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Elegant, indulgent, and perfectly portioned, Mini Tiramisu Cookie Cups bring all the flavors of classic tiramisu into an adorable, bite-sized dessert. These little treats combine soft cookie cups with a creamy espresso-kissed mascarpone filling, finished with a delicate dusting of cocoa powder for that unmistakable tiramisu finish.
If you love tiramisu but want something easier to serve, less messy, and ideal for parties or dessert tables, this recipe is the perfect solution. Each cookie cup delivers the signature coffee-and-cream flavor in a handheld form—no slicing, no plating stress, and no leftovers going soggy overnight.
Perfect for holidays, showers, birthdays, or elegant gatherings, these mini desserts look impressive but are surprisingly simple to make.
Why Mini Tiramisu Cookie Cups Are So Popular
Traditional tiramisu is undeniably delicious, but it can be tricky to serve neatly. These mini cookie cups solve that problem beautifully while offering several advantages:
- Perfect individual portions
- Easy to serve and transport
- No slicing or plating required
- Great for make-ahead prep
- Ideal for parties and events
They combine the comfort of cookies with the sophistication of a classic Italian dessert, making them universally appealing.
A Bite-Sized Take on a Classic Italian Dessert
Tiramisu translates to “pick me up,” thanks to its combination of espresso and creamy mascarpone. This mini version captures the same essence while swapping ladyfingers for buttery cookie cups.
Instead of layering, the flavors are nestled together: a soft cookie base holds the rich mascarpone filling, lightly flavored with espresso and vanilla. A dusting of cocoa powder completes the experience, delivering that unmistakable tiramisu aroma and taste.
The Cookie Cup Advantage
Cookie cups are ideal vessels for creamy fillings. They’re sturdy enough to hold shape, yet tender enough to bite through easily.
This recipe uses a simple sugar-cookie-style dough that bakes into shallow cups. Once cooled, they’re filled just before serving or shortly ahead of time for best texture.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Mascarpone cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate shavings or curls (optional garnish)
Every ingredient plays a role in recreating classic tiramisu flavors in miniature form.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan.
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into small balls and press into the mini muffin cavities, shaping into cups.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- While warm, gently press the centers to deepen the cups if needed. Cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, beat mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, and espresso until smooth and creamy.
- Pipe or spoon the filling into cooled cookie cups.
- Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Mini Tiramisu Cups
- Use room-temperature mascarpone for the smoothest filling
- Do not overbake cookie cups – they should stay soft
- Fill close to serving time to keep cookies from softening
- Use real espresso for authentic tiramisu flavor
For extra elegance, pipe the filling with a star tip.
Flavor Variations
These mini tiramisu cookie cups are easy to customize:
Chocolate Tiramisu Cups
Add melted chocolate to the filling for a richer bite.
Amaretto Tiramisu Cups
Add a splash of amaretto or coffee liqueur to the mascarpone.
Vanilla Latte Version
Reduce espresso slightly and add extra vanilla.
No-Coffee Option
Replace espresso with chocolate milk for a kid-friendly version.
When to Serve Mini Tiramisu Cookie Cups
These desserts are perfect for:
- Holiday dessert tables
- Bridal or baby showers
- Dinner parties
- Potlucks
- Afternoon coffee gatherings
They look elegant but are easy enough for casual entertaining.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Cookie cups: Bake up to 3 days ahead and store airtight
- Filling: Prepare up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
- Assembled cups: Best enjoyed within 12 hours
Avoid freezing once assembled, as mascarpone filling does not thaw well.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it preserves tiramisu’s iconic flavors while simplifying the structure. The cookie cup replaces ladyfingers without sacrificing texture, while the mascarpone filling remains rich, creamy, and balanced.
Each bite offers sweetness, coffee depth, and cocoa bitterness—just like classic tiramisu, but in a playful, modern format.
Final Thoughts
Mini Tiramisu Cookie Cups are proof that big flavors can come in small packages. Elegant, crowd-friendly, and irresistibly creamy, these bite-sized desserts are guaranteed to impress without the fuss of a traditional tiramisu.
Once you serve them, expect compliments—and requests for the recipe.
Mini Tiramisu Cookie Cups
Bite-sized tiramisu-inspired cookie cups filled with creamy espresso mascarpone and dusted with cocoa.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream butter and sugar, then mix in egg and vanilla.
- Mix in flour to form dough.
- Press dough into mini muffin pan and bake until lightly golden.
- Beat mascarpone with powdered sugar, espresso, and vanilla.
- Fill cooled cookie cups and dust with cocoa powder.
Notes
Fill cookie cups close to serving for best texture.
