Indulging in a sweet treat is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and if you share this sentiment, then Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. These cookies are an enchanting blend of chewy texture and classic Italian tiramisu flavors, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion. Imagine a soft cookie with a delightful crinkled shell dusted in powdered sugar, revealing the delightful flavor combinations of espresso, cocoa, and creamy mascarpone. Whether you’re seeking an easy dessert idea, festive food option, or a delightful coffee-flavored snack, these Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies are sure to impress.
Perfectly balanced, they encapsulate all the essence of traditional tiramisu while being incredibly easy to prepare. Ideal for gatherings, holiday parties, or even a simple breakfast treat, these cookies can serve as a unique twist on the classic dessert, or simply as a delicious standalone cookie to enjoy with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Their soft and chewy center paired with a light, crinkled exterior makes them not just a visual delight but a flavor explosion that you’ll crave time and again.
Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies
- Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of espresso and mascarpone brings a gourmet feel to your everyday cookies.
- Chewy Texture: These cookies boast an irresistible chewy center surrounded by a slightly crisp outer layer.
- Elegant Presentation: The crinkled powdered sugar shell and dusted cocoa make these cookies visually impressive!
- Versatile Treat: Great for holiday parties, coffee breaks, or cozy evenings at home.
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the delightful process of making Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen workstation to ensure everything goes smoothly. Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients and tools: a mixing bowl, an electric mixer (or whisk if you prefer a workout!), measuring cups and spoons, a spatula, a baking sheet, and parchment paper. Prepping upfront helps streamline your cooking experience.
For notable success with this recipe, ensure your butter and mascarpone cheese are at room temperature. This allows for better creaming, resulting in that light and fluffy texture. Also, keep in mind that chilling the dough is a key step for achieving those well-defined crinkles, so make room in your refrigerator. Once your space is organized and you’ve got your ingredients ready, you’ll be set to bake a batch of scrumptious cookies!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cheese
To get started, combine the softened butter, mascarpone cheese, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together until they become light and fluffy. This step is crucial, as it incorporates air into the mixture, ensuring your cookies have that delightful chewiness.
Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs and Flavorings
Next, add the eggs to your mixture, one at a time. This gradual incorporation helps maintain the consistency and overall texture of the batter. After the eggs, mix in the vanilla extract, instant espresso powder, and coffee liqueur if you’re using it. The espresso powder is what gives these cookies their deep coffee flavor, setting them apart from regular crinkle cookies.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt which will ensure an even rise in the cookies. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least an hour. Chilling is reinvigorating and allows the flavors to meld together while helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking. This step is not to be skipped; it’s vital for achieving those signature crinkles!
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of the chilled dough and roll them into balls. Generously coat each ball with powdered sugar, which will create that beautiful crackled crust as they bake. Place the dough balls spaced about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet and bake them for 10–12 minutes until they puff up slightly and the edges have set.
Step 6: Cool and Dust
Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for about 5 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they have cooled, dust the tops with cocoa powder to finish them off beautifully. This process adds an elegant touch while enhancing the cookie’s flavor.
Variations
- Protein: You can add in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
- Vegetables: For a healthier twist, integrate grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture) for added moisture and nutrients.
- Spices: Spice up your dough with cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy flavor contrast.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly to maintain the shape and achieve the best crinkles.
- Roll your dough balls in the powdered sugar just before baking to maximize the contrast of textures.
- Let the cookies cool completely before adding the cocoa powder to avoid smudging.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a hot cup of coffee or espresso to amplify the coffee flavors.
- Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert treat.
Tips
- To ensure perfectly crinkled cookies, do not skip the chilling phase, as it plays a crucial role in the dough consistency.
- Experiment with different types of coffee liqueur to find your favorite flavor profile.
- Consider drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for truly special treats.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
While you can substitute cream cheese, mascarpone lends a creamier texture that’s essential for the authentic tiramisu flavor.
How do I store Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I skip the coffee liqueur?
Yes, the coffee liqueur is optional, but it does enhance the coffee flavor. You can omit it or replace it with an equal amount of coffee or milk.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend will work; just ensure it has a similar texture to all-purpose flour for best results.
Conclusion
These Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies are more than just a treat; they represent a combination of flavors that are both rich and inviting. The delightful texture works harmoniously with the gourmet essence of tiramisu, and they’ll make an unforgettable addition to your baking repertoire. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations of this recipe or share it with friends and family to enjoy! We invite you to try baking these cookies and share your experiences in the comments. Join the delightful world of easy yet indulgent baking, and let Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies elevate your dessert game!
Print
Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies blend chewy texture with classic Italian tiramisu flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
Instructions
- Combine butter, mascarpone, and sugar, and beat until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing in vanilla, espresso powder, and liqueur.
- Whisk together dry ingredients and gradually add to wet ingredients.
- Refrigerate dough for at least an hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lined baking sheet with parchment.
- Scoop and roll dough into balls, coat with powdered sugar, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool on tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack and dust with cocoa.
Notes
Chill dough thoroughly to achieve the best crinkles.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 per cookie
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Protein: 2 g