Italian Inspired Cookies

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

These decadent cookies feature an espresso-flavored base topped with creamy mascarpone frosting and cocoa powder for a tiramisu-inspired treat.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:11:42 GMT
A close-up of a cookie with a bite taken out, showing a creamy filling and topped with a dusting of cocoa powder, surrounded by more similar cookies on a baking sheet. Pin it
A close-up of a cookie with a bite taken out, showing a creamy filling and topped with a dusting of cocoa powder, surrounded by more similar cookies on a baking sheet. | cookingwithcasey.com

One Sunday afternoon while craving both cookies and tiramisu I created these heavenly treats in my kitchen. The combination of soft coffee infused cookies topped with silky mascarpone cream dusted in rich cocoa powder turned out to be pure magic. Now they're my signature dessert that friends always request.

A Cookie Worth Making

After years of baking I've learned that simple ingredients often make the most incredible desserts. These cookies come together quickly with items right from my pantry yet taste like they're from a fancy Italian bakery. Perfect for those times when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

From My Pantry To Yours

  • Butter: I always let it cool completely for the perfect cookie texture
  • Brown Sugar: Dark or light both work beautifully here
  • Instant Coffee: My secret for that intense tiramisu flavor
  • Mascarpone: Splurge on the good stuff it makes all the difference
  • Cocoa Powder: A little dusting transforms these cookies
  • Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla adds that special something

Creating Cookie Magic

Start With The Base
Let that melted butter cool while you gather everything else
Mix With Love
Gently combine your ingredients the coffee powder is what makes these truly special
Patient Pause
That quick chill in the fridge makes such a difference in texture
Into The Oven
Watch them carefully they should be just set at the edges

Making The Creamy Topping

Whipping Up Dreams
The mascarpone should be perfectly room temperature before you start it makes it so much smoother
Creating Beauty
I love watching those silky peaks form as I pipe each swirl
Final Touch
My grandmother taught me to use a fine mesh strainer for the perfect cocoa dusting
A close-up of cookies topped with creamy frosting and cocoa powder, with one cookie showing a bite taken out. Pin it
A close-up of cookies topped with creamy frosting and cocoa powder, with one cookie showing a bite taken out. | cookingwithcasey.com

My Baking Secrets

I've learned that weighing ingredients makes these cookies turn out perfect every time. And my favorite trick? Using aluminum pans they conduct heat so evenly. Sometimes the simplest tips make the biggest difference.

Size Matters

When I'm hosting a fancy dinner party I make them a bit bigger using my 3oz scoop. They look so impressive on a dessert platter. Just remember to add those extra few minutes of baking time for the perfect texture.

Getting Ahead

During busy holiday seasons I prep the dough ahead and keep it in the fridge. There's nothing better than having fresh baked cookies ready in minutes when friends drop by. The dough actually gets even better after a day of chilling.

Keeping Them Fresh

I store my finished cookies in my favorite vintage cookie tin but layered with parchment to protect those pretty cream swirls. They stay perfect in the fridge and the flavors actually get better overnight.

Perfect Pairings

These cookies shine brightest alongside a hot cup of coffee or espresso. On special evenings I serve them with tiny glasses of coffee liqueur. The combination always gets rave reviews at my dinner parties.

A close-up of several round cookies with a creamy topping dusted with cocoa powder, arranged on a baking sheet. Pin it
A close-up of several round cookies with a creamy topping dusted with cocoa powder, arranged on a baking sheet. | cookingwithcasey.com

Making Them Your Own

Sometimes I add a splash of Kahlua to the mascarpone or dust them with flavored cocoa powder. My friend Lisa makes them dairy free with cashew cream cheese and they're surprisingly delicious.

Freezer Magic

I always keep a batch of dough balls in my freezer for cookie emergencies. Just add a minute to the baking time no need to thaw. The mascarpone topping is best made fresh though.

Party Perfect

These cookies have become my go to for baby showers bridal teas and holiday gatherings. They look so elegant on a tiered platter and everyone loves the unique twist on classic tiramisu.

