Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of Italian desserts and crave a cookie with a touch of elegance, these Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies are about to swoop in and steal your heart (and tastebuds). Imagine the rich, coffee-scented essence of classic tiramisu transformed into fudgy, chocolatey cookies, then sandwiched around a mascarpone cream filling that’s blissfully light yet indulgent. Each bite is pure magic — a playful riff on the traditional pick-me-up that’s somehow both nostalgic and totally new. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or turning an ordinary afternoon into a little Italian escape, these cookies are the treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything wild or hard to find to make these Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies, but every ingredient brings something special — from the depth of the chocolate, to the essential espresso flavor, to the perfectly creamy mascarpone cheese. Lay out your ingredients before you start for cookie success!

• All-purpose flour: This provides the structure for your cookies, keeping them soft but not cakey.
• Espresso powder: Delivers a robust coffee flavor that echoes the heart of classic tiramisu.
• Baking powder: Gives your cookies a little lift, so they’re thick enough to stand up to the filling.
• Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance every other flavor.
• Semi-sweet baking chips: Adds chocolate richness and a slightly melty texture to each bite.
• Unsweetened baking chocolate: Deepens the chocolate flavor, keeping the cookies from being cloyingly sweet.
• Unsalted butter (divided): A must for both cookies and cream, it brings moisture, silkiness, and that just-right richness.
• Eggs (at room temperature): Bind everything together, and whisk up for extra-soft texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies; creaming it with butter creates the base for a soft yet chewy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Warms up the flavor profile, making each bite feel cozy and familiar.
• Strong black coffee (warm): Intensifies the coffee notes in the cream filling without overpowering the mascarpone.
• Confectioners’ sugar, sifted: Sweetens the filling and ensures it stays smooth and fluffy.
• Mascarpone cheese (room temperature): The signature ingredient that makes the cream filling taste unmistakably tiramisu!

How to Make Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets & Oven

Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze. Having everything ready to go from the get-go keeps your baking smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt. It might seem simple, but this step ensures every cookie bakes with a uniform crumb and that signature espresso flavor gets distributed in every bite.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies owe much of their depth to real, melted chocolate. Combine your semi-sweet baking chips and unsweetened baking chocolate in a heatproof bowl and gently melt them (use a double boiler, or microwave in short bursts, stirring after each). Allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the dough.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand beater, whisk the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the texture is light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This aerates the dough, making the cookies wonderfully tender yet perfectly chewy in the finished sandwiches.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in your eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure your dough stays smooth. A splash of vanilla extract goes in now as well, rounding out the richness and adding a subtle warmth to each bite.

Step 6: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar-egg mixture. Once incorporated, gently fold in the melted chocolate until your dough turns glossy and uniform. The aroma at this stage is totally irresistible!

Step 7: Portion and Shape the Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of dough—about 2 inches apart—onto your prepared baking sheets. This gives the cookies plenty of space to spread. Use the back of a spoon to gently flatten each one; this helps create that perfect sandwich base for your Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for cookies that are set on the edges but still slightly soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake! Let them sit on the trays for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 9: Make the Tiramisu Cream Filling

Dissolve the espresso powder into the warm black coffee and let it cool. Meanwhile, beat together the remaining butter and sifted confectioners’ sugar until super smooth and fluffy. Add your room-temperature mascarpone, then gradually drizzle in the cooled coffee-espresso mixture. The result? A cloud-like, coffee-kissed cream that captures everything we love about tiramisu.

Step 10: Assemble the Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cool, flip half of them flat-side up. Generously spread each with the tiramisu cream filling, then gently press another cookie on top to form a sandwich. Try not to eat them all before you get to the last cookie—trust me, it’s tempting!

How to Serve Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies

Garnishes

To give your Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies a little flourish, dust them with a fine shower of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of grated chocolate before serving. Not only does it look café-chic, but it also teases the bittersweet flavors of tiramisu. If you want to go extra, try a few chocolate-covered espresso beans on the platter for drama and crunch.

Side Dishes

These cookies are rich enough to shine on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a shot of espresso, a cup of strong coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla gelato. For a party tray, add some fresh berries or a bowl of lightly sweetened whipped cream to balance the deep chocolate notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies into a decadent dessert board: nestle them among Italian amaretto cookies, ladyfingers, and bowls of fruit for a stunning centerpiece. Or, wrap each sandwich in parchment and tie with twine for an adorably giftable treat, perfect for coffee-loving friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cookies will stay moist and keep their creamy filling for 3-4 days. They’re lovely chilled, but letting them come to room temperature before serving will make the mascarpone filling extra velvety!

Freezing

You can freeze fully assembled sandwich cookies by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge; the texture and flavor will be nearly as perfect as day one!

Reheating

No real need to reheat these—the mascarpone filling is best enjoyed cool. But if you want a softer texture, you can let the cookies sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving, as the filling could melt and ooze out.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without espresso powder?

The espresso powder is essential for delivering the bold coffee flavor that mimics classic tiramisu. If you’re avoiding caffeine, you could substitute with a decaffeinated version or use finely ground instant coffee for a similar (though slightly gentler) effect.

Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

While cream cheese works in a pinch, mascarpone really gives that authentic tiramisu flavor and silkier texture. If you sub, expect the filling to be a bit tangier and denser, but still delicious.

How do I keep the cookies crisp and not soggy?

Be sure your cookies are completely cooled before adding the filling, and avoid overfilling. Storing them in a single layer (or with parchment between layers) helps maintain the best texture.

Is it possible to make the cookie dough in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for up to two days before baking. This can actually make the flavors richer, and it’s a smart way to break up the steps if you’re short on time.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Yes, adjust the size to suit your crowd! Just remember to scale the baking time—smaller cookies will bake faster, while larger cookies may need an extra minute or two. The key is to pull them out when the edges are set but the centers are soft.

Final Thoughts

Baking up a batch of Tiramisu Sandwich Cookies is honestly more fun than any box of store-bought sweets. I hope you feel inspired to share them with someone special—or keep a secret stash just for yourself. However you enjoy them, these cookies are bound to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation!

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