Tiramisu Cookie Cups Recipe

Introduction

Tiramisu Cookie Cups are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining crunchy cookie bases with rich coffee-chocolate and creamy mascarpone layers. These individual treats are perfect for parties or an elegant after-dinner indulgence.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate cookies (such as Oreos)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
• 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
• ⅓ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup heavy cream, cold
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Optional: chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Combine the crushed cookies and melted butter in a bowl, mixing until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner to create a compact base. Bake for 5 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine the espresso, coffee liqueur (if using), chocolate chips, and butter. Melt over low heat, stirring until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream and cornstarch until fully combined and lump-free. Gradually add this mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly over medium heat until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, beat the mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Begin layering by adding 1-2 tablespoons of either the mascarpone cream or coffee-chocolate mixture onto the cookie base. Smooth the layer, then add an alternate layer of the opposite filling. Repeat until the liners are nearly full, chilling the cups for 10 minutes between layers to maintain stability and definition.
5. Step 5: Sift cocoa powder generously over the top of each cup. For added garnish, sprinkle chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips as desired. Refrigerate the cups for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• Use a cookie variety you enjoy—chocolate wafers or even chocolate graham crackers work well for the base.
• If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the coffee liqueur without affecting flavor much.
• For a more intense coffee flavor, increase the espresso amount slightly, but be careful not to make the mixture too liquid.
• Gently folding the whipped cream into the mascarpone ensures a light, airy texture for the cream layer.

Storage

Store the tiramisu cookie cups tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture and flavor, consume within this time. When ready to serve, you can let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes for a softer bite. These cups are not suitable for freezing as the cream layers may separate upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cups ahead of time?

Yes, these tiramisu cookie cups can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated overnight to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.

What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?

If you can’t find mascarpone, try a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream to mimic the creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Tiramisu Cookie Cups Recipe

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4.4 from 69 reviews

These Tiramisu Cookie Cups are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring a crunchy chocolate cookie base, a rich coffee-chocolate pudding layer, and a smooth mascarpone cream topping. Perfectly portioned for individual servings, these cups combine deep espresso flavors with creamy textures and a dusting of cocoa powder for an indulgent treat that’s easy to prepare and impress your guests.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 Tiramisu Cookie Cups 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cookie Base:

• 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate cookies (such as Oreos)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Coffee-Chocolate Layer:

• ⅓ cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
• 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
• ⅓ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Mascarpone Cream Layer:

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup heavy cream, cold
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Optional: chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Make the Cookie Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Combine the crushed cookies and melted butter in a bowl, mixing until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner to create a compact base. Bake for 5 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Coffee-Chocolate Layer: In a small saucepan, combine the espresso, coffee liqueur (if using), chocolate chips, and butter. Melt over low heat, stirring until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream and cornstarch until fully combined and lump-free. Gradually add this mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly over medium heat until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
3. Whip the Mascarpone Cream: In a bowl, beat the mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined.
4. Assemble the Tiramisu Cups: Begin layering by adding 1-2 tablespoons of either the mascarpone cream or coffee-chocolate mixture onto the cookie base. Smooth the layer, then add an alternate layer of the opposite filling. Repeat until the liners are nearly full, chilling the cups for 10 minutes between layers to maintain stability and definition.
5. Finish with Cocoa Powder: Sift cocoa powder generously over the top of each cup. For added garnish, sprinkle chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips as desired. Refrigerate the cups for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• If coffee liqueur is not available or preferred, it can be omitted without affecting the overall flavor significantly.
• Make sure the mascarpone cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother cream.
• Chilling the cups between layers helps keep distinct, neat layers and prevents mixing.
• Use strong brewed espresso or a concentrated coffee for authentic tiramisu flavor.
• These cups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.

Keywords: Tiramisu, Cookie Cups, Coffee Dessert, Italian Dessert, Mascarpone, Chocolate, Espresso, No-Bake Dessert Variant