Name: Pumpkin Tiramisu Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 115 grams unsalted butter, softened (½ cup); 150 grams brown sugar (¾ cup); 50 grams caster sugar (¼ cup granulated sugar); 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 120 grams tinned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) (½ cup); 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder (or 1½ tbsp for stronger flavor); 220 grams plain flour (1¾ cups all-purpose flour); 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; 113 grams unsalted butter, softened (½ cup); 180 grams mascarpone cheese, cold or slightly softened (¾ cup); 180 grams icing sugar (1½ cups powdered sugar); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Unsweetened cocoa powder or cinnamon for dusting

Ingredients

115 grams unsalted butter, softened (½ cup)

150 grams brown sugar (¾ cup)

50 grams caster sugar (¼ cup granulated sugar)

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

120 grams tinned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) (½ cup)

1 tablespoon instant espresso powder (or 1½ tbsp for stronger flavour)

220 grams plain flour (1¾ cups all-purpose flour)

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

¼ teaspoon salt

113 grams unsalted butter, softened (½ cup) for frosting

180 grams mascarpone cheese, cold or slightly softened (¾ cup)

180 grams icing sugar (1½ cups powdered sugar)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Unsweetened cocoa powder or cinnamon for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.

Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and caster sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin purée to the creamed mixture. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Dissolve the instant espresso powder in 1 teaspoon of warm water, then stir it into the batter evenly.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 6: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 7: Scoop large mounds of dough, about 3 tablespoons each, onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 5 cm (2 inches) between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed and the edges are set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 9: To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add the mascarpone cheese and beat gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix.

Step 10: Mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 11: Once the cookies are completely cool, pipe or spread the mascarpone frosting over each cookie.

Step 12: Dust the frosted cookies lightly with unsweetened cocoa powder or cinnamon before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the espresso powder to 1½ tablespoons in the dough.

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar slightly to your taste.

Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dry ingredients for extra warming spice.

Use a piping bag with a decorative tip for a more polished frosting presentation.

Make sure the cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of tinned pumpkin purée?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin purée. Simply cook and blend pumpkin flesh until smooth, then measure out the equivalent amount. Ensure it is well drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough.

What is the best way to handle the mascarpone frosting?

Mascarpone should be cold or slightly softened before mixing. Beat it gently with softened butter and powdered sugar to prevent the frosting from becoming too runny. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light, creamy texture.