Tiramisu Cookie Cups Recipe

If you adore the rich, creamy flavors of classic tiramisu but are craving a fun twist, you are going to be head over heels for these Tiramisu Cookie Cups. Imagine a perfectly baked cookie shaped into a little cup, tender and buttery, holding a cloud of luscious mascarpone cream infused with coffee and a hint of liqueur. This dessert is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a total showstopper that feels both elegant and delightfully approachable for any occasion. It’s like having all the charm of tiramisu in a playful, handheld form that makes sharing (and devouring) utterly irresistible.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Tiramisu Cookie Cups plays a starring role. From the buttery cookie base to the velvety mascarpone filling, these essentials come together to build layers of flavor and texture that are both comforting and sophisticated.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie cups, providing structure without making them too dense.
• Baking powder: Adds a slight lift, ensuring the cookie cups aren’t too flat and hold their shape well.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors while balancing the richness of the filling.
• Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy mouthfeel and tender crumb to the cookie base.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping with texture and browning.
• Light brown sugar: Brings moistness and a subtle caramel depth to the cookie cups.
• Large egg: Binds the ingredients and gives the dough a lovely pliability for shaping.
• Vanilla extract: A fragrant note that pairs beautifully with coffee and mascarpone.
• Strong brewed coffee or espresso (optional): Infuses the cookie dough with that classic tiramisu flavor twist.
• Mascarpone cheese: The star of the filling, providing creamy richness and a slightly tangy bite.
• Heavy cream: Whipped into the filling for lightness and fluffy texture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and is also used to dust for a pretty finish.
• Coffee liqueur or rum: Adds warmth and an authentic boozy kick to the mascarpone filling.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delicately dusted on top to invoke that signature tiramisu look.

How to Make Tiramisu Cookie Cups

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by mixing the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—in a bowl. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract, followed by the cooled coffee or espresso if you’re using it. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet until just mixed into a soft dough—over mixing will toughen your cups. Pop the dough into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which will make shaping easier and help the cookie cups keep their form during baking.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookie Cups

Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your mini or regular muffin tin. Roll the chilled dough into small balls—approximately one tablespoon for mini tins or two tablespoons for regular size—and press each ball into the tins, gently molding them into cup shapes with raised edges. Once the cups have a nice shape, bake for 10 to 15 minutes depending on size, until the edges are golden and the centers just set. As soon as they come out of the oven, gently press the centers down again to reinforce the cup shape, then let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Whip Up the Mascarpone Filling

In a cold bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat on medium-high speed until fluffy and stiff peaks form—but tread carefully so it doesn’t curdle. For that authentic tiramisu flair, fold in your preferred coffee liqueur or rum plus a bit of cooled brewed coffee if you like your filling extra rich with coffee notes. This luxuriously smooth filling will be the perfect counterpoint to your tender cookie cups.

Step 4: Assemble the Tiramisu Cookie Cups

When the cookie cups are fully cooled, use a piping bag or a spoon to fill each cup generously with the mascarpone filling. For a touch of elegance, a star piping tip can create beautiful swirls on top. Finally, give each one a dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder through a fine sieve, and for an extra pretty touch, lightly dust the edges with powdered sugar. Pop them into the fridge to chill for at least an hour so all those dreamy flavors have time to marry perfectly.

How to Serve Tiramisu Cookie Cups

Garnishes

Dusting the tops of your Tiramisu Cookie Cups with cocoa powder is classic, but why stop there? You can add a small chocolate curl, a sprinkle of finely chopped espresso beans, or even a twist of orange zest to brighten the flavors. A tiny mint leaf would also offer a fresh, inviting pop of color and aroma.

Side Dishes

Pairing your cookie cups with a crisp cup of espresso or a sweet dessert wine creates a perfectly balanced experience. For a fresh contrast, serve alongside sliced fresh berries or a light fruit salad, which adds a burst of juicy brightness against the rich dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these in pretty mini cupcake liners or on an elegant dessert platter with a drizzle of chocolate or coffee syrup. You could also place them in small glass cups layered with a bit more mascarpone cream and a sprinkling of crushed cookies for a fancy “tiramisu parfait” vibe that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Tiramisu Cookie Cups are best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the cookie crisp but lets the mascarpone filling soften just enough to melt in your mouth.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the unfilled cookie cups in a single layer inside a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Freeze the mascarpone filling separately in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw both in the fridge before assembly. Avoid freezing filled cups as the mascarpone’s texture may change.

Reheating

Since tiramisu is a chilled dessert, reheating isn’t necessary and actually changes the texture. If you prefer the cookie cups warm, briefly warm the cookie cups only before filling, then chill once assembled for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Tiramisu Cookie Cups without alcohol?

Absolutely! The coffee liqueur or rum enhances the flavor, but you can omit it or substitute with a coffee extract or simply a few extra tablespoons of brewed coffee to keep the same rich notes without the alcohol.

What type of coffee works best in the recipe?

Strong brewed espresso or dark coffee works beautifully to give the cookie dough and filling that signature tiramisu bite. Make sure the coffee is cooled before mixing to avoid curdling the dough or filling.

Can I use store-bought cookie cups instead of baking my own?

While homemade cookie cups offer superior flavor and freshness, you can use sturdy pre-made cookie cups if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure they are strong enough to hold the filling without falling apart.

How do I prevent the mascarpone filling from curdling?

Whip the mascarpone and cream gently and don’t overbeat. Be sure all dairy ingredients are chilled, and fold in any alcohol slowly at the end to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

Can I make these into a larger dessert instead of individual cups?

Yes! The filling and cookie dough also make a fantastic tiramisu tart or layered trifle if you want to scale it up for a crowd.

Final Thoughts

Making Tiramisu Cookie Cups is like gifting yourself a bite of happiness that’s creamy, coffee-kissed, sweet, and tender all at once. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, these charming desserts are totally worth the little bit of effort. So go ahead and dive into the magic of tiramisu in a fun, delicious new form—you won’t regret it!