Tiramisu Cookie Cups Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the luscious flavors of tiramisu in a bite-sized, crispy delight, these Tiramisu Cookie Cups are exactly what you need. Imagine a delicate cookie shell with a hint of espresso, perfectly cradling a rich and creamy mascarpone filling that’s lightly kissed with coffee liqueur. Every spoonful is like a nostalgic trip to an Italian café, but in a portable, fun little cup. These Tiramisu Cookie Cups are an irresistible treat that blend the best textures and flavors in one stunning dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of making Tiramisu Cookie Cups lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating the perfect tender cookie cups to achieving that silky mascarpone cream that’s bursting with flavor.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookie cups, providing structure without toughness.
• Baking powder: Just a pinch to give the cookies a subtle lift and lightness.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
• Unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming and rich, buttery flavor in the cookie shell.
• Granulated sugar: Gives a pleasant sweetness and helps with cookie texture.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to the cookie cups.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds tenderness.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and aroma that complements the coffee beautifully.
• Strong brewed coffee or espresso (optional): Infuses the dough with that classic tiramisu flavor depth.
• Mascarpone cheese: The creamy heart of our filling, it’s both rich and silky smooth.
• Heavy cream: Whipped to add lightness and fluffiness to the filling.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the mascarpone filling.
• Coffee liqueur or rum: Gives an adult twist with a sophisticated coffee kick.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: For dusting, adds a touch of bitterness and beautiful presentation.
• Extra powdered sugar: For a delicate dusting that contrasts the cocoa’s richness.

How to Make Tiramisu Cookie Cups

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by whisking together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution throughout the dough. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy — this is key to getting a tender cookie. Then add the egg and vanilla, mixing well. If you decide to use the coffee or espresso, fold it in now for that signature tiramisu hint. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients just until combined to keep the texture tender.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Once the dough comes together, cover and chill it for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential as it firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and helping the cookie cups hold their shape during baking. Plus, chilling lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Shape the Cookie Cups

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your muffin tin. Roll small balls of dough — about a tablespoon for mini cups or two tablespoons for regular size — and press them into the muffin cups to form little bowls with raised edges. This shaping is fun and sets the stage for a delightful crispy shell that will cradle your creamy filling.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookie cups for 10-12 minutes if mini, or 12-15 minutes if regular size, until the edges just begin to turn golden. The centers might look slightly soft but that’s perfect; they’ll firm up as they cool. Once out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before gently pressing down the centers once more to define the cup shape.

Step 5: Make the Mascarpone Filling

While your cookie cups cool, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, coffee liqueur (or rum), and optional brewed coffee until you get a smooth, fluffy cream. This luscious filling is what makes Tiramisu Cookie Cups so irresistibly decadent and exactly like the classic dessert in miniature form.

Step 6: Assemble the Cups

Once the cookie cups are fully cooled, spoon or pipe the mascarpone filling into each cup. The contrast between the crisp cookie shell and the silky filling is pure perfection. Finish with a generous dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder and a light sprinkle of powdered sugar to bring out that authentic tiramisu look and flavor.

How to Serve Tiramisu Cookie Cups

Garnishes

For a stunning presentation, dust the tops with a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You can also add a few chocolate shavings or a tiny coffee bean for an extra touch of elegance. These garnishes not only make the cups look irresistible but add extra layers of flavor that enhance the tiramisu experience.

Side Dishes

Tiramisu Cookie Cups shine brightest when enjoyed with a cup of rich espresso or a latte. For a light contrast, a small serving of fresh berries or a simple fruit salad with a hint of mint can refresh the palate between bites. If you’re serving these at a gathering, coffee or dessert wine pairings are a fabulous accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the plate: serve your Tiramisu Cookie Cups in petite ceramic ramekins or elegant cupcake liners for individual servings. For parties, place them on a tiered dessert tray with a dusting of cocoa on the layers, or create a DIY topping bar with crushed chocolate, cinnamon, or chopped nuts so guests can customize their cups.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, store your Tiramisu Cookie Cups covered in the refrigerator. They keep beautifully for up to 3 days, giving plenty of time to enjoy their rich flavors. Keep in mind the cookie cups soften slightly over time but remain delicious and tender.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance, you can freeze the cookie cups (without filling) in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before filling them with mascarpone cream, which is best made fresh or stored separately in the fridge.

Reheating

Tiramisu Cookie Cups are best served chilled, so no reheating is necessary. If you prefer the cookie cup slightly warm, reheat the shells gently in a low oven for a few minutes before adding the filling, but avoid reheating the mascarpone cream.

FAQs

Can I make the Tiramisu Cookie Cups dairy-free?

While traditional mascarpone cheese is essential for authentic flavor and texture, you can substitute with a dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream and a little vegan whipped topping to mimic the creamy filling. The cookie cups are mostly dairy-free except for the butter, which you can swap with plant-based margarine.

What can I use instead of coffee liqueur?

If you prefer to avoid alcohol, use strong brewed coffee or espresso in its place. It still adds those warm, deep coffee notes that make tiramisu so special without the booze.

Can I make this recipe without espresso or coffee?

You can, but the espresso or coffee gives tiramisu its signature flavor. If you skip it, consider adding more vanilla and a hint of cocoa powder to keep things flavorful and balanced.

How do I prevent the cookie cups from breaking when filling?

Be gentle when pressing dough into the muffin tin and avoid overbaking, which can make the cups brittle. Also, let them cool completely before filling, and use a spoon or piping bag to carefully add the mascarpone cream.

Can I use a different shape for the cookie cups?

Absolutely! Mini tart pans or even silicone muffin molds work great and can add a unique shape to your Tiramisu Cookie Cups. Just adjust baking times accordingly and keep an eye on the edges for perfect doneness.

Final Thoughts

Making Tiramisu Cookie Cups at home is like gifting yourself a little taste of Italy wrapped in buttery cookie goodness and dreamy mascarpone cream. They’re fun to make, impressive to serve, and utterly delicious to eat. Whether for a cozy night in or a special occasion, these cups will quickly become a favorite go-to dessert. Trust me, once you dive into these delightful treats, you’ll be eager to whip up a batch again and again!