Can I make Tiramisu Cookie Cups without alcohol?

Absolutely! Replace coffee liqueur with additional strong espresso or cold brew concentrate. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to maintain complexity. Many families prefer alcohol-free versions, and the coffee flavors remain robust and authentic.

How far in advance can I prepare Tiramisu Cookie Cups?

These desserts actually improve with time! Prepare your cups up to 24 hours ahead for optimal flavor development. The cookie bases soften slightly, creating a more cohesive texture reminiscent of traditional tiramisu while maintaining structural integrity.

What's the best way to achieve smooth mascarpone filling for Tiramisu Cookie Cups?

Ensure mascarpone reaches room temperature before mixing – cold cheese creates lumps that won't disappear. Beat gently and stop immediately when smooth. Overmixing causes separation, while undermixing leaves texture issues.

Can I substitute mascarpone in my Tiramisu Cookie Cups recipe?

While mascarpone provides authentic flavor, you can blend 8 oz cream cheese with ½ cup heavy cream as a substitute. The result will be slightly tangier but still delicious. Greek yogurt works for lighter versions but changes the traditional taste profile.

Tiramisu Cookie Cups: Best Quick Dessert Idea

Name: Tiramisu Cookie Cups
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 2 tablespoons cold water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 16 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature; ¾ cup heavy whipping cream; ½ cup powdered sugar; 3 large egg yolks; 1 cup strong espresso, cooled; 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur; 2 packages ladyfinger cookies, crushed; Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

Description

All the flavors of classic tiramisu packed into individual cookie cups. These elegant yet simple desserts combine coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone filling, and a dusting of cocoa in a fun, mess-free serving.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
2 tablespoons cold water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
¾ cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar
3 large egg yolks
1 cup strong espresso, cooled
3 tablespoons coffee liqueur
2 packages ladyfinger cookies, crushed
Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin well.
Cream butter and sugar until light. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla.
Add flour gradually, then cold water until dough forms. Shape into 12 muffin cups to form shells.
Bake 12–15 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely before removing.
Whip cream to soft peaks and refrigerate. Beat mascarpone with powdered sugar and egg yolks until smooth. Fold in whipped cream gently.
Mix cooled espresso with coffee liqueur in a shallow dish.
Place crushed ladyfingers in each cookie cup and drizzle with coffee mixture.
Spoon or pipe mascarpone mixture over cookies. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

Notes

Cool cookie cups fully before filling to prevent melting the cream mixture. For alcohol-free versions, replace coffee liqueur with extra espresso and a splash of vanilla.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking & Chilling
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie cup
Calories: 285
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: tiramisu cups, tiramisu cookie cups, Italian dessert, easy tiramisu, coffee dessert