We’ve fallen head over heels for mascarpone cookies, those creamy Italian-inspired delights that elevate simple baking to new heights. Drawing from the rich traditions of Italian cuisine, this recipe swaps in luxurious mascarpone cheese for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture we can’t resist.
In our kitchen, these cookies blend sweet and tangy flavors that make them perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a quick treat. Join us as we dive into this easy twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
For our mascarpone cookies, we select high-quality ingredients that deliver their signature creamy texture and tangy-sweet flavor. Below, we list them in the order they are typically used, with prep notes for precision.
Wet Ingredients
- Mascarpone cheese: 8 ounces, softened to room temperature for easy blending and a velvety mouthfeel.
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), at room temperature to ensure smooth incorporation and a tender crumb.
- Large eggs: 2, lightly beaten to bind the dough without overworking it.
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for a warm, aromatic depth that enhances the Italian-inspired taste.
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups, sifted to avoid lumps and promote even mixing.
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup, for balanced sweetness that complements the tang of mascarpone.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon, to help the cookies rise slightly for a light, airy result.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, to accentuate flavors and cut through the richness.
These ingredients combine to create cookies that are irresistibly soft and flavorful, perfect for your next baking session.
Required Equipment
To bring our mascarpone cookies to life, we rely on a few key tools that ensure precision and ease in preparation. In our experience, having the right equipment makes baking these creamy, Italian-inspired treats straightforward and enjoyable.
Essential Tools
For mixing and measuring, we recommend the following essential tools to handle the dough effectively:
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for our mascarpone cookie recipe, so use standard sets to measure flour, sugar, and other dry ingredients precisely.
- Mixing bowls: Opt for a set of medium and large stainless steel or glass bowls to combine wet and dry ingredients without any risk of reaction with acidic components like mascarpone.
- Electric mixer or stand mixer: This tool helps us achieve the perfect creamy texture by beating butter and mascarpone until smooth and fluffy.
- Spatula: A flexible silicone spatula is ideal for scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in ingredients gently.
- Whisk: Use a sturdy wire whisk for blending eggs and vanilla extract into the mixture evenly.
Baking Supplies
- Baking sheet: A standard rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper prevents sticking and promotes even heat distribution.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: We always use this to line the baking sheet, as it helps achieve golden-brown bottoms on our mascarpone cookies without any mess.
- Oven thermometer: For consistent results, an oven thermometer verifies that your oven is at the exact temperature needed—typically 350°F for these cookies.
- Cooling rack: After baking, transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to allow air circulation and prevent sogginess.
- Cookie scoop or spoon: This tool ensures uniform cookie sizes, helping us create perfectly round and even batches of our delectable mascarpone treats.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential equipment, we guide you through creating these creamy mascarpone cookies with ease and precision. Let’s achieve that perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in every bite.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before we begin mixing, let’s ensure all components are ready for optimal results. Start by softening the mascarpone cheese and unsalted butter—leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes until they reach a spreadable consistency. Next, crack the large eggs into a small bowl and measure out the pure vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt as listed. Sift the dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl to avoid lumps and promote even distribution. This preparation step sets the foundation for a velvety dough that promises a tender, irresistible texture.
Mix the Dough
With ingredients prepped, we combine them to form a smooth dough. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy—imagine the sweet aroma filling your kitchen. Add the softened mascarpone cheese and beat until fully incorporated, creating a creamy base that enhances the cookies’ tangy richness. Then, incorporate the large eggs one at a time followed by the pure vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition to ensure a cohesive blend. Finally, gradually add the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, switching to a spatula for gentle folding until the dough comes together without overworking it. The result is a soft, pliable dough with a luxurious mouthfeel that hints at the cookies’ melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Shape the Cookies
Now we shape the dough into uniform cookies for even baking. Using a cookie scoop, portion out 1-tablespoon sized balls of dough onto a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Gently roll each ball between your palms for a smooth, rounded shape, or lightly flatten with your fingers if you prefer a thinner cookie. This step ensures consistent sizes and a golden, even bake, letting the creamy interior shine through in every bite.
Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F using the oven thermometer for accuracy, and position the rack in the center for optimal heat distribution. Place the shaped cookies in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown and the centers remain soft—the kitchen will fill with the inviting scent of vanilla and cheese. Avoid overbaking to maintain that tender, chewy texture we love. Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven immediately for the best results.
Cool and Store
After baking, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack right away to prevent sogginess and allow air to circulate freely around them. Let them cool completely for about 15-20 minutes until they firm up and develop their full flavor profile. For storage, place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to preserve their soft, creamy texture—reheat briefly in the oven if needed to restore freshness.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our mascarpone cookies even more convenient for busy schedules, we can prepare them in advance without compromising their creamy texture and tangy sweetness. This approach allows us to enjoy fresh-baked treats whenever we desire, maintaining the soft, velvety mouthfeel that makes these cookies irresistible.
Preparing the Dough Ahead
We recommend mixing the dough up to 2 days in advance for optimal freshness. After completing the dough-mixing steps from our earlier instructions, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the dough to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator to preserve the flavors of mascarpone cheese and vanilla, ensuring the dough remains pliable and easy to work with later.
Shaping and Storing Cookies
Once the dough is ready, we can shape the cookies ahead of time for a seamless baking process. Use a cookie scoop to form uniform balls as described previously, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. For short-term storage, arrange the shaped cookies on the sheet and cover with plastic wrap before refrigerating them for up to 24 hours. This method keeps the dough’s tender consistency intact, ready for baking when needed.
If planning further ahead, we suggest freezing the shaped cookies for longer-term convenience. Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid—typically 1 to 2 hours—then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months, locking in the rich, creamy essence of mascarpone cookies.
Baking from Make-Ahead Preparations
When it’s time to bake, remove the dough or shaped cookies from the refrigerator or freezer. For refrigerated dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes to soften before shaping and baking at 350°F as per our instructions. If baking from frozen, add an extra 2–3 minutes to the baking time to achieve golden edges and a soft center. Always use an oven thermometer for precise temperature control to ensure even results.
| Preparation Method | Storage Duration | Thawing/Baking Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated Dough | Up to 2 days | Let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before use. |
| Shaped Cookies (Refrigerated) | Up to 24 hours | Bake directly, no thawing needed. |
| Shaped Cookies (Frozen) | Up to 3 months | Add 2–3 minutes to bake time; bake from frozen for best texture. |
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this mascarpone cookie recipe with you
and know it’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
These treats bring a touch of Italian flair to everyday baking
that’s as rewarding as it’s delicious.
Remember, we’re all about making baking fun and accessible
so dive in and create your own twists.
Share your results with us—let’s keep the conversation going!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are mascarpone cookies?
Mascarpone cookies are soft, tender treats inspired by Italian flavors, featuring creamy mascarpone cheese for a tangy-sweet taste. They’re an easy twist on classic cookies, perfect for any occasion, with a velvety texture from high-quality ingredients like butter, eggs, and vanilla.
What ingredients do I need for mascarpone cookies?
You’ll need softened mascarpone cheese, unsalted butter, large eggs, pure vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. These simple, high-quality items ensure a balanced sweetness and soft texture for irresistible results.
What equipment is required to make mascarpone cookies?
Essential tools include measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, an electric mixer, spatula, whisk, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, oven thermometer, cooling rack, and a cookie scoop. These help achieve accurate measurements and even baking for the best outcome.
How do I make mascarpone cookies step by step?
Start by softening mascarpone and butter, then cream with sugar. Mix in eggs and vanilla, sift dry ingredients, and fold them in gently. Shape into balls, bake at 350°F until edges are golden, and cool on a rack. The process takes about 30 minutes prep and 10-12 minutes baking.
Can I prepare mascarpone cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, mix the dough up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it. You can shape cookies and chill for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen dough in the fridge overnight before baking for fresh, golden results.
How should I store mascarpone cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature to keep them soft and flavorful.
Are there any tips for baking perfect mascarpone cookies?
Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing, avoid overbaking to maintain a soft center, and measure accurately. Sift dry ingredients for a smooth dough, and let cookies cool on a rack to prevent sogginess. Experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips for variety.