If you adore the classic Italian tiramisu but want something simpler, more portable, and irresistibly snackable, these Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies are about to become your new favorite indulgence. This recipe captures the creamy, coffee-kissed magic of traditional tiramisu and transforms it into soft, fudgy cookies filled with luscious mascarpone cream.
Perfect for easy dessert recipes, family gatherings, or budget-friendly baking at home, these cookies combine the best of both worlds rich chocolate and smooth espresso flavor, layered in a melt-in-your-mouth cookie sandwich that feels both elegant and comforting.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing treats for a holiday platter, or simply craving a homemade pick-me-up, this Italian-inspired dessert delivers indulgence without the hassle of assembling a full tiramisu.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and beginner-friendly: Made with pantry staples and a short prep time perfect for anyone new to baking.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Uses affordable, easy-to-find items while still tasting like a café-quality dessert.
- Coffee lover’s dream: The combination of espresso and cocoa creates deep, sophisticated flavor without being overly sweet.
- Make-ahead magic: These cookies store beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep desserts or weekend baking projects.
- Elegant yet simple: With mascarpone cream and a dusting of cocoa, they look bakery-worthy but come together effortlessly at home.
- Kid- and adult-approved: A soft, chocolatey cookie with creamy filling appeals to every age.
Ingredient Breakdown
All-Purpose Flour : This is the foundation of your cookie dough, providing the right amount of structure while keeping the texture tender. If you want a slightly denser cookie, you can substitute half the flour with almond flour for a nutty note.
Baking Powder : A crucial ingredient for lift and softness. It ensures your cookies rise just enough to create a delicate, cake-like crumb ideal for sandwich-style desserts.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder : This is where the chocolate flavor shines. Choose a high-quality cocoa powder for the best results. Dutch-process cocoa gives a deeper, richer taste that complements the espresso beautifully.
Granulated Sugar : Adds sweetness and helps create the perfect chewy texture. You can also mix in a little brown sugar for extra moisture and caramel undertones.
Unsalted Butter (Softened) : Butter is essential for flavor and texture it helps create a melt-in-your-mouth consistency and adds richness. Always use room-temperature butter for even creaming.
Large Egg : The egg binds the ingredients together while contributing to the cookie’s tenderness and golden-brown edges.
Mascarpone Cheese : The star of this recipe! This creamy Italian cheese is what gives tiramisu its signature flavor. In these cookies, mascarpone creates a smooth, rich filling that pairs beautifully with the espresso.
Espresso or Strong Coffee : For that authentic tiramisu flavor, espresso is key. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use a strong brewed coffee or instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water.
Cocoa Powder for Dusting : A final touch of cocoa gives these cookies their signature tiramisu finish rich, elegant, and visually irresistible.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies
- Measure accurately: Always spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly from the bag this prevents dense cookies.
- Chill the dough (optional): If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking to help the cookies keep their shape.
- Don’t overbake: The cookies should still be soft in the center when removed from the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Use fresh espresso: Freshly brewed espresso gives the filling a richer, smoother flavor than instant coffee alone.
- Dust just before serving: Wait until the cookies are ready to serve before dusting with cocoa to maintain that pretty, powdery look.
Ingredient Swaps & Creative Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend instead of all-purpose flour. This is a great way to enjoy gluten-free dessert recipes without sacrificing taste.
- Low-Sugar Version: Swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar or a stevia blend for a low-carb dessert idea.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Upgrade: Add mini chocolate chips or a swirl of Nutella to the filling for a double-chocolate treat.
- Spiked Version: Add a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or amaretto to the mascarpone for an adults-only twist.
- Holiday Variation: Sprinkle with cinnamon or top with white chocolate drizzle for festive flair.
Serving Suggestions
- Coffee pairing: Serve with cappuccino, latte, or espresso for a café-style experience at home.
- Dessert platter: Combine with biscotti, truffles, and chocolate-dipped strawberries for an impressive dessert board.
- After-dinner treat: Serve chilled alongside a glass of dessert wine or hot cocoa for cozy family comfort food vibes.
- Holiday table: These cookies make stunning gifts or additions to cookie swaps and Christmas dessert trays.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- To make ahead: Bake the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days before filling.
- For the filling: Prepare the mascarpone-espresso mixture and refrigerate it separately for up to 2 days.
- To store assembled cookies: Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cookie halves (without filling) for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and fill when ready to enjoy.
- Leftover hacks: Crumble leftover cookies over ice cream or layer them in parfait cups with whipped cream for a quick dessert idea.
A Taste of Italian Tradition
Inspired by the iconic Italian dessert, these cookies capture the essence of tiramisu velvety mascarpone, espresso-soaked richness, and cocoa-dusted elegance all in bite-sized form. While tiramisu has been a symbol of Italian comfort food and celebration for decades, these cookies bring that same indulgence to everyday moments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake the cookies a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. Fill them with mascarpone cream on the day you plan to serve for the freshest flavor.
2. How can I make this recipe healthier?
Use coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener, and replace half the butter with Greek yogurt for a lighter version. These healthy substitutions retain the creamy texture while cutting down on calories.
3. What can I use instead of mascarpone?
Cream cheese mixed with a bit of heavy cream is a great budget-friendly alternative. It mimics the texture and taste of mascarpone perfectly for affordable dessert recipes.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend and swap mascarpone for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for an inclusive diet-friendly dessert option.
5. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough briefly before baking and ensure your butter is softened not melted. This helps maintain shape for perfect sandwich cookies every time.
Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and sugar.
- Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg until fully combined.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms.
- Step 5: Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 6: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 7: For the filling, mix mascarpone cheese with espresso or strong coffee until smooth and spreadable.
- Step 8: Spread the mascarpone mixture onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another. Lightly dust with cocoa powder before serving.