Finding The Sweet Spot

Over time I've learned to make the mascarpone topping less sweet letting the coffee flavor shine through. It creates such a beautiful balance that even my not so sweet tooth friends can't resist.

The Perfect Match

My morning ritual now includes one of these cookies alongside my latte. There's something magical about how the coffee flavors in both complement each other. It's a little bit of Italy right in my kitchen.

A close-up view of several round cookies topped with white frosting and dusted with cocoa powder. Pin it
A close-up view of several round cookies topped with white frosting and dusted with cocoa powder. | cookingwithcasey.com

Special Moments

Last Valentine's Day I packed these in pretty boxes with red ribbons. The joy on people's faces when they opened them was priceless. Sometimes the best gifts come from our own kitchens.

Everyone's Included

My gluten free friends love these made with cup for cup flour blend. You really can't tell the difference and it makes me happy knowing everyone can enjoy them.

Pretty As A Picture

I've mastered a few fancy piping techniques over the years but honestly even simple swirls look beautiful. A sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top makes them look straight out of a magazine.

Sharing The Love

Every Christmas I include these in my cookie boxes for neighbors and friends. They've become so popular I start getting requests weeks before the holidays. It's become such a sweet tradition.

Simply Irresistible

There's something about the combination of coffee chocolate and cream in these cookies that keeps everyone coming back for more. They're proof that sometimes the best recipes come from following your cravings.

A close-up of dessert cookies topped with a swirl of whipped cream and dusted with cocoa powder. Pin it
A close-up of dessert cookies topped with a swirl of whipped cream and dusted with cocoa powder. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why cool melted butter?

Cooling butter to room temperature ensures proper cookie texture. Too warm butter results in flat, spread-out cookies.

→ Can I make these ahead?

Make cookies ahead but top with mascarpone cream just before serving for best results. Store cream separately in fridge.

→ Why chill the dough?

Chilling dough for an hour helps prevent spreading during baking and develops better flavor.

→ Can I freeze these?

Freeze unfrosted cookies but add mascarpone cream fresh. Cream doesn't freeze well.

→ Why use instant espresso powder?

Instant espresso provides concentrated coffee flavor without adding extra liquid to the dough.

Conclusion

A delightful twist on the classic tiramisu dessert, transformed into a delectable cookie form that combines rich coffee flavor with creamy mascarpone.

Coffee Cream Cookies

Thick coffee-flavored cookies topped with smooth mascarpone cream and cocoa powder - combining the best of cookies and tiramisu.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
11 Minutes
Total Time
41 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 11 Servings (11 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 110 g butter.
02 100 g granulated sugar.
03 100 g dark brown sugar.
04 1 egg (57-60 g with shell).
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
06 230 g all-purpose flour.
07 ½ teaspoon baking powder.
08 ½ teaspoon baking soda.
09 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder.
10 ½ teaspoon salt.
11 180 g mascarpone cheese.
12 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
13 90 g confectioners sugar.
14 20 g agave or honey.
15 120 g heavy cream.
16 1 tablespoon cocoa powder for dusting.

Instructions

Step 01

Melt butter and cool to room temperature in fridge for 20 minutes.

Step 02

Mix cooled butter with sugars, then add egg and vanilla.

Step 03

Combine flour, leaveners, espresso powder and salt. Mix into wet ingredients.

Step 04

Scoop 11 cookies, roll into balls, refrigerate 1 hour.

Step 05

Bake at 180°C for 10-11 minutes, cool slightly on pan then transfer to rack.

Step 06

Whip mascarpone, vanilla, sugar, agave and cream until stiff peaks.

Step 07

Pipe cream on cooled cookies, dust with cocoa powder.

Notes

  1. Cool butter completely before mixing.
  2. Chill dough before baking.
  3. Add cream topping just before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cookie scoops.
  • Stand mixer or electric mixer.
  • Piping bag and tip.
  • Fine mesh sieve.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy (butter, mascarpone, cream).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 328
  • Total Fat: 19 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 41 g
  • Protein: 4 g