Italian Coffee Cookies

Category: Treats That Make Everything Better

Rich coffee-inspired cookies topped with mascarpone cream frosting and finished with a cocoa dusting—pure dessert bliss.

Clare Recipes
Updated on Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:17:37 GMT
A close-up of a cookie bitten into, showing creamy filling inside and cocoa powder on top, surrounded by similar ones on a baking pan. Save
A close-up of a cookie bitten into, showing creamy filling inside and cocoa powder on top, surrounded by similar ones on a baking pan. | recipesclare.com

One lazy Sunday I was hit with cravings for tiramisu and cookies at the same time so I started experimenting in my kitchen. Soft cookies soaked with coffee and topped off with smooth mascarpone cream plus a little cocoa dust on top. The end result? Total bliss. My friends always beg me to bring these now.

Cookie You’ll Love

Honestly, after so many baking attempts I’ve realized the best desserts just use simple stuff you’ve already got. These come together fast with whatever’s in my cupboard but they taste totally fancy. If you want something impressive but easy, these are it.

From Pantry Finds To You

  • Cocoa Powder: A sprinkle at the end changes everything
  • Vanilla Extract: Real vanilla gives the best flavor ever
  • Mascarpone: Treat yourself to the good brand, it’s worth it
  • Instant Coffee: This is what brings out big tiramisu vibes
  • Brown Sugar: Light or dark, both taste awesome
  • Butter: Chill it first, helps make great cookies

Pulling Off That Cookie Magic

Oven Time
Keep an eye out so the edges are barely done
Chill Break
A few minutes in the fridge really changes how they turn out
Mix It Up
Stir together gently, instant coffee is the secret weapon
Begin Your Base
Let the butter cool off while you grab what you need

Dreamy Creamy Topping

Cocoa Dusting
My grandma swore by a tiny sieve for the prettiest cocoa sprinkle
Smooth Whipped Goodness
Start with mascarpone at room temp, it whips up so much lighter this way
Swirl On the Beauty
Piping on those dreamy peaks is my favorite part to watch
Zoom in on cookies with creamy topping and cocoa powder, plus one cookie with a bite missing. Save
Zoom in on cookies with creamy topping and cocoa powder, plus one cookie with a bite missing. | recipesclare.com

Baking Tricks I Swear By

Weighing out the ingredients gives perfect cookies, every time. Also, aluminum pans are my go-to, they’re just better for even baking. Simple but game-changing.

Go Big When It Counts

For parties, I grab my big 3oz scoop to make these cookies extra huge. They totally stand out on a tray. Just toss in a few extra baking minutes and you’re golden.

Plan Ahead And Win

When autumn and winter hit, I always get the dough ready ahead and toss it in the fridge. It turns out even better and means warm cookies are just minutes away for any surprise guests.

Keep ‘Em Nice And Fresh

Once they’re done, I layer them with parchment in a tin so the toppings don't get messed up. The fridge makes them taste even better the next day, too.

Best Pairings Ever

Pair these beauties with a shot of espresso or a mug of hot coffee. Or sometimes, when I want to be extra, I serve them with coffee liqueur in little glasses. People always freak out in the best way.

Close-up of several cookies on a tray, with thick cream and cocoa on top. Save
Close-up of several cookies on a tray, with thick cream and cocoa on top. | recipesclare.com

Make It Your Own

A dash of Kahlua in the mascarpone is amazing, or try a flavored cocoa. My friend Lisa goes with dairy-free cream cheese and it’s actually shockingly good.

Easy Freezer Fix

I freeze dough balls so there’s always a stash ready. Just chuck ‘em in the oven, one more minute, no thaw needed. Only the mascarpone needs to be piped on fresh.

Party Crowd Favorite

No matter what the event—bridal shower, baby party, holidays—these get requested. They stack up so pretty and nobody forgets the tiramisu twist.

Nailing That Sweetness

I started using less sugar in the mascarpone so you can really taste the coffee. Now even people who say ‘I’m not into sweets’ absolutely love them.

Meant For Coffee Moments

These days, I always grab one in the morning to go with my latte. The way those coffee flavors mix is magic. Feels like a little Italian café at home.

