Welcome to the ultimate fusion of classic Italian dessert and a beloved cookie texture. These Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies pack all the rich, coffee-infused flavor of tiramisu into a perfectly soft, chewy cookie with a stunningly crackled top. If you’ve ever craved the sophisticated taste of espresso and mascarpone but wanted it in a convenient, shareable form, this recipe is your new best friend. We’ve crafted a foolproof guide to ensure you get that signature crinkle top and a decadent, creamy center every single time. Get ready to impress everyone with this unique and unforgettable treat.
What Are Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies?
Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies are a creative twist on the classic chocolate crinkle cookie. Instead of a chocolate base, this recipe uses a rich dough infused with strong espresso and a hint of cocoa. The magic happens when the dough balls are rolled in powdered sugar before baking. As the cookies spread and bake, the surface cracks, creating a beautiful “crinkle” effect that contrasts with the dark, coffee-colored interior. To complete the tiramisu experience, they are often filled or topped with a sweet mascarpone cream, mimicking the layers of the traditional dessert.
Why This Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies Recipe is a Must-Try
Not all cookie recipes are created equal, and this one is designed for perfection. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this specific recipe:
- Authentic Flavor: We use real espresso and a touch of cocoa to capture the deep, robust flavor of a true tiramisu.
- Perfect Texture: The result is a cookie that’s perfectly soft and chewy on the inside with a satisfyingly crisp, sweet exterior.
- Foolproof Crinkles: We share our top tips to guarantee you get that beautiful, crackled finish that makes these cookies so visually appealing.
- Easy to Make: Despite their sophisticated appearance, the steps are simple and straightforward, making it a great recipe for bakers of all levels. Looking for another impressive but simple dessert? Try our Black Forest Trifle.
The Key Ingredients for Authentic Tiramisu Flavor
To achieve the signature taste and texture of these cookies, a few key ingredients are essential. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need.
For the Cookies
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our cookies.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds a hint of chocolatey depth that complements the coffee.
- Espresso Powder: This is non-negotiable for that authentic, intense coffee flavor.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and contributes to the crinkle effect.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A combination of both gives the cookies a chewy texture and rich flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweet and coffee notes.
- Powdered Sugar: For coating the dough balls to create the signature crinkle.
For the Mascarpone Filling
- Mascarpone Cheese: The star of the filling. It should be cold for the best results.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling without making it gritty.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the filling light, fluffy, and pipeable.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies
Follow these instructions carefully to create the best Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies you’ve ever had. We’ll break it down into making the dough, chilling, and then baking to perfection.
Making the Cookie Dough
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Chill the Dough: This is a crucial step! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps create a better crinkle.
Assembling and Baking
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the Dough: Scoop the chilled dough into 1.5-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until it’s completely coated.
- Bake: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are beautifully crinkled.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For a savory follow-up, our Cheese Sauce for Fries is a crowd-pleaser.
- Prepare the Filling: While the cookies cool, prepare the mascarpone filling. In a medium bowl, beat the cold mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble: Once the cookies are completely cool, you can either pipe a dollop of filling onto the bottom of one cookie and sandwich it with another, or simply pipe a swirl on top of each cookie.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Crinkle Effect
Achieving that picture-perfect crinkle is easier than you think. The secret lies in the contrast between the cookie spreading and the powdered sugar shell drying out. Here’s how to nail it:
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilled dough spreads slower, giving the powdered sugar coating time to set and crack, creating deeper crinkles.
- A Generous Coating is Key: Be very generous with the powdered sugar. The dough balls should be completely white. A thick coat creates a more dramatic crinkle.
- Proper Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is fully preheated. The initial blast of heat helps the cookies puff up quickly, which helps crack the surface.
Variations and Substitutions
While the classic recipe is a showstopper, you can easily adapt it to your liking.
Making Alcohol-Free Tiramisu Cookies
Traditional tiramisu often includes a splash of coffee liqueur or rum. Our cookie recipe is naturally alcohol-free. If you want to add that classic flavor for an adult-only batch, you can add 1 teaspoon of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) or dark rum to the mascarpone filling.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, why not try our Mexican Wedding Cookies for another powdered sugar-dusted treat?
Storing Your Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you have already filled the cookies with the mascarpone cream, they must be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If they are unfilled, you can store them at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the unfilled cookies for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The cookie dough can be made and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls (without the powdered sugar coating) for up to 3 months.
No, this recipe is naturally alcohol-free, making it suitable for everyone. If you wish to add a more traditional tiramisu flavor for an adult batch, you can add 1 teaspoon of coffee liqueur or dark rum to the mascarpone filling.
If the cookies are filled with the mascarpone cream, they must be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Unfilled cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For the most authentic tiramisu flavor, mascarpone is highly recommended. However, in a pinch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of full-fat cream cheese that has been whipped with a tablespoon of heavy cream to lighten its texture.
The most common reasons for cookies not crinkling are the dough not being chilled long enough, or not using enough powdered sugar. Ensure the dough is cold and firm, and roll the dough balls in a very thick, generous layer of powdered sugar before baking.
More Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies: The Ultimate Coffee-Infused Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Cover the bowl and chill the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop chilled dough into 1.5-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar.
- Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops are crinkled.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While cookies cool, beat the cold mascarpone and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe or spread the filling onto half of the cooled cookies and sandwich with the remaining cookies.
Notes
For a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the espresso powder to 2.5 tablespoons.
Store filled cookies in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Share Your Creation!
We are so excited for you to try this Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies recipe! We know it will become a new favorite in your baking rotation. If you make these cookies, please leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out. Don’t forget to share a photo of your beautiful crinkles on Pinterest!
