Tasty Italian Coffee Cookies

Featured in: Desserts

These treats turn traditional tiramisu into cookie form with a coffee-flavored base covered in creamy mascarpone and finished with cocoa.
Twistytaste.com
Updated on Tue, 22 Apr 2025 17:39:34 GMT
A close-up of cookies with cream topping and cocoa powder, showing one cookie with a bite taken out revealing chocolate inside. Pin it
A close-up of cookies with cream topping and cocoa powder, showing one cookie with a bite taken out revealing chocolate inside. | twistytaste.com

These Tiramisu Cookies have me totally hooked and I can't wait for you to try them. Imagine biting into a super fluffy cookie that captures all the flavors of that classic Italian treat, but in a handy snack form. I've added the silkiest mascarpone topping and sprinkled some cocoa powder on top. They're such a hit that my relatives now pester me to whip them up for every family event.

How These Treats Came To Life

Ever been in the mood for tiramisu but didn't feel like tackling a full dessert? That's exactly what sparked these cookies. I was hit with a tiramisu craving but wanted something I could tuck into my children's lunch boxes. After many cups of coffee and endless sampling sessions (someone had to do it!), I created these delights. What's great is they don't need any unusual items – just basic kitchen staples plus some mascarpone.

What You'll Need

  • Butter: Take one stick and melt it down. Give it a moment to cool while gathering your other stuff.
  • Brown Sugar: It creates that wonderful softness and adds this delicious caramel background I absolutely adore.
  • Instant Coffee: Don't stress about the brand. Whatever's in your cupboard will work fine.
  • Cocoa Powder: Dutch process is awesome, but the standard type does the job too.
  • Mascarpone: Pure magic in a tub. Make sure it sits out until it reaches room temperature.
  • Vanilla: Go for genuine extract if possible – it really enhances everything.
  • Egg: Only need one, preferably not cold from the fridge.
  • The Basics: You'll want flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a touch of salt.

Cookie Creation Steps

Getting Started
Start by melting your butter and setting it aside while collecting other ingredients. Mix it with sugars until the texture resembles damp sand. Add your egg and a splash of vanilla, then stir everything well.
Powder Party
In a separate bowl, combine your flour and buddies (that's my nickname for all the dry stuff). Stir them together quickly so they blend properly.
Cool Down Period
Form the dough into balls roughly ping pong size. Put them in the fridge for a while – this step isn't optional, believe me.
Baking Time
Warm your oven to 180°C. When it's ready, bake those chilled dough balls just until they're set. Watch carefully since we want them to stay soft inside!

The Cloud-Like Frosting

Fluff It Up
Get your mascarpone (remember, room temperature matters!) and beat it together with vanilla until it becomes airy and smooth. I usually handle this while waiting for the cookies to cool because waiting isn't my strong point.
Finishing Moves
After your cookies have completely cooled, spread or pipe that wonderful mascarpone on each one. Add a light cocoa powder dusting and try to save some for others (nearly impossible).

Insider Tricks

Since I've baked these treats countless times by now, let me share what I've figured out. Use a kitchen scale if you have one – it really helps nail the proportions. Don't rush past the cooling step (I found this out the hard way). And don't cut corners on mascarpone quality – it makes the whole thing better. Also, handle the dough gently – these aren't meant to test your arm strength.

Keeping Them Fresh

You'll need to keep these treats in your fridge because of the mascarpone topping. They'll stay tasty for a few days if they stick around that long (they never do at my place). If you want to plan ahead, make and freeze the cookie dough balls. Then you can bake them whenever cravings strike. I always keep some frozen for sweet tooth emergencies.

Tasty Variations

I like to switch things up with these cookies depending on what I'm feeling. Just days ago I switched the cocoa dusting for some shaved dark chocolate and wow, it was fantastic. For major coffee lovers like my hubby, try putting extra espresso powder in the mascarpone. During holiday season? I toss some smashed candy canes on top and everybody raves about them.

Common Wonderings

My friend asked if making larger cookies works and absolutely you can! Just give them a bit more time in the oven. My sis prepares the dough a day ahead and swears they come out incredible. And yes you can definitely freeze the dough I do this constantly. Just allow them to thaw slightly before popping them in the oven.

A tray of round desserts topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder. Pin it
A tray of round desserts topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder. | twistytaste.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare these cookies beforehand?
You can make the base cookies and the mascarpone mixture separately in advance. Keep the cookies in a sealed container and the cream in the fridge. For the best taste, add the cream and cocoa right before you plan to eat them.
→ What works instead of espresso powder?
Regular instant coffee will work, but it won't be as strong as espresso. Try grinding your instant coffee finer for better results. If you use brewed coffee, cut back on other liquids in the recipe.
→ Why should I cool the dough?
Cooling stops the cookies from getting too flat while baking and makes them taste better. It also gives the melted butter time to set up, which helps the cookies get the right texture.
→ How do I keep these cookies fresh?
After adding the mascarpone topping, keep them in the fridge and eat within 2 days. Plain cookies without cream can stay fresh in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
→ Can I freeze them?
You can freeze the plain cookies (without cream) for up to 3 months. Let them thaw completely before adding toppings. Don't freeze the mascarpone cream - it's best made fresh when you're ready to serve.

Italian Coffee Cookies

Delightful coffee cookies with a smooth layer of mascarpone and a sprinkle of cocoa, bringing together cookie crunch and classic Italian sweet flavors.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
11 Minutes
Total Time
41 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 11 Servings (11 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 Softened butter (110g).
02 White sugar (100g).
03 Soft brown sugar (100g).
04 Large egg (1, 57-60g shell included).
05 Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon).
06 Plain flour (230g).
07 Raising agent (1/2 teaspoon).
08 Sodium bicarbonate (1/2 teaspoon).
09 Quick espresso grounds (1 tablespoon).
10 Table salt (1/2 teaspoon).
11 Italian cream cheese (180g).
12 Vanilla flavoring for topping (1 teaspoon).
13 Powdered sugar (90g).
14 Sweet syrup or bee nectar (20g).
15 Whipping cream (120g).
16 Dark powder for garnish (1 tablespoon).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat butter till melted then pop in fridge for around 20 minutes to cool down completely.

Step 02

Beat your cooled butter with both types of sugar for a minute. Throw in the egg and vanilla, then mix everything together.

Step 03

Mix your flour, raising agent, sodium bicarbonate, coffee powder and salt. Gently fold into your wet mixture until barely combined.

Step 04

Using a 2 tablespoon scoop, portion out 11 balls of dough. Roll them smooth and stick in the fridge for an hour.

Step 05

Pop in oven at 180ºC/355ºF with 6 dough balls per tray for 10-11 minutes. Let them rest 3 minutes before moving to cooling rack.

Step 06

Mix the Italian cheese, vanilla, powdered sugar, sweet syrup and cream until it stands in firm peaks.

Step 07

Once cookies are cool, add swirls of the cheese mixture on top. Sprinkle with dark powder through a strainer.

Notes

  1. Watch your butter closely - it shouldn't start boiling or your wet-to-dry balance will be off.
  2. You can make your topping a day early and keep it in the fridge till you're ready.

Tools You'll Need

  • Dough portioners.
  • Hand or standing mixer.
  • Decorating sleeve and nozzle.
  • Small mesh strainer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk products.
  • Egg content.
  • Wheat protein.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 328
  • Total Fat: 19 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 41 g
  • Protein: 4 g