If you’re a fan of coffee, creamy mascarpone, and all things Italian-inspired, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe. Imagine the essence of classic tiramisu, with espresso and cocoa playing starring roles, baked right into tender cookies that melt in your mouth. These are not just cookies—they’re little moments of pure joy dressed up as dessert, with flavors layered in sophisticated simplicity. This Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is perfect for sharing—or secretly stashing for yourself—each time you need a boost of caffeinated bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe comes from simple, recognizable ingredients that join forces to create something extraordinary. Each one brings a specific flavor or texture to the table, making these cookies stand out in any dessert spread.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookies, giving them structure while staying tender.
- Cornstarch: Delivers a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes each bite irresistible.
- Baking powder: Adds a gentle lift, ensuring the cookies are light and never dense.
- Salt: Just a pinch to round out and boost all the other flavors.
- Instant espresso powder: Infuses a deep, aromatic coffee flavor—absolutely essential for the tiramisu vibe.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and helps create that light, creamy crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough without overwhelming the coffee notes.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients while offering moisture and extra tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and complexity to the flavor profiles.
- Almond extract (optional): For a whisper of nutty aroma—totally up to you, but it’s a wonderful extra layer!
- Mascarpone cheese (softened): Creamy and luxurious, this is the cookie’s Italian soul.
- Strong brewed espresso or coffee: Intensifies the flavor, keeping the cookies moist and aromatic.
- Cocoa powder (for dusting): A finishing flourish that sums up the tiramisu experience.
- Mini chocolate chips or chocolate curls (optional): Adds drama and extra chocolatey goodness to each bite.
How to Make Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
To kick things off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, you’ll thank yourself when it’s cleanup time. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and instant espresso powder. This step ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and that coffee flavor is in every single crumb.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This might take a couple of minutes, and you’ll see the color lighten and the texture become pillowy—a sure sign your base is ready for the next flavor layers.
Step 3: Add Egg, Extracts, Mascarpone, and Brewed Espresso
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if you’re using it) to the creamed mixture. When it’s smooth and cohesive, gently mix in the mascarpone cheese and the strong brewed espresso or coffee. Don’t rush this—let it get creamy and dreamy so that every bite of your cookies feels like a spoonful of classic tiramisu.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. The key is not to overmix, so stop as soon as you see a soft dough form. You want the cookies to stay delicate, with just enough structure to hold up on the baking sheet.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes—look for set edges with centers that still look slightly soft. They’ll finish setting up as they cool. Let them hang out on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: The Finishing Touch
When the cookies are fully cooled, dust them generously with cocoa powder for that iconic tiramisu flourish. If you feel like making things extra-special, sprinkle on a few mini chocolate chips or some delicate chocolate curls—the ultimate finishing touch for your Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe.
How to Serve Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A good garnish can turn a simple cookie into a showstopper. Dust the tops with unsweetened cocoa powder for classic tiramisu drama. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter a few mini chocolate chips or chocolate curls over the cookies for a pop of texture and a touch of elegance. Even a little grated white chocolate can add a striking contrast and extra decadence to your serving platter.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a fresh cup of espresso, cappuccino, or an affogato for a truly Italian café experience. For a creamy contrast, serve alongside a bowl of vanilla gelato or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. These cookies are wonderful beside fresh berries too—their gentle acidity brightens up each bite and balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
The Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is as versatile as it is delicious! Pile cookies high on a vintage cake stand, arrange artfully in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment for gifting, or create decadent cookie sandwiches by piping extra mascarpone cream between two cookies. For a festive party, consider stacking them in a pyramid and dusting with extra cocoa just before serving for a real wow moment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The mascarpone keeps them moist, and the coffee flavors intensify as they sit. For the best texture, let the cookies come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving—this way, the flavors fully shine with every bite.
Freezing
Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then layer between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours before enjoying.
Reheating
If you like your cookies slightly warm, simply let them sit at room temperature or microwave them for 8 to 10 seconds—just enough to soften without melting the mascarpone filling. Avoid reheating in the oven, as this can dry them out. Fresh out of the fridge or gently warmed, they’ll taste bakery-fresh either way.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix for the all-purpose flour. The cookies should retain that signature tender crumb, but always check your mix for best substitution ratios and adjust baking time as needed.
What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone isn’t available, you can substitute with full-fat cream cheese blended with a little heavy cream to mimic the smooth, rich texture of mascarpone. The flavor may be slightly tangier, but it’s a delicious compromise.
Is it possible to make these without coffee?
While coffee is part of the magic in this Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe, you can use decaffeinated espresso or even omit the espresso powder and use only cocoa for a kid-friendly version. Just know that the signature tiramisu notes come from that coffee warmth!
Can I assemble these as sandwich cookies?
Definitely! For an ultra-decadent treat, pipe or spread extra mascarpone cream between two cooled cookies. Dust with cocoa powder and chill before serving for an irresistible dessert sandwich everyone will rave about.
Do I need special equipment to make these cookies?
No fancy gadgets required—just a couple of bowls, a mixer, and a baking sheet will do the trick. A small ice cream scoop or tablespoon helps shape evenly sized cookies, and a fine mesh sieve works perfectly for dusting with cocoa powder.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe. It truly brings together all the best parts of tiramisu and cookies in every soft, chocolate-dusted bite. Share them, gift them, or make an extra batch to treat yourself—you deserve every delicious moment! If you love Italian-inspired desserts or crave a hint of espresso in your sweets, don’t let this one slip by.
Print
Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of espresso and mascarpone with these delectable Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies. A delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons strong brewed espresso or coffee
For Dusting:
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- Optional: mini chocolate chips or chocolate curls for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix in mascarpone cheese and brewed espresso until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool and garnish: Let the cookies cool, then dust with cocoa powder. Garnish with mini chocolate chips or curls if desired.
Notes
- Store cookies in the refrigerator for a cool, creamy bite.
- Sandwich two cookies with mascarpone filling for a decadent treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
