Tiramisu Inspired Sugar Cookies (Print Version)
Soft espresso cookies topped with mascarpone frosting and cocoa dusting capture classic Italian flavors in a handheld format.
# List of Ingredients:
→ For the Cookies
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder, dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
09 - 1 tablespoon milk
→ For the Mascarpone Frosting
10 - 4 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
11 - 2 oz cream cheese, room temperature
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
13 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ For Garnish
15 - Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
# Step-by-step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
04 - Stir in the dissolved espresso and milk until well combined.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
06 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
07 - Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - In a medium bowl, beat mascarpone, cream cheese, and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat until creamy and fluffy.
09 - Once cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of mascarpone frosting on each.
10 - Lightly dust frosted cookies with unsweetened cocoa powder just before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They deliver all the sophisticated coffee and cream notes of tiramisu in a portable, dunkable format
- The frosting stays remarkably stable, making these perfect for picnics or office treats
02 -
- Mascarpone frosting can curdle if overmixed, so stop beating as soon as it becomes smooth and creamy
- These cookies must be refrigerated due to the cheese-based frosting but taste best at room temperature
03 -
- Use room-temperature ingredients for the frosting to prevent grainy textures
- A fine mesh sieve creates the most professional-looking cocoa dusting