Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies

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Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies are the perfect bite-sized twist on the classic Italian dessert. These cookies blend the rich, creamy flavors of mascarpone and espresso with a chewy, soft cookie texture wrapped in a dramatic crackled sugar coating. The outer layer is delicately crisp from powdered sugar, while the inside stays moist and tender, making every bite a luxurious experience.

With hints of cocoa, a dusting of espresso, and a creamy center that melts in your mouth, these cookies are like a love letter to coffee and dessert lovers alike. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying one with your afternoon latte, they’re guaranteed to impress both in flavor and appearance.

Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies Recipe

• Combines the beloved taste of tiramisu with a chewy cookie form.
• Visually stunning with their crinkled sugar coating and dusted tops.
• Perfect for entertaining, gifting, or a cozy night in.
• Simple ingredients with an elegant outcome.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment)

To achieve the perfect Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies, a few essential tools will elevate the process:

• Electric Mixer: Helps cream the butter, sugar, and mascarpone to a light, fluffy texture effortlessly.
• Mixing Bowls: Multiple bowls for separating dry and wet ingredients.
• Cookie Scoop: Ensures evenly-sized cookies for consistent baking.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Prevents sticking and encourages even baking.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies evenly and maintaining their texture.
• Fine Mesh Sieve: Used for dusting cocoa powder and powdered sugar evenly across the tops.

Each of these tools plays a role in creating the right consistency and look, making the process smoother and the results more professional.

Preparation Tips

For the best results, bring your mascarpone and eggs to room temperature before mixing to avoid curdling and help everything blend smoothly. Chill the dough before rolling to make it easier to handle and to ensure the cookies maintain their shape. Roll the dough generously in powdered sugar right before baking to get that signature crackled look. And don’t overbake—the cookies should remain soft inside. Let them cool completely before dusting with cocoa powder for a neat finish.

Ingredients for this Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies Recipe

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (120g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp instant espresso powder (or strong coffee granules)
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar (for coating)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for dusting)
• Optional: 1 tbsp coffee liqueur for added depth of flavor

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Step 1: Cream Butter, Mascarpone, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, mascarpone cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step creates a smooth base that gives the cookies their moist, tender texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract, espresso powder, and optional coffee liqueur. Mix until the batter becomes rich and aromatic.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and prevents clumping.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies dense.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). This step is crucial for making the dough easier to roll and for getting well-defined cracks in the cookies.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Coating

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl for rolling.

Step 7: Shape and Coat the Dough

Scoop about a tablespoon of chilled dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, coating all sides. This coating is what forms the crinkled exterior during baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the tops are puffed and cracked but the centers are still soft.

Step 9: Cool and Dust

Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, dust the tops with cocoa powder using a fine sieve to finish off that tiramisu touch.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Enjoy your Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies with a hot cup of espresso or milk. Their rich flavor and soft texture make them perfect for both casual snacking and elegant dessert tables.

Notes

Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies are best enjoyed within a few days of baking when their centers are still soft and flavorful. For an extra indulgent version, consider adding a touch of dark chocolate chips or a swirl of mascarpone filling in the center. These cookies can also be made ahead—just freeze the dough balls before rolling them in sugar.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the chill time: This can result in overly flat cookies without defined cracks.
• Using cold mascarpone or butter: This can lead to lumpy batter and uneven mixing.
• Overbaking: The cookies should still be soft in the center when taken out of the oven; they firm up as they cool.
• Light sugar coating: A thick powdered sugar layer is key to that signature crinkle effect.
• Improper measuring: Use a kitchen scale or level measuring cups to avoid dry or overly wet dough.

Storage Instructions

Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To maintain their soft texture, place a slice of bread inside the container. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 160
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 11g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 75mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute mascarpone with cream cheese?

Yes, cream cheese can be used, but it has a tangier flavor and a firmer texture. Mascarpone keeps it smooth and mild.

Do these cookies taste like traditional tiramisu?

They carry the essence of tiramisu—coffee, cocoa, and cream—but in a chewy cookie format. It’s a delicious reinterpretation.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. The dough can be chilled for up to 48 hours or frozen for several weeks before baking.

Why didn’t my cookies crack properly?

Usually due to insufficient chilling or not enough powdered sugar coating. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh.

Can I add coffee liqueur to the dough?

Yes, a tablespoon of coffee liqueur enhances the flavor beautifully without overpowering the cookie.

How do I make the cookies extra soft?

Avoid overbaking and don’t skip the mascarpone—it’s key to the soft, creamy texture.

Can I skip the cocoa powder on top?

Yes, but the dusting adds a nice visual contrast and boosts the tiramisu feel.

How long do they stay fresh?

Up to 4 days at room temperature in an airtight container. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Conclusion

Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies are a delicious hybrid of elegance and comfort. With rich tiramisu-inspired flavor, a stunning crinkle finish, and soft centers, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe for special occasions or everyday treats. Whether you’re a tiramisu lover or a cookie enthusiast, this recipe delivers a little indulgence in every bite.

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