Several cookies topped with white cream and cocoa, close up and pretty. Save
Several cookies topped with white cream and cocoa, close up and pretty. | recipesclare.com

Moments That Matter

For Valentine’s Day I put these in cute boxes with ribbons and handed them out. Seeing everyone’s happy faces honestly made my day—homemade gifts win every time.

Everyone Can Enjoy

For my pals who can’t have gluten, cup for cup flour makes these turn out just as wonderful. Seriously, nobody can even tell the swap.

Looks Like A Dream

I’ve tried fancy piping styles but honestly, a simple swirl still looks gorgeous. A bit of chocolate on top and suddenly they belong in a fancy bakery photo shoot.

Sweet Traditions

Each Christmas I toss these into cookie gift boxes for my friends and neighbors. People start hinting about them weeks before. It’s my absolute favorite holiday thing now.

Totally Addictive

Mixing creamy mascarpone, coffee, and chocolate together just makes these impossible to walk away from. Best things happen when you just go after your cravings.

Dessert cookies with a fluffy swirl and cocoa on top—close shot. Save
Dessert cookies with a fluffy swirl and cocoa on top—close shot. | recipesclare.com

Wrap-Up

Turn tiramisu into cookies! A luscious combination of a coffee-flavored cookie base and creamy mascarpone topping, perfect for any treat lover.

Recipe FAQs

→ Why do you need to cool butter?

Letting melted butter cool keeps the cookies from spreading too much. If it's still hot, the cookies come out too flat.

→ Can these be made in advance?

Sure thing! Bake ahead but add cream when you're ready to serve. Keep the cream in the fridge separately.

→ Why chill dough before baking?

By chilling the dough, the flavor gets better and cookies won't spread much in the oven.

→ Is freezing an option?

You can freeze the plain cookies. Just add the mascarpone cream fresh later since it doesn't freeze well.

→ What's the purpose of espresso powder?

Espresso powder gives a strong coffee hit without making the dough too watery.

Italian Coffee Cookies

Soft coffee cookies layered with lush mascarpone cream and cocoa sprinkle, offering an indulgent mix of textures and flavors.

Preparation Time
30 min
Cooking Time
11 min
Total Time
41 min

Category: Sweet Stuff

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 11 Serves (11 cookies)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 110 g unsalted butter.
02 100 g white sugar.
03 100 g brown sugar, packed.
04 1 egg (57-60 g including shell).
05 1 teaspoon pure vanilla.
06 230 g plain flour.
07 ½ teaspoon baking soda.
08 ½ teaspoon baking powder.
09 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder.
10 ½ teaspoon fine salt.
11 180 g mascarpone.
12 1 teaspoon vanilla essence.
13 90 g powdered sugar.
14 20 g honey or agave syrup.
15 120 g whipping cream.
16 1 tablespoon cocoa powder for sprinkling.

Steps

Step 01

Melt butter, then leave in the fridge till it's cooled to room temp (about 20 mins).

Step 02

Stir the sugars into your cooled butter, then beat in the egg and vanilla.

Step 03

Blend the flour, baking soda, baking powder, coffee, and salt. Add this to the wet mix.

Step 04

Make 11 dough balls with a scoop, roll them, and chill in the fridge for an hour.

Step 05

Bake in a 180°C oven for 10-11 mins. Let them cool for a bit, then move to a wire rack.

Step 06

Beat mascarpone, vanilla, powdered sugar, honey, and cream until stiff peaks form.

Step 07

Pipe the cream on the cookies after they're cool, then sprinkle cocoa on top.

Helpful Notes

  1. Butter needs to be fully cooled before being used.
  2. Chilling dough helps cookies bake better.
  3. Top with cream right before eating.

Required Tools

  • A scoop for cookies.
  • Mixer (handheld or standing).
  • Bag for piping with tips.
  • Fine sieve for cocoa.

Allergen Info

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and seek medical advice if unsure.
  • Egg-based ingredients.
  • Contains dairy (butter, mascarpone, cream).
  • Includes wheat flour.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These are general insights and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 328
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Carbs: 41 g
  • Protein: 4 g