies are perfect for sharing and serving at parties.

Storage and Shelf Life

Tiramisu Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later. To store, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them for longer, you can freeze the cookies.

To freeze, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies will last for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours or microwave them for a few seconds to restore their softness.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Tiramisu Cookies

Pair these cookies with complementary treats to enhance your experience:

• Coffee or Espresso: The natural pairing for Tiramisu Cookies is a hot cup of coffee or espresso. The deep, rich flavors of the coffee bring out the best in the cookies.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve the cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of warm, chewy cookies and cool, creamy ice cream.
• Mascarpone Whipped Cream: For a truly indulgent experience, top the cookies with a dollop of mascarpone whipped cream or use it as a dipping sauce.
• Chocolate Fondue: Dip the cookies in chocolate fondue for an extra decadent treat. The chocolate pairs wonderfully with the coffee flavor in the cookies.

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Conclusion

Tiramisu Cookies are a fun and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of tiramisu in cookie form. With their rich espresso flavor, soft texture, and cocoa dusting, these cookies are sure to be a hit with coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a simple treat, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy the deliciousness of tiramisu in every bite with these irresistible cookies!