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    Susan Brings Dessert » Recipes » Cookie Recipes

    Mascarpone Cookies with Pumpkin

    Published: Oct 11, 2021 · Modified: Oct 25, 2024 by Susan Gravatt · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    These mascarpone cookies are a uniquely flavorful and chewy cookie. The pumpkin in the dough gives these cookies a soft texture. But my favorite part is the homemade mascarpone espresso frosting, which brings in comforting, cozy vibes. Especially if you're a tiramisu fan, these cookies will be a huge hit.

    Mascarpone cookies, sitting on a white platter surrounded by small orange and white pumpkins.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love this Recipe
    • 📋 Key Ingredients for the Mascarpone Cookies
    • Best Results: Baking in Grams
    • Recipe Substitutions and Variations
    • 📖 Prep and Baking Instructions
    • 💡 Pro Tip for Mascarpone Espresso Frosting
    • Instructions for Mascarpone Espresso Frosting 
    • ❓ Macarpone FAQ and Recipe Troubleshooting
    • Storage Instructions
    • Party Suggestions
    • More Tips for these Tiramisu Cookies
    • More Ideas for Fall Baking
    • Mascarpone Cookies

    These are mascarpone cookies, pumpkin cookies, and tiramisu cookies. They have the best of many worlds and flavors going for them in one cookie.

    And while I would gladly eat them with a cup of coffee any time of year, they're an especially fitting fall recipe.

    In spite of the decadent and creamy mascarpone frosting on top of these pumpkin cookies, they're surprisingly easy to make. They'll impress friends and family at Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations.

    Check out my fall recipes for more seasonal baking.

    Here are a few other favorites worth highlighting:

    • Mini apple Bundt cakes - Another classic fall flavor, these mini apple cakes are perfect during sweater weather. Plus the spiced glaze on top takes them to the next level.
    • Brown butter sugar cookies - I love brown butter allllll year long, but it is an especially comforting ingredient that fits great into fall baking. These chewy cookies are easy to make, too!
    • Pumpkin cookie decorating - Who else loves a good baking project? 🙋🏻‍♀️ These pumpkin sugar cookies are frosted with a tasty buttercream and are absolutely adorable.
    • Dirty chai spice cake - Chai is a favorite fall flavor of mine, and it shines through in this pretty marbled layer cake! Plus it's in every bite of the chai buttercream that coats it.

    Why You'll Love this Recipe

    If you're a fan of tiramisu, you'll especially appreciate these soft, tender cookies. 

    The flavor combos of coffee (from the espresso powder), pumpkin, pumpkin spice, and hint of chocolate from the cocoa powder together make for a great flavored cookie.

    And in the frosting recipe, you'll see rum extract. This isn’t a need-to-have, but it does add a little “oomph” to your flavors. Plus, many tiramisu recipes call for rum or rum extract.

    📋 Key Ingredients for the Mascarpone Cookies

    Ingredients for pumpkin mascarpone cookies.

    The recipe card contains all the steps and list of fairly simple ingredients. Below are a few key items that bring flavor to this recipe for tiramisu cookies:

    • Pumpkin pie spice: This iconic spice blend brings out the warmth and coziness in these cookies, but it doesn’t actually contain any pumpkin! Instead, it’s a mix of spices—usually cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice—that complements the natural flavor of pumpkin.
    • Pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste – Vanilla adds a smooth, subtle warmth that makes the flavors sing. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall flavor. And know the extract from your local grocery store is perfectly fine; I never taste much difference between pricier extracts and more basic ones.
    • Instant espresso powder - Espresso powder intensifies the richness of the cocoa powder, creating deeper, more complex flavors. In the frosting, it adds a hint of coffee flavor that complements the mascarpone's smoothness.
    • Creamy mascarpone cheese - Similar to American cream cheese, mascarpone, which is sometimes called Italian cream cheese, has a higher fat content (about 20% more) than its American cousin. American cream cheese is also more tangy and firm than mascarpone. Mascarpone is made from butterfat and leaves a noticeably velvety mouth texture behind after you eat it.
    • Pumpkin puree - On top of being a fabulous seasonal flavor, pumpkin also adds moisture and natural sweetness to the cookie dough. And use puree, not pumpkin pie filling!
    • Cocoa powder - This powder brings depth to the cookies and helps with the dough's structure. Its subtle bitterness balances the sweet flavors of the cookie and frosting while giving the cookies a more complex taste.

    Best Results: Baking in Grams

    If you’re not already, use a kitchen scale for accuracy in baking.

    While I include cups and grams in my recipe cards, weighing your ingredients and writing or following a recipe using a standard metric like grams ensures consistency.

    I highly recommend investing $30 or less in a kitchen scale.

    Recipe Substitutions and Variations

    • Replacing the mascarpone cheese frosting - In this recipe, American cream cheese will be your next best bet, though I haven't tried it here. The flavor of the frosting will be different, and the texture will be firmer to whip than mascarpone would be. I'd recommend adding a few teaspoons of heavy cream to it at a time to thin it in the bowl of a stand mixer. You can also warm it in a heat-proof bowl in your microwave in short bursts to help loosen it.
    • Skipping the rum extract - To bring in the tiramisu vibes, the frosting recipe calls for rum extract. This isn’t a need-to-have, but it does add a little “oomph” to your flavors. Many tiramisu recipes use it. But if you don't have it, do not add rum directly. Extracts are much more concentrated versions of the flavors they recreate. You would have to add a lot of rum to your frosting to achieve the same effect. Doing that could really water down your consistency and make it runny. And the flavor would not be great!
    • Ditching the frosting - While the mascarpone really elevates the flavor of these cookies, they'd be delicious pumpkin cookies on their own! You could skip the topping, though I recommend you trying the frosting at some point! You won't regret it.

    📖 Prep and Baking Instructions

    Preheat your oven to 350°F and dive into the steps here.

    Mixing bowl with cocoa powder and other dry ingredients for mascarpone cookies.

    Mix Dry Ingredients - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Set aside.

    Creamed butter and sugar in a mixing bowl.

    Cream Butter and Sugar - In a stand mixer or with an electric mixer, cream the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 60 seconds, until just combined. Ensure the butter is first at room temperature for best results.

    Mixing bowl of pumpkin and other wet ingredients.

    Combine Wet Ingredients - In a small bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and rum extract (if using). Add this mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat on medium speed until just combined.

    Mascarpone cookie dough in mixing bowl.

    Add Dry Ingredients to Wet - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and ensure everything is fully incorporated.

    Cookie dough balls on cookie sheets.

    Form the Dough Balls - Scoop and form balls of dough. Place them on an unlined cookie sheet, spacing them evenly.

    Baked cookies on cookie sheets.

    Bake the Cookies and Let Cool - Bake for about 14 minutes, or until the cookies bounce back slightly when touched. Then, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

    💡 Pro Tip for Mascarpone Espresso Frosting

    When making the mascarpone frosting, I highly recommend using a chilled mixing bowl and chilled beaters.

    Alternatively, if my fridge or freezer is full, I'll fill the bottom of my mixing bowl with ice, add the whisk attachment to it, and let it all chill on the counter for 20 or so minutes.

    Wipe and dry the attachment and bowl before using, and it'll all be nice and cold. Works best for whipping the mascarpone!

    Instructions for Mascarpone Espresso Frosting 

    Mixing bowl of whipped mascarpone.

    Whip the Mascarpone - Using a chilled mixing bowl and chilled beaters (or the chilled bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment), whip the mascarpone on medium speed for 45 seconds.

    Mixing bowl of whipped mascarpone for mascarpone cookies.

    Add Flavorings and Sugar - Stop the mixer and add the rum extract, vanilla extract, espresso powder, and powdered sugar. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat on medium speed for about 1 minute. Watch closely to avoid over-beating, which can cause lumps or curdling.

    Add Whipping Cream - Increase the mixer to high speed. Slowly drizzle the whipping cream along the side of the bowl. Continue whipping for 60-90 seconds until the frosting is thick, smooth, and creamy. Keep an eye on it to prevent lumps or curdling.

    Mascarpone cookies, sitting on a white platter surrounded by small orange and white pumpkins.

    Frost the Cookies - Spread with a spoon or use a piping bag to frost the fully cooled cookies. (If your cookies are still warm, the frosting will soften and potentially melt!*)

    Spoonful of espresso powder next to a white platter of pumpkin cookies coated in mascarpone frosting.

    Dust with Cocoa or Espresso Powder - For added flavor, lightly dust the tops of the frosted cookies with unsweetened cocoa powder or espresso powder.

    ❓ Macarpone FAQ and Recipe Troubleshooting

    Why does my mascarpone frosting split?

    Mascarpone frosting may split if you're mixing it with other ingredients that aren't the same temperature. Here, I suggest mixing chilled mascarpone with chilled heavy cream for that very reason.

    If your frosting, does split, you may be able to salvage it using the double boiler method.

    On a low heat, gently warm the curdled mixture while constantly whipping it. Stop once lumps are gone. Know that this process is quick so don't overheat your frosting. It'll need to return to room temperature before you can whip it again with a mixer.

    What do you do with mascarpone?

    Mascarpone is a key ingredient in tiramisu, but it's a versatile and delicious cream.

    You can sub it for American cream cheese and make a mascarpone cheesecake or use it as a whipped cream-like topping (like I did on my cherry apple crumble).

    You can also use it how you might use cream cheese and spread it on toast, adding some honey or nuts to top it off.

    What is the best substitute for mascarpone cheese?

    In this recipe, American cream cheese will be your next best bet, though I haven't tried it here.

    The flavor will be different, and it will be firmer to whip than mascarpone would be. I'd recommend adding a few teaspoons of heavy cream to it at a time to thin it in the bowl of a stand mixer. You can also warm it in a heat-proof bowl in your microwave in short bursts to help loosen it.

    Pumpkin mascarpone cookies, sitting on a white platter.

    Storage Instructions

    Room temperature - Unfrosted, these pumpkin cookies will stay fresh at room temperature (around 70°F) for about 3 days.

    Refrigerating - With the frosting on them, I would keep the cookies in the refrigerator and bring out individual servings as you plan to share and eat them over the course of more than 3 days. They'll stay fresh for 4-5 days at most if kept in the refrigerator.

    They'll taste best if given at least 20 minutes to come closer to room temperature before serving.

    Freezing - Frosted or not, these delicious cookies also freeze well for up to three months in an airtight container.

    Particularly if they have the mascarpone on top, I add wax or parchment paper between the layers as I stack them.

    To enjoy, let them come to room temperature before serving. You may also gently warm them for a few seconds on low heat in the microwave. 

    Party Suggestions

    If you're hosting a fall or holiday party, this mascarpone cookie recipe would go great alongside these mini pumpkin muffins in a seasonal spread of sweet treats!

    If Halloween is still on the horizon, you could also share these black cocoa cookies. They're rich, chocolatey, and have a spooky feel to them, thanks to their dark color. 👻

    Subscribe to receive more recipes like this one in your inbox!

    More Tips for these Tiramisu Cookies

    Mascarpone cookies sitting on a white platter.

    Below are some general tips to keep in mind when baking these simple cookies and any recipe, really:

    1. Periodically check the freshness of your leavening agents. Mix a pinch of baking powder with hot water to see if it reacts. For baking soda, you can mix a pinch of it with a few drops of something acidic, like vinegar or lemon juice. If your leavening agents have no reaction (i.e. you see no fizzing or bubbling), it means they also won’t help your ingredients rise during the baking process. 
    2. Before diving into the recipe, clear your workspace and set out all your ingredients in front of you. This will make it less likely that you’ll forget to leave something important out of your mixing bowl! 

    More Ideas for Fall Baking

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    Mascarpone Cookies

    Mascarpone cookies, sitting on a white platter surrounded by small orange and white pumpkins.
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    These mascarpone cookies are moist, flavorful, and chewy. Topped with espresso frosting, they taste like a pumpkin cake and tiramisu cookie.

    • Author: Susan Gravatt
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Frosting prep time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Total Time: 45 minutes
    • Yield: 18 cookies 1x
    • Category: Dessert
    • Cuisine: American

    Ingredients

    Scale

    For the pumpkin cookies:

    • 1 ¾ cups (210 grams) all-purpose flour
    • ¼ tsp baking powder
    • 1 ¼ tsp baking soda
    • 4 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 T pumpkin pie spice
    • 1 T espresso powder
    • ½ tsp kosher salt (if using table salt, cut in half)
    • ½ cup (113 grams) butter, softened to room temperature
    • ¾ cup (180 grams) granulated sugar
    • ½ cup (120 grams) canned pumpkin puree
    • 1 egg yolk
    • 1 T vanilla extract
    • 2 tsp rum extract

    For the mascarpone espresso frosting:

    • 8 ounces cold mascarpone cheese 
    • ½ cup (70 grams) confectioners’ sugar
    • ⅓ cup (80 grams) cold heavy whipping cream
    • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
    • ½ tsp rum extract
    • 1 ½ tsp espresso powder
    • Cocoa powder for dusting

    Optional: A few drops of orange food coloring for ~fall vibes~

    Instructions

    Pumpkin cookies:

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F.  You may line a baking sheet with parchment paper if your pan is old or for easier cleanup, but otherwise, it's not necessary.
    2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Set aside.
    3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until just combined, about 60 seconds on medium-low speed.  
    4. In a small bowl, whisk together your pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla and rum extracts. Pour it into the bowl of creamed butter and sugar, and beat all wet ingredients together on medium-speed until just combined.
    5. Add your dry ingredients to the bowl and stir on a low setting until just combined. Use a spatula to finish incorporating your dry into your wet ingredients.
    6. Use an ice cream scoop to place dough onto the cookie sheet - it will be sticky and misshapen.  
    7. Bake for about 14 minutes, or until they bounce back slightly if you touch them.
    8. Remove from oven and keep them on the baking sheet for about five more minutes before transferring the cookies to a wire rack to fully cool. Shