Tiramisu Coffee Cookies with Mascarpone Frosting Recipe

If you’re a coffee lover and adore classic Italian desserts, you’re going to flip for this Tiramisu Coffee Cookies with Mascarpone Frosting Recipe. These cookies combine the rich, deep notes of espresso with a sweet, fluffy mascarpone frosting that makes every bite feel like a cozy coffee break in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to bake them again and again—because who doesn’t want cookies that taste like tiramisu?

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Tiramisu Coffee Cookies with Mascarpone Frosting Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to evoke the essence of tiramisu in cookie form. Each element complements the others, and a few shopping tips will make your baking seamless.

• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over saltiness and ensures a tender texture in the cookies.
• Instant powder espresso: This is your secret weapon for that authentic coffee flavor without adding liquid that alters dough consistency.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookies, giving structure without making them too dense.
• Cornstarch: This ingredient keeps the cookies soft and light by tenderizing the gluten.
• Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents gently lift the cookies, creating a nice puff and slight chew.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps the cookies crisp slightly at the edges.
• Egg (room temperature): Adds richness and binds the dough together smoothly.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors and rounds out the coffee notes beautifully.
• Mascarpone cheese: The heart of the frosting — choose a high-quality, cold mascarpone for the best creamy texture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve a silky frosting consistency.
• Cold heavy whipping cream: Whipped in, it lightens the mascarpone frosting to luscious fluffiness.
• Cocoa powder: A final dusting that gives that classic tiramisu look and a subtle bitterness that balances sweetness.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Tiramisu Coffee Cookies with Mascarpone Frosting Recipe is so easy to personalize. Whether you’re a hardcore coffee fan or prefer your sweets a little lighter, you can tweak amounts or add your own twist.

• Extra Espresso: For a bolder coffee hit, sprinkle a little extra espresso powder on top of the frosting before dusting cocoa powder—I do this when I want a stronger aroma during afternoon coffee time.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Adding mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough turns these into an indulgent mocha cookie that’s irresistible at a party.
• Dairy-Free Variation: I haven’t tried it myself yet, but swapping mascarpone with a coconut cream-based frosting could work for dairy-free needs—just ensure the texture stays creamy.
• Seasonal Spices: During fall, I like adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a festive coffee cookie with warm spice notes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tiramisu Coffee Cookies with Mascarpone Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Infuse Butter with Espresso

Start by gently melting the unsalted butter and whisking in the instant espresso powder until fully dissolved. This step infuses that rich coffee flavor right into your fat base, which is key for authentic tiramisu vibes. Pop this mixture into the fridge for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly—this helps your dough hold together better later on.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

While the butter cools, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. This combo ensures your cookies get just the right amount of lift and tenderness without turning cakey or crunchy. Stirring them together now means the leavening agents will be evenly distributed—saving you from any funky spots of bitterness or dense dough.

Step 3: Build the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, whisk the cooled espresso butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and smooth—this step helps create a slightly crisp edge on the cookies. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, making sure everything is glossy and combined. Then, fold in the dry ingredients gradually, about half at a time, to avoid overmixing and toughening your dough. The dough should look soft but hold together when scooped.

Step 4: Let the Oven Preheat & Dough Rest

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Letting the dough rest while the oven heats up for around 30 minutes allows the butter to chill again, which helps control spreading and gives you a better cookie shape.

Step 5: Scoop, Bake & Cool

Use a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) to scoop uniform dough balls and place them on the sheet about 3 inches apart. Baking time is around 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just firm and the centers puff slightly. Don’t wait for the cookies to get golden all over—that softness in the middle holds the chewy, tender texture we’re after. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to reach room temp before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Espresso Mascarpone Frosting

While the cookies cool, whip up the frosting. Start on low speed whisking the mascarpone cheese until velvety smooth. Then add powdered sugar, more espresso powder, and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined. Slowly stream in the cold heavy cream, gradually increasing your mixer speed to medium, and whip for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy—not runny and not stiff.

Step 7: Frost & Dust

Top each cookie with 1 to 2 tablespoons of mascarpone frosting, smoothing it with the back of a spoon or an icing spatula in a gentle circular motion. Finally, dust with cocoa powder to finish this tiramisu-inspired look and add a subtle bittersweet layer on top.

How to Serve Tiramisu Coffee Cookies with Mascarpone Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I keep garnishes simple to let the cookies shine—just a generous cocoa powder dusting is all you need. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I grate a bit of dark chocolate over the top or sprinkle a few espresso beans for crunch and visual appeal. It adds such a lovely café vibe.

Side Dishes

These tiramisu cookies pair beautifully with a hot espresso, strong black coffee, or even a creamy latte. For a full afternoon treat, serve alongside simple biscotti or fresh berries to contrast the richness. They also make a delightful finish to an Italian dinner party or a cozy brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered these cookies in a clear glass trifle bowl with extra mascarpone frosting and a scatter of mini chocolate chips—almost a tiramisu cup in cookie form! Another fun idea is to sandwich frosting between two cookies for a cookie “tiramisu sandwich.” It’s a hit with kids and adults alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, these tiramisu coffee cookies keep best in the fridge, covered in an airtight container, for up to 5 days. I like to layer parchment paper between cookies if stacking to prevent smushing the frosting. If you want to store them unfrosted, they hold fine at room temperature for a day or two—just make sure they’re sealed well.

Freezing

I’ve frozen unfrosted cookie dough balls on a tray, then transferred them to freezer bags for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple minutes to the baking time. Unfortunately, the mascarpone frosting doesn’t freeze well—its texture changes, so I recommend frosting freshly baked cookies.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy these cookies warm, I suggest reheating unfrosted cookies in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes before frosting. Microwaving frosted cookies can make the mascarpone melt and become runny, so avoid that. Freshly baked or well-stored cookies taste best when eaten within a couple of days.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Tiramisu Coffee Cookies with Mascarpone Frosting Recipe has become my go-to when I want something sweet but not over-the-top—a bit grown-up yet utterly comforting. Sharing these with friends over coffee always sparks smiles and requests for the recipe. I really hope you give these a try and enjoy every rich, creamy, coffee-kissed bite as much as I do. Once you taste them, you’ll see why tiramisu and cookies are a match made in heaven!

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