The Perfect Bite-Sized Italian Classic
Tiramisu, meaning “pick me up” in Italian, has long been a beloved dessert known for its coffee-soaked ladyfingers and rich mascarpone cream. These Minute Tiramisu Balls offer all the beloved flavors of traditional tiramisu in an innovative, individual serving that’s perfect for gatherings or an elegant after-dinner treat.
What Makes These Tiramisu Balls Special
Unlike traditional tiramisu that requires hours of setting time, these “minute” versions deliver the same complex flavors in significantly less time. The individual portions make them ideal for serving at parties, and their eye-catching appearance adds a touch of sophistication to any dessert spread. The contrast between the coffee-infused cookie base and the light, airy mascarpone topping creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures in each bite.
Recipe: Minute Tiramisu Balls
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Coffee Soak:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) strong espresso or coffee, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa), optional
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 1 cup (225g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- Coffee beans (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
Cookie Base:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly and create a small indentation in the center.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
Coffee Soak:
- Combine espresso, coffee liqueur (if using), and sugar in a small bowl, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Once cookies are cool, brush the tops with the coffee mixture, allowing it to soak in.
Mascarpone Cream:
- In a large bowl, beat mascarpone cheese until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
Assembly:
- Pipe a generous dome of mascarpone cream onto each coffee-soaked cookie base.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Just before serving, dust the tops with cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve.
- Garnish with coffee beans and mint leaves if desired.
Tips for Perfect Tiramisu Balls
- Use room temperature mascarpone to ensure a smooth, lump-free cream.
- Don’t over-soak the cookies – they should absorb the coffee flavor without becoming soggy.
- Chill the assembled balls before dusting with cocoa powder to prevent the powder from absorbing into the cream.
- For an alcohol-free version, simply omit the coffee liqueur and add a drop of vanilla to the coffee soak instead.
- Make ahead tip: These can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
These elegant Minute Tiramisu Balls make a perfect ending to an Italian-themed dinner party. Serve them alongside espresso or a dessert wine for a truly authentic experience. Their individual serving size makes them ideal for buffets or dessert tables where guests can help themselves to these bite-sized delights.
With their beautiful presentation and classic tiramisu flavors, these Minute Tiramisu Balls transform a beloved Italian dessert into an innovative treat that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.