Soft & Chewy Tiramisu Cookies (No Chill & Easy Recipe)

There’s something magical about tiramisu. The combination of bold espresso, rich mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa powder creates a dessert that is equal parts indulgent and comforting. But what if you could capture all that goodness in a soft, chewy cookie? That’s exactly what these Tiramisu Cookies do.

This recipe transforms the beloved Italian dessert into an easy, no-chill cookie that’s packed with deep coffee flavor, subtle sweetness, and a creamy espresso mascarpone frosting. The base is a soft and chewy coffee sugar cookie with hints of vanilla and a touch of cornstarch to give it that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then comes the frosting—a luscious, lightly sweetened mascarpone topping infused with espresso and vanilla, finished with a classic cocoa powder dusting.

What makes this recipe truly special is that it brings together the best elements of tiramisu in a way that’s quick and hassle-free. Traditional tiramisu requires layering, soaking, and hours of chilling, but these cookies deliver instant satisfaction with just 10 minutes in the oven. Plus, there’s no need to chill the dough, meaning you can go from mixing to baking in record time.

These cookies are perfect for coffee lovers, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want a treat that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them an excellent choice for an afternoon pick-me-up or a sweet ending to a meal. If you’ve ever wished for a handheld version of tiramisu, this recipe is about to become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of tiramisu, coffee, or just deliciously soft cookies, you’re in for a treat. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

• No Chilling Required – Unlike many cookie recipes that require chilling for several hours, this dough can be used immediately. That means less waiting and more eating.
• Soft and Chewy Texture – Thanks to a blend of cornstarch, butter, and the perfect ratio of dry ingredients, these cookies have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Rich Coffee Flavor – Espresso powder in both the dough and the frosting gives these cookies a deep, bold coffee taste without being overpowering.
• Easy to Make – The process is straightforward, with simple steps that even beginner bakers can follow. No complicated techniques, just mix, bake, and frost.
• Mascarpone Frosting – This frosting is what takes these cookies over the top. It’s creamy, lightly sweet, and infused with espresso for that signature tiramisu touch.
• A Perfect Balance of Flavors – The cookies aren’t too sweet, making them ideal for pairing with coffee or tea. The mascarpone adds richness, while the cocoa powder gives a hint of bitterness to balance everything out.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you need a coffee-infused treat, these tiramisu cookies are sure to impress.

Health Benefits

While these cookies are undeniably a treat, they do have some surprising benefits when enjoyed in moderation.

• Espresso Powder for an Energy Boost – Espresso powder provides a natural caffeine kick, making these cookies a great afternoon pick-me-up. A little caffeine can improve focus and boost mood.
• Mascarpone for Healthy Fats – Mascarpone cheese is a rich source of healthy fats and contains small amounts of calcium, which supports bone health.
• Dark Cocoa Powder for Antioxidants – Cocoa powder is packed with antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation. Dark cocoa also contains flavonoids, which are linked to heart health.
• Lower Sugar Compared to Traditional Cookies – These cookies aren’t overly sweet, relying on the deep coffee flavors rather than excessive sugar. This makes them a great option for those who prefer a more balanced dessert.
• Homemade Means Fewer Preservatives – Store-bought cookies often contain preservatives and artificial additives. Making these cookies at home means you control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, healthier treat.

Enjoying treats like these in moderation as part of a balanced diet allows you to indulge without guilt.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 18-20 cookies

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)

• Calories: 160
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 8g
• Sugar: 10g
• Fiber: 1g

These cookies offer a satisfying treat without being overly indulgent. The espresso and cocoa powder provide depth of flavor without the need for excessive sugar.

Ingredients List

For the Coffee Sugar Cookies

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Espresso Mascarpone Frosting

• 4 ounces (115g) mascarpone cheese, softened
• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon espresso powder
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, espresso powder, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked.

Step 6: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Mascarpone Frosting

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mascarpone, powdered sugar, espresso powder, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a thin layer of the mascarpone frosting over each one.

Step 9: Dust with Cocoa Powder

Using a fine mesh sieve, lightly dust the tops of the cookies with unsweetened cocoa powder.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be chilled for a firmer, more traditional tiramisu-like experience.

How to Serve

• Enjoy them as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
• Serve them as a dessert after an Italian-themed dinner.
• Pair them with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
• Arrange them on a dessert platter with other cookies for variety.

Pairing Suggestions

These cookies pair wonderfully with:

• A freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino.
• A glass of warm milk for a comforting treat.
• A scoop of gelato, especially coffee or vanilla-flavored.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

For best results, let frozen cookies thaw in the fridge before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though these tiramisu cookies are easy to make, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect their texture, flavor, or overall success. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Overmixing the Dough

Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to develop too much, leading to dense or tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.

2. Not Measuring the Flour Correctly

Too much flour can make the cookies dry and crumbly. To measure correctly, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack in too much flour.

3. Skipping the Espresso Powder

Espresso powder is what gives these cookies their deep, rich coffee flavor. If you leave it out, you’ll lose a key part of the tiramisu taste. If you don’t have espresso powder, finely ground instant coffee can be a good substitute.

4. Using Cold Butter Instead of Melted Butter

Melted butter is crucial for achieving that soft, chewy texture. If you use cold butter, the ingredients won’t combine properly, and the cookies may turn out dry or cakey.

5. Overbaking the Cookies

These cookies will look slightly underbaked when they come out of the oven, and that’s exactly what you want. The residual heat will continue cooking them as they cool, leaving you with soft, perfectly textured cookies. If you bake them until they look fully set in the oven, they’ll likely be overbaked once they cool.

6. Frosting the Cookies While They’re Still Warm

If you add the mascarpone frosting before the cookies have completely cooled, it will melt and become runny. Patience is key—wait until they’re fully cooled before frosting.

7. Using the Wrong Type of Cocoa Powder

For an authentic tiramisu flavor, use unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting. Sweetened cocoa or hot chocolate mix will add too much sugar and can overpower the delicate balance of flavors.

Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your tiramisu cookies turn out soft, flavorful, and beautifully balanced every time.

Pro Tips

Want to take your tiramisu cookies to the next level? These expert tips will help you get the best results every time.

1. Let the Butter Cool Slightly Before Mixing

If you add the melted butter while it’s still too hot, it can cause the sugar to dissolve too much, affecting the texture of the cookies. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before using.

2. Rest the Dough While Preheating the Oven

Even though this recipe doesn’t require chilling, letting the dough rest for 10-15 minutes while the oven preheats can help develop the flavors and improve texture.

3. Use a Cookie Scoop for Even Sizes

A cookie scoop ensures that all your cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly. If you don’t have one, use a tablespoon to portion out the dough.

4. Sift the Cocoa Powder for a Fine Dusting

To get that classic tiramisu look, use a fine-mesh sieve to lightly dust the cocoa powder over the frosting. This prevents clumps and gives a professional touch.

5. Chill the Cookies for a More Authentic Tiramisu Texture

If you want these cookies to taste even more like classic tiramisu, refrigerate them for an hour after frosting. This allows the flavors to meld and gives the mascarpone frosting a firmer, creamier texture.

6. Serve with a Side of Whipped Cream

For an extra indulgent touch, serve these cookies with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. It mimics the airy mascarpone layer in traditional tiramisu.

These small adjustments can make a big difference in how your cookies turn out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Instant Coffee Instead of Espresso Powder?

Yes! If you don’t have espresso powder, finely ground instant coffee works as a substitute. However, espresso powder gives a stronger, more intense coffee flavor, which is ideal for this recipe.

2. How Can I Make These Cookies More Like Classic Tiramisu?

For an even closer match to traditional tiramisu, brush the cookies with a light coffee syrup before frosting them. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of espresso powder in a tablespoon of warm water and lightly brush it over each cookie before adding the mascarpone frosting.

3. Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

4. How Should I Store These Cookies?

Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mascarpone frosting needs to be kept chilled to stay fresh.

5. Can I Freeze These Cookies?

Yes! You can freeze the unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature and frost just before serving.

6. Can I Use Cream Cheese Instead of Mascarpone?

While mascarpone is the traditional choice for tiramisu, you can substitute cream cheese if needed. Just note that cream cheese has a tangier flavor, so the frosting will taste slightly different.

7. Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cookies a day in advance and store them at room temperature. Frost them just before serving for the freshest taste.

8. What’s the Best Way to Get a Smooth Frosting?

Make sure your mascarpone cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. Cold mascarpone can make the frosting lumpy.

9. Do These Cookies Taste Strongly of Coffee?

The espresso flavor is present but not overwhelming. If you prefer a stronger coffee taste, increase the espresso powder by ½ teaspoon.

10. Can I Add Chocolate Chips to the Dough?

Yes! Adding mini chocolate chips to the dough gives a delicious twist and enhances the chocolate-coffee combination.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Tiramisu cookies are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of classic tiramisu in a soft, chewy, handheld treat. They’re easy to make, require no chilling time, and deliver that rich espresso and mascarpone flavor in every bite. Whether you’re a tiramisu lover or just looking for a delicious new cookie recipe, these will quickly become a favorite.

What’s great about these cookies is their versatility. They’re perfect for coffee lovers, a fantastic dessert for special occasions, and a great choice when you want something indulgent yet simple to make. Plus, the no-chill dough means you can satisfy your tiramisu cravings in under an hour.

Now it’s your turn! Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. I’d love to hear your thoughts—did you make any modifications? Did you add extra coffee flavor or chocolate chips? Share your experience in the comments below!

If you make these cookies, don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on social media. I love seeing your baking creations! Happy baking, and enjoy your tiramisu cookies!

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