Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies

This tiramisu sandwich cookie recipe transforms the iconic Italian dessert into a delightful handheld treat that captures all the classic flavors. The combination of espresso-infused cookies with creamy mascarpone filling delivers that unmistakable tiramisu experience in each bite, making these perfect for special occasions or whenever you need a sophisticated coffee-flavored indulgence.

I first created these cookies for a holiday cookie exchange and they were the first to disappear from the table. My Italian grandmother even requested the recipe after trying them, which is the highest compliment a dessert can receive in our family.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• All purpose flour: Creates a tender base for our tiramisu inspired cookies
• Baking powder: Gives just the right amount of lift without making them cakey
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the coffee notes
• Unsalted butter: Provides rich flavor and perfect texture; use room temperature for best results
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens while helping create crisp edges
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to complement the coffee
• Instant espresso powder: Delivers authentic coffee flavor without adding too much liquid

For the Mascarpone Filling

• Mascarpone cheese: Essential for authentic tiramisu flavor; use full fat for best taste
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens without graininess
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the creamy flavor
• Optional espresso powder: Intensifies the coffee notes for true coffee lovers
• Heavy whipping cream: Lightens the filling to create that signature tiramisu texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Heat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and ensures even browning on the cookie bottoms.

Mix Dry Components:

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together thoroughly. This distributes the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour for consistent rise in every cookie.

Create Butter Base:

Beat the softened butter and sugar for a full two minutes until the mixture becomes noticeably lighter in both color and texture. This crucial step incorporates air for proper cookie structure.

Incorporate Wet Elements:

Add the egg, vanilla, and dissolved espresso powder to the butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated but not overmixed. The espresso should be completely dissolved in hot water before adding to prevent bitter coffee grounds in your cookies.

Form Cookie Dough:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Overmixing at this stage will develop gluten and create tough cookies rather than the tender texture we want.

Shape and Bake:

Drop consistent spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared sheets, leaving ample space for spreading. Bake just until the edges set but the centers remain slightly soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. They should be set but not browned for the perfect texture.

Prepare Mascarpone Mixture:

Beat mascarpone with powdered sugar, vanilla, and espresso powder until completely smooth. The mascarpone should be softened but not warm to achieve the right consistency.

Whip Cream Component:

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream just until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip as the cream will become butter if taken too far.

Create Tiramisu Filling:

Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a gentle hand and a spatula. This technique preserves the air bubbles in the whipped cream, resulting in a light, mousse-like filling.

Assemble Cookie Sandwiches:

Once cookies are completely cooled, add a generous amount of filling to one cookie and top with another, pressing gently to create sandwiches. Work with a light touch to avoid crushing the delicate cookies.

Apply Finishing Touch:

Dust the tops with cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve for even distribution. This final step gives them the classic tiramisu appearance and adds that signature bitter cocoa contrast.

The mascarpone cheese is truly the star ingredient here. I discovered its magic when visiting northern Italy years ago and watched a pastry chef create tiramisu from scratch. He explained that the quality of the mascarpone determines the quality of the dessert, and the same applies to these cookies. I always splurge on imported Italian mascarpone when making these for special occasions.

Perfect Storage

These tiramisu sandwich cookies require refrigeration due to the dairy-based filling. Store them in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They keep beautifully for up to three days, though the cookies will continue to soften from contact with the filling. This actually enhances the tiramisu experience as traditional tiramisu features softened ladyfingers.

Clever Substitutions

No mascarpone on hand? You can create a substitute by combining 4 ounces cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and 1 tablespoon of sour cream. While not identical to mascarpone, this alternative provides a similar tangy creaminess. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream whipped with powdered sugar creates a surprisingly delicious filling, though with a slight coconut flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies slightly chilled but not cold to experience the full range of flavors. They pair beautifully with espresso or cappuccino for an authentic Italian coffee break. For an elegant dessert spread, arrange them on a tiered platter alongside fresh berries and chocolate-covered espresso beans. During the holidays, try packaging them in decorative boxes lined with parchment for an impressive homemade gift.

Tiramisu Origins

These cookies honor the beloved Italian dessert that originated in the Veneto region of Italy. Traditional tiramisu, meaning "pick me up" in Italian, features ladyfingers soaked in coffee and liqueur layered with mascarpone cream. This cookie version captures that essence in a convenient form that requires no special dishes or extensive assembly. While not strictly traditional, these cookies celebrate the same flavor profile that has made tiramisu one of the world's most recognized Italian desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you achieve the tiramisu flavor in these cookies?

The espresso powder in the cookie dough and optional espresso in the mascarpone filling give these cookies their coffee-forward tiramisu flavor. Cocoa powder dusted on top mimics the classic tiramisu's finishing touch.

→ Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, these cookies store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They're even better the next day as the filling slightly softens the cookies for a more tiramisu-like texture.

→ Can I add a boozy twist?

Absolutely! Add 1 teaspoon of Kahlúa or rum to the mascarpone filling for an adult-friendly variation.

→ How should these cookies be stored?

Keep the cookies refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They're best served chilled.

→ What are some optional garnishes to elevate the look?

In addition to cocoa powder, chocolate shavings or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a decorative and flavorful touch.