Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
If you adore the rich, indulgent flavors of tiramisu but crave something that’s easier to snack on and share, you are going to fall head over heels for this Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe. Imagine tender, coffee-infused cookies sandwiched with a luscious mascarpone filling, finished with a gentle dusting of cocoa powder—every bite is like a little espresso-fueled kiss of Italian dessert heaven. It’s the perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and coffee-flavored that will make your kitchen smell divine and your taste buds sing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet vital for creating that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and visual appeal in the Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe. Each one plays a role—from the aromatic espresso powder that wakes up the dough to the creamy mascarpone filling that brings everything together in delightful harmony.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The base of your cookies, providing structure and a light crumb.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the espresso’s depth.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Infuses the dough with rich creaminess and moistness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens while helping cookies brown beautifully.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Adds a subtle molasses note and extra chewiness.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for dough + 1/4 teaspoon for filling): Brings warmth and layers of flavor throughout.
- Espresso powder (2 tablespoons): The star ingredient that gives the cookies their bold coffee kiss.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Helps dissolve the espresso powder and keep dough smooth.
- Mascarpone cheese (1/2 cup, softened): Creates that classic creamy tiramisu filling.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the mascarpone with a silky texture.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Perfect for dusting, adding a bittersweet finish.
How to Make Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly combined and ready to provide the perfect cookie texture.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, making the cookies light and slightly chewy. Your kitchen will start smelling buttery and sweet, a wonderful sign you’re on track!
Step 3: Adding Egg and Vanilla
Mix the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until everything is well combined. This adds moisture and richness to your dough and layers in lovely aromatic notes that complement the espresso perfectly.
Step 4: Infusing Espresso Flavor
In a small bowl, dissolve the espresso powder in milk. This ensures even distribution of that espresso magic in the dough. Stir this coffee-infused liquid into your wet ingredients and marvel at how your cookie dough is transformed with an inviting, rich coffee aroma.
Step 5: Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing will make your cookies tough, and we want tender bites packed with flavor.
Step 6: Baking the Cookies
Drop spoonfuls or scoop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for expansion. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden and the centers look set. Let them rest five minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—this cooling step is important to keep their shape firm enough for sandwiching.
Step 7: Preparing the Mascarpone Filling
While the cookies cool, whip together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This filling is what transforms these cookies, giving you that luscious tiramisu flavor in every bite.
Step 8: Assembling the Cookie Sandwiches
Once your cookies have completely cooled, spread a generous layer of mascarpone filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently press another cookie on top to create a sandwich. Finish by dusting the tops with unsweetened cocoa powder to echo that classic tiramisu touch.
How to Serve Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, a light dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder is spot on, but you can also sprinkle a few finely shaved dark chocolate curls on top for texture and elegance. A couple of whole coffee beans on each plate can add a delightful visual cue to the espresso flavor inside.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a simple cup of espresso or a creamy cappuccino, making them perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or after-dinner treat. For a non-coffee crowd, a glass of cold milk or even a scoop of vanilla gelato is a tasty companion to the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these cookies in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper for gifting, or serve them stacked on a rustic wooden platter dusted with cocoa powder. Another fun idea is to serve mini versions with toothpicks for easy party snacking—each bite sized cookie still bursting with espresso and mascarpone goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe sandwiches keep best in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mascarpone filling benefits from chill time, allowing flavors to meld and texture to stay firm.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled cookies by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to preserve taste and texture.
Reheating
Since these cookies are best served chilled or at room temperature, avoid reheating. If you prefer them softer, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes after taking them out of the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?
Absolutely! Instant coffee powder works perfectly in this Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe. The flavor might be a touch milder, but it still delivers that wonderful coffee essence.
What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone isn’t available, you can substitute with a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream for a similar creamy texture, though the traditional tiramisu flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before baking for best results.
Is it necessary to dust with cocoa powder?
The cocoa powder dusting adds the classic tiramisu look and a subtle bitter contrast, but if you prefer, you can skip it or use powdered sugar for a sweeter finish.
How do I get the cookies perfectly flat for sandwiching?
Dropping tablespoon-sized portions and gently flattening them slightly before baking helps. Also, allowing the cookies to cool completely ensures the filling spreads smoothly and the sandwiches hold together nicely.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a coffee lover or a dessert fan, this Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe is going to become one of those treats you make again and again. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the classic tiramisu flavor in an approachable, handheld form that’s perfect for sharing. Give it a try, and watch how this delightful coffee-kissed cookie elevates your baking repertoire and impresses everyone lucky enough to get a bite!
Print
Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (approximately 24 cookies, making 12 sandwiches) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Espresso Kissed Tiramisu Cookies combine the rich flavors of espresso and creamy mascarpone cheese to create a delightful cookie sandwich inspired by the classic Italian tiramisu dessert. These soft, coffee-infused cookies are filled with a smooth mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa powder for an indulgent treat perfect for coffee lovers.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons espresso powder (or instant coffee powder)
- 1/4 cup milk
Filling
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the filling)
Finishing
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth, which will help create a tender cookie texture.
- Add egg and vanilla: Incorporate the large egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture, beating well until everything is completely combined.
- Dissolve espresso powder: In a small bowl, dissolve the espresso powder (or instant coffee powder) in the milk, ensuring it is fully dissolved to evenly infuse the coffee flavor into the dough.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the espresso milk mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth, distributing the coffee flavor throughout the dough.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and keeping the cookies tender.
- Shape and bake cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers set.
- Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which is necessary before filling.
- Prepare mascarpone filling: While the cookies cool, beat together the softened mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble cookie sandwiches: Once the cookies have fully cooled, spread a generous amount of mascarpone filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top it with another cookie to form a sandwich.
- Finish and serve: Lightly dust the top of each cookie sandwich with unsweetened cocoa powder for a classic tiramisu touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect espresso-flavored treat!
Notes
- Make sure the mascarpone cheese is softened for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
- You can substitute espresso powder with instant coffee powder if desired.
- For best results, let cookies cool completely before assembling to prevent the filling from melting.
- Store assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
- Dust with additional cocoa powder just before serving to maintain a fresh appearance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
