Espresso Mascarpone Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies With Chocolate Drizzle

Calling all coffee and dessert enthusiasts! Prepare to be captivated by these Espresso Mascarpone Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies. We’ve taken the beloved flavors of classic tiramisu – rich mascarpone, bold espresso, and decadent chocolate – and transformed them into a delightfully soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible cookie. The crinkle coating adds a beautiful texture and a generous dusting of sweetness, while the dark chocolate drizzle elevates these treats to a whole new level of indulgence. These aren’t just cookies; they’re a mini-vacation for your taste buds!

What You’ll Need

• 200 g (1 ⅔ cups) All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookies, providing structure and a tender crumb. Be sure to measure accurately – spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, to avoid packing it too tightly.
• 30 g (¼ cup) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor that complements the espresso beautifully. Opt for a high-quality cocoa powder for the best results.
• 2 g (½ tsp) Baking Powder: A leavening agent that gives our cookies a light and airy texture. Ensure it’s fresh for optimal rising power.
• 2 g (¼ tsp) Fine Sea Salt: A crucial ingredient that balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors. Fine sea salt dissolves easily and distributes evenly throughout the dough.
• 115 g (½ cup) Unsalted Butter, Softened: Provides richness, tenderness, and flavor. Make sure the butter is properly softened – it should be pliable but still hold its shape.
• 150 g (¾ cup) Granulated Sugar: The primary sweetener, contributing to the cookies’ overall sweetness and texture.
• 50 g (¼ cup) Light Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor and helps create a chewier texture.
• 2 Large Eggs, Room Temperature: Bind the ingredients together and add richness. Room temperature eggs emulsify more easily, resulting in a smoother dough.
• 5 ml (1 tsp) Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes.
• 10 g (2 tsp) Espresso Powder: The star of the show! This delivers a concentrated coffee flavor that’s essential for the tiramisu experience.
• 5 g (1 tsp) Instant Coffee Granules: Boosts the espresso flavor even further, adding an extra layer of intensity.
• 80 g (⅔ cup) Powdered Sugar: Used for both dusting the cookies and incorporating into the mascarpone filling, adding sweetness and a delicate texture.
• 200 g (7 oz) Full-Fat Cream Cheese, Softened: Forms the base of our luscious mascarpone filling, providing a tangy and creamy foundation.
• 100 g (3½ oz) Mascarpone Cheese (halal-certified): The key to authentic tiramisu flavor! Mascarpone is an Italian cream cheese known for its incredibly smooth and rich texture.
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) Heavy Cream: Adds silkiness and lightness to the mascarpone filling.
• 5 g (1 tsp) Espresso Powder (extra): Another boost of coffee flavor for the filling, ensuring a well-rounded tiramisu experience.
• 50 g (1 ¾ oz) Dark Chocolate (≥70 % cocoa, halal): Used for the decadent drizzle, adding a bittersweet counterpoint to the sweetness of the cookies. Choose a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for the best flavor.
• 10 ml (2 tsp) Neutral Oil (e.g., grapeseed): Helps melt the chocolate smoothly and creates a glossy drizzle.
• Cocoa Powder, for final dusting: Adds a final touch of chocolatey goodness and visual appeal.
• Chocolate shavings, for garnish: A beautiful and flavorful garnish that adds a touch of elegance.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures even baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Whisking incorporates air and ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for a consistent cookie texture. Set this mixture aside; we’ll add it to the wet ingredients later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process, known as creaming, incorporates air into the butter and sugar, creating a tender crumb in the final cookie. It should take about 2 minutes.
4. Incorporate Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. This ensures each egg is fully emulsified into the batter. Then, stir in the alcohol-free vanilla extract, espresso powder, and instant coffee granules. The espresso and coffee granules are key to that signature tiramisu flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. The dough will be quite thick – this is normal.
6. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to handle and shape without sticking.
7. Prepare the Espresso Mascarpone Filling: While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened full-fat cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and the extra espresso powder until smooth and spreadable. The mascarpone adds a luxurious tang and creaminess.
8. Shape and Fill the Cookies: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Scoop out approximately 30g (1oz) portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Using your thumb, press a small indentation into the center of each ball.
9. Add the Filling: Carefully pipe or spoon about ½ teaspoon of the espresso mascarpone filling into the cavity you created in each cookie. Smooth the surface of the dough back over the filling, completely enclosing it. This step requires a gentle hand to prevent the dough from cracking.
10. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will still look slightly soft. Remember, they will continue to firm up as they cool.
11. Coat in Powdered Sugar: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, roll each warm cookie in a shallow bowl of powdered sugar, ensuring they are completely coated on all sides. This creates the signature “crinkle” effect.
12. Cool Completely: Transfer the powdered sugar-coated cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Prepare the Chocolate Drizzle: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the chocolate drizzle. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate and neutral oil. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring after each burst, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
14. Drizzle and Garnish: Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle the melted chocolate over each cookie using a thin spoon. Allow the chocolate to pool slightly at the top and drip down the sides. Finish by lightly dusting the cookies with cocoa powder and scattering a few chocolate shavings over each for a beautiful contrast.
15. Plate and Serve: Plate the cookies on a white rectangular plate, arranging them in a single line. Add a drizzle-like zig-zag of extra melted chocolate on the plate edge for a visually appealing presentation.

The Science Behind the Crinkle

The “crinkle” effect in these cookies isn’t just for looks! It’s a result of the high sugar content in the dough and the powdered sugar coating. As the cookies bake, the sugar dissolves and creates a slightly sticky surface. When the cookies expand, the powdered sugar coating cracks, creating that beautiful, web-like pattern. Chilling the dough is also vital; it prevents excessive spreading and helps maintain the crinkle.

Espresso and Mascarpone: A Perfect Pairing

The combination of espresso and mascarpone is the heart of tiramisu, and it translates beautifully into these cookies. Espresso provides a bold, coffee flavor that cuts through the richness of the mascarpone. Mascarpone, unlike cream cheese, has a higher fat content, resulting in a smoother, more luxurious texture. The addition of a touch of heavy cream lightens the filling, making it perfectly pipeable and spreadable.

Why Use Halal Chocolate?

We specifically call for halal-certified dark chocolate in this recipe to ensure inclusivity and cater to a wider range of dietary needs. Halal chocolate adheres to Islamic dietary guidelines, offering peace of mind to those who follow these practices. Using a high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) also contributes to a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese is crucial for proper emulsification and a smooth batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! It prevents spreading and makes the dough easier to work with.
• Powdered Sugar Generously: Be generous with the powdered sugar coating for a pronounced crinkle effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before shaping the cookies.

Can I use instant espresso instead of espresso powder?

While espresso powder provides a more concentrated flavor, you can use instant espresso in a pinch. Use about 1 tablespoon of instant espresso in place of the 10g of espresso powder.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but they will still be delicious!

Conclusion

These Espresso Mascarpone Tiramisu Crinkle Cookies with Chocolate Drizzle are a delightful twist on a classic Italian dessert. The combination of rich mascarpone filling, bold espresso flavor, and a beautiful crinkle coating makes them irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for later! Pin it here!

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