Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies bring together the indulgent essence of classic tiramisu with the comforting charm of homemade cookies. These delightful treats feature soft, espresso-kissed chocolate cookies sandwiched around a rich, creamy mascarpone filling. Finished with a dusting of cocoa powder, they mimic the flavor profile of traditional tiramisu in a fun, handheld dessert form. Perfect for special occasions, cookie swaps, or an elevated afternoon snack, these sandwich cookies are an irresistible blend of bold coffee flavor, soft texture, and creamy sweetness.
Unlike a traditional tiramisu that requires layering and chilling in a pan, these cookies are portable, quick to assemble, and satisfyingly decadent. The espresso-infused chocolate cookies are soft and chewy, providing the perfect counterpoint to the smooth mascarpone center. Meanwhile, the dusting of cocoa on top adds a classic tiramisu touch. Whether you’re a fan of coffee desserts or simply love unique cookie recipes, these Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies are sure to become a new favorite. Ideal for both casual and elegant settings, they deliver big flavor in a small, delightful package.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the Tiramisu Flavors: Classic coffee, cocoa, and mascarpone in every bite.
- Perfect Texture Combo: Soft cookies paired with a creamy filling.
- Portable and Shareable: Great for parties, potlucks, or gifting.
- No Fancy Equipment Needed: Simple ingredients, no special tools.
- Elegant but Easy: Looks impressive, but the steps are straightforward.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Instant espresso powder (dissolved in hot water)
For the Mascarpone Filling
- Mascarpone cheese
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
For Topping
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
Variations
- Boozy Twist: Add a splash of coffee liqueur to the mascarpone filling.
- Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half of each cookie sandwich in melted chocolate and chill.
- Holiday Flair: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for seasonal warmth.
- Different Fillings: Try a chocolate ganache or coffee buttercream instead of mascarpone.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Step 3: Add Espresso
Stir in the dissolved espresso mixture until the dough is evenly combined and richly fragrant.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Scoop dough onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven until edges are set but centers remain soft. Let cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Mascarpone Filling
Beat cold mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread or pipe mascarpone filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie to make a sandwich.
Step 7: Finish with Cocoa
Dust the tops of the cookie sandwiches with unsweetened cocoa powder for that authentic tiramisu touch.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use chilled mascarpone and cream for a stable filling.
- Don’t overbake the cookies—they should stay soft.
- Let cookies cool fully before assembling to avoid melting the filling.
- Store assembled cookies in the fridge to keep the filling firm.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.
How to Serve
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.
- Pair with espresso, cappuccino, or dessert wine.
- Arrange on a platter with fresh berries for an elegant dessert spread.
- Sprinkle extra cocoa or shaved chocolate before serving.
- Great addition to holiday cookie trays or dessert buffets.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow them to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Freezing
Freeze cookies (unfilled or filled) in layers with parchment paper in between. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
These cookies are best served cold or at room temp; reheating is not recommended.
FAQs
1. Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
Yes, but it will have a tangier taste. Blend it with some heavy cream for a smoother texture.
2. Can I make the cookies in advance?
Yes, bake and store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days before filling.
3. Is there a way to intensify the coffee flavor?
Add more espresso powder or a few drops of coffee extract to the filling.
4. Can I use brewed coffee instead of espresso powder?
Not recommended—it adds too much liquid and dilutes the dough.
5. What’s the best way to fill the cookies?
Use a piping bag for clean, even application, or spread with a spoon or offset spatula.
6. Can I skip the cocoa powder dusting?
Yes, but it adds a nice finish and boosts the tiramisu vibe.
7. Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Yes, especially if you skip the liqueur in any variations.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just scale all ingredients proportionally.
9. What if my mascarpone filling is runny?
Make sure all ingredients are cold and don’t overbeat the mixture.
10. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if needed.
Conclusion
Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies are a deliciously creative take on the beloved Italian dessert. With espresso-infused chocolate cookies and a rich mascarpone filling, they offer an irresistible flavor combination that’s both indulgent and refined. Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself, these cookies deliver a gourmet experience in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a party, a gift, or just because, these delightful sandwiches are guaranteed to impress—and disappear quickly.
PrintTiramisu Sandwich Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 sandwich cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful fusion of espresso-infused chocolate cookies filled with a rich mascarpone cream, dusted with cocoa powder for an authentic tiramisu experience in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
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1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
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½ cup (110 g) brown sugar
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1 large egg
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1 tsp (4 g) vanilla extract
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1½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
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¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 tsp (5 g) baking soda
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½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
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2 tbsp (10 g) instant espresso powder, dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water
For the Mascarpone Filling:
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1 cup (240 g) mascarpone cheese, chilled
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½ cup (120 g) heavy cream, cold
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¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
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1 tsp (4 g) vanilla extract
For Topping:
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Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
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Prepare the Cookies:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
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Stir in the dissolved espresso mixture until evenly distributed.
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Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops spring back when touched.
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Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. WBD
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Prepare the Mascarpone Filling:
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In a mixing bowl, beat together chilled mascarpone cheese, cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
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Assemble the Sandwich Cookies:
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Once the cookies have cooled, turn half of them flat side up.
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Pipe a generous amount of mascarpone filling onto each of these cookies.
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Top with the remaining cookies, flat side down, to form sandwiches.
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Lightly dust the tops with unsweetened cocoa powder for an authentic tiramisu finish.
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Serve and Enjoy:
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Refrigerate the assembled cookies for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set.
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Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful flavors of tiramisu in a cookie form.
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Notes
Ensure that both the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream are well-chilled before preparing the filling to achieve a stable consistency.
For an extra touch, consider adding a splash of coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa, to the filling for enhanced flavor.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian