10-Minute Tiramisu Balls
🛠️ Recommended Kitchen Tools
These are the only tools you’ll need for this recipe:
- Medium mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor or ziplock bag with rolling pin (for crushing cookies)
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon (for uniform size)
- Plate or tray for setting the balls
- Fine mesh sieve (for dusting cocoa)
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🧾 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 18–20 tiramisu balls:
Base Ingredients:
- 1½ cups crushed ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi) or graham crackers
- ½ cup mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese if preferred)
- 3 tablespoons brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (like Kahlua) – optional
Coating:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Optional: Melted chocolate or chocolate sprinkles for variation
👨🍳 Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Crush the Cookies
Place your ladyfinger cookies in a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs. If using a bag and rolling pin, make sure they are finely crushed for smooth mixing.
Step 2: Combine the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar, espresso, vanilla extract, and coffee liqueur (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add Crushed Cookies
Add the cookie crumbs to the mascarpone mixture and fold until a soft dough forms. If the mixture feels too wet, add a few extra cookie crumbs until you can roll it easily.
Step 4: Roll the Balls
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls with your hands. Place them on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
Step 5: Dust with Cocoa
Using a fine sieve, dust each ball generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. For an extra fancy touch, drizzle with melted chocolate or roll in chocolate shavings.
Step 6: Chill (Optional)
These can be served immediately, but they taste even better after 20–30 minutes in the fridge to set.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature mascarpone or cream cheese to make mixing smooth and easy.
- Cool the coffee before adding it to avoid melting the cheese or making the mixture too runny.
- Adjust consistency by adding more cookie crumbs if the dough is too wet or a splash of espresso if too dry.
- Uniform sizing helps with presentation and consistent serving.
🔄 Recipe Variations
🍫 Chocolate-Dipped Tiramisu Balls
Dip the finished balls in melted dark or milk chocolate for a decadent coating. Let them set on wax paper.
🌰 Nutty Crunch
Roll each ball in finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds for extra texture.
🥥 Coconut Tiramisu Balls
Roll them in unsweetened shredded coconut instead of cocoa powder for a different take.
🥃 Boozy Kick
Add a little extra liqueur (Kahlua, Baileys, or Amaretto) to the dough for adults-only indulgence. Just reduce espresso slightly to maintain consistency.
🥗 Make It Fit Your Diet
Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free ladyfinger cookies or graham crackers.
Dairy-Free
Use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute and ensure your cookies are also dairy-free.
Low-Sugar
Use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol and low-carb cookies or almond flour for the base.
Vegan
Use vegan cream cheese and pair it with dairy-free and egg-free cookies or biscuits. Skip any liqueurs that contain dairy.
