Easy Tiramisu Cookie Cups Recipe for a No-Bake Dessert

If you love the rich, creamy flavors of classic tiramisu but want something faster, simpler, and completely no-bake, easy tiramisu cookie cups are about to become your new favorite dessert. These elegant little treats capture everything people adore about traditional tiramisu—espresso-soaked cookies, fluffy mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa—without turning on the oven or fussing with layers in a large dish.

Perfectly portioned and irresistibly creamy, no-bake tiramisu cookie cups are ideal for dinner parties, holidays, baby showers, or anytime you want a dessert that feels fancy but takes minimal effort. Best of all, they come together quickly using store-bought cookies and simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.


Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Tiramisu Cookie Cups

These mini desserts check every box for busy home cooks and dessert lovers alike:

  • Completely no-bake
  • Ready in under 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
  • Elegant individual servings
  • Rich, creamy, coffee-forward flavor
  • Perfect make-ahead dessert
  • No raw eggs required

Unlike traditional tiramisu, this version skips complicated steps while delivering the same indulgent experience in a fun, handheld format.


What Are Tiramisu Cookie Cups?

Tiramisu cookie cups are a modern twist on the iconic Italian dessert. Instead of layering ladyfingers and mascarpone cream in a large dish, the components are assembled into small cups using cookies as the base and structure.

Crushed or softened cookies line the cup, espresso adds moisture and flavor, and a fluffy mascarpone filling brings everything together. Finished with a dusting of cocoa powder, these mini tiramisu cups look bakery-worthy but are incredibly easy to make at home.


Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients for maximum flavor with minimal effort.

  • Ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
  • Brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
  • Mascarpone cheese, cold
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. Brew espresso or strong coffee and allow it to cool completely.
  2. Break ladyfinger cookies into small pieces.
  3. Lightly dip cookie pieces into the cooled espresso, being careful not to oversoak.
  4. Press espresso-soaked cookies into the bottom of small serving cups.
  5. In a mixing bowl, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
  7. Gently fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fluffy.
  8. Spoon or pipe mascarpone cream over the cookie layer.
  9. Repeat layers if desired.
  10. Dust generously with cocoa powder.
  11. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

The Secret to Perfect Mascarpone Cream

The key to luxurious no-bake tiramisu dessert cups is properly whipped cream and cold mascarpone. Always start with chilled ingredients, and avoid overmixing. Overworked mascarpone can become grainy, while gently folded whipped cream creates that signature light, mousse-like texture.


Make-Ahead Friendly Dessert

These mini tiramisu cups are an entertainer’s dream. Prepare them up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve. The flavors actually improve with time as the cookies absorb the espresso and meld with the cream.


Tiramisu Cookie Cup Variations

Once you master the base recipe, customization is easy.

Chocolate Tiramisu Cups
Add mini chocolate chips or shaved chocolate between layers.

Alcohol-Free Version
Skip liqueurs entirely—espresso alone provides deep flavor.

Baileys or Kahlúa Twist
Stir a tablespoon into the espresso for a grown-up version.

Vanilla Latte Style
Use vanilla-flavored coffee and add extra vanilla extract.

Chocolate Cookie Cups
Swap ladyfingers for chocolate wafer cookies.


Best Cookies for Tiramisu Cups

Traditional ladyfingers work beautifully, but you have options:

  • Savoiardi (classic choice)
  • Vanilla wafer cookies
  • Biscotti (broken into pieces)
  • Shortbread cookies

Choose cookies that soften well when dipped but don’t dissolve instantly.


Serving Suggestions

Serve these easy tiramisu cookie cups chilled with:

  • Fresh berries on the side
  • Chocolate-covered espresso beans
  • A dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg
  • A dollop of whipped cream

They pair perfectly with coffee, espresso, or dessert wine.


Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers
  • Best enjoyed within 48 hours
  • Do not freeze (cream texture may separate)

Why This No-Bake Dessert Is Perfect for Any Occasion

From holidays to casual dinners, tiramisu cookie cups feel special without being intimidating. Their individual portions make serving effortless, and their timeless flavor appeals to nearly everyone.

They’re also ideal for:

  • Christmas dessert tables
  • Valentine’s Day
  • Bridal showers
  • Baby showers
  • Dinner parties

A Modern Take on a Classic Italian Dessert

Traditional tiramisu has roots in Italy, where coffee and cream-based desserts are deeply cherished. This no-bake adaptation respects those flavors while making the dessert more approachable for modern kitchens.


Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels elegant, indulgent, and stress-free, easy tiramisu cookie cups are the answer. With no baking, simple ingredients, and stunning presentation, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Once you try these creamy, coffee-kissed cups, they’ll quickly earn a permanent place in your no-bake dessert rotation.

Easy Tiramisu Cookie Cups

No-bake tiramisu cookie cups made with espresso-soaked cookies and fluffy mascarpone cream.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 20 ladyfinger cookies
  • 1 cup brewed espresso cooled
  • 8 oz mascarpone cheese cold
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream cold
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • cocoa powder for dusting

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Serving cups

Method
 

  1. Dip cookie pieces briefly into espresso and layer into cups.
  2. Whip cream to soft peaks and fold into mascarpone mixture.
  3. Layer cream over cookies and dust with cocoa powder.

Notes

Chill before serving for best texture.