A Little Backstory: Why Tiramisu Cookie Sandwiches?
Tiramisu is loved by many people, and it usually pops up at joyful occasions, family reunions, or small celebrations. We came upon this idea for a cookie sandwich version of this Italian classic when we had a craving to have a small, easy-to-eat, but still highly full-of-creamy-coffee-flavors miniature version of it.
Just think about the fun of holding such a dessert – a cookie sandwich amalgamating tiramisu with sweet memories.
One special holiday inspired this version; my family and I got together for an Italian-themed dinner night, and I wanted to try something new for dessert. Instead of doing the usual layered tiramisu, I thought, why not make it a little more comfortable-easy to hold, eat in a few bites, and even take with you for later.
These Tiramisu Cookie Sandwiches were just born. They took off quick, as they were easy but with rich flavors.
Key Ingredients that Make the Magic Happen
Tiramisu Cookie Sandwiches are made of simple, yet essential, ingredients. Each ingredient is here for a reason, both for the classic tiramisu flavours and the soft, chewy cookies paired with a light, creamy filling. What you will need includes:
The Cookie Base
The cookie base is a rich and slightly crispy exterior that holds the filling. For this, you’ll use:
- Butter and Sugar: Creamed together to form a soft and fluffy texture, which is the foundation for a light and tender cookie.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel and softness.
- Egg and Vanilla Extract: The egg binds everything together, while the vanilla adds warmth to complement the espresso flavor.
- Flour, Cocoa Powder, and Baking Soda: Essential for structure, while cocoa powder deepens the flavor and gives the cookie a chocolatey touch.
- Espresso Powder: Dissolved and added to the cookie dough, espresso powder brings that signature tiramisu flavor and aroma, making these cookies anything but ordinary.
The Mascarpone Filling
For the filling, mascarpone is key. It’s whipped into a light and fluffy cream with heavy cream and powdered sugar to create a velvety texture.
- Mascarpone Cheese: The star ingredient, it lends a creamy richness and authentic tiramisu flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped to add volume and lightness.
- Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Adds sweetness and warmth, balancing the filling perfectly.
Finishing Touches
Just as it was with the original tiramisu, the last step was sprinkling cocoa powder on the top, making it look good and giving that tiny bit of bitterness in every bite to enhance the taste.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Tiramisu Cookie Sandwiches
These cookie sandwiches have a couple of very important steps to reach that perfection in texture and flavor. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process to help you:
1. Preparing the Cookie Dough
It starts off with the working of the soft butter with white and brown sugars to make the cookie chewy and soft. Make sure the butter is at room temperature, which ensures a smoother mix.
Mix in the espresso powder with a little hot water, then fold in a little more vanilla. These flavors will come into the cookie dough, leaving a slight taste of coffee in it once it is baked.
2. Forming and Baking the Cookies
Once it’s done, portion out equal parts onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Press down lightly to make a cookie shape, ideal for sandwich-making.
They should be hard at the edges and soft in the middle after 8-10 minutes in the oven. Allow the cookies to cool entirely on the wire rack because this will prevent the cookies from melting or breaking once you add the filling.
3. Whipping the Mascarpone Filling
And that is where the magic happens in the filling. Cold mascarpone and heavy cream are beaten with some powdered sugar and vanilla until light peaks form. Rich, this fluffy filling stays firm and therefore is great to go on cookies without sliding off.
4. Assembling the Sandwiches
Once cookies have cooled, place a large spoonful on the bottom side of half of the cookies. Place another cookie, bottoms together, carefully on top of each cookie to form sandwich. For nicer presentation place small spoonfuls on top of each sandwich and sprinkle with cocoa powder.
Serving Information
These Tiramisu Cookie Sandwiches are ideal for entertaining or simply indulging at home. Here’s a quick summary of serving details:
- Yield: 12 servings
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per serving
Bonus Tips for the Perfect Tiramisu Cookie Sandwiches
- Chill the Filling: For the best texture, ensure that the mascarpone and heavy cream are cold before whipping. This will help the filling hold its shape and stay fluffy.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients for the cookies, mix until just combined to avoid dense cookies.
- Even Cookie Sizes: Using a cookie scoop ensures that all cookies are the same size, making for a neat and visually appealing presentation.
- Double Dusting of Cocoa: For a stronger tiramisu flavor, dust a bit of cocoa between the cookies as well as on top. This adds a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness.
Ways to Serve the Most Memorable Dessert
These Tiramisu Cookie Sandwiches look great on a dessert platter with coffee or espresso. They’re really nice, also, as a sweet Brunch treat or on a holiday dessert table.
Just set them out on a serving plate and sprinkle a little bit of the cocoa powder on top for one beautiful treat that makes people wanting more. For fun, consider adding some edible gold powder, or put a splash of coffee liqueur in the filling.
This addition of flavor and a bit of warmth makes it an especially good choice for a special event.
Getting excited for the holidays? Make each day leading up to Christmas even more special with exclusive treats from my ‘24 Days of Christmas Desserts’ eBook, featuring a delightful new recipe for every day of the season.
Enjoy Every Bite
These Tiramisu Cookie Sandwiches have everything a classic tiramisu would have, but in a small, cute snack. The flavors of coffee, cream, and chocolate will mix just right into each other, filled with the right amount of sweetness and strength.
Not only are they visually delightful, but each bite also offers a truly indulgent experience, making them a memorable dessert to share with loved ones. Love this recipe?
Save it for the next potluck or sweet craving! Share any thoughts/questions and your variations in comments below-who knows, maybe someone else gets inspired toward their next favorite dessert, too!.
Tiramisu Cookie Sandwiches Recipe
Course: Uncategorized12
servings30
minutes10
minutes220
kcalIngredients
- For the Cookie Base:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder (for that rich, deep flavor)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons instant espresso powder (dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water)
- For the Mascarpone Filling:
1 cup mascarpone cheese, chilled
1/2 cup heavy cream, cold
1/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Topping:
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Tip: Using parchment paper helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
- Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Tip: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for a smoother mix.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and dissolved espresso to the butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop small balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, flattening them slightly with your palm. Tip: Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes, ensuring even baking.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the mascarpone filling. In a medium bowl, whip the mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the sandwich by spreading or piping a generous layer of the mascarpone filling on the bottom of half the cookies. Top with another cookie to form a sandwich.
- Pipe small blobs of mascarpone frosting evenly across the top of each cookie sandwich.
- Generously dust with unsweetened cocoa powder for that authentic tiramisu touch.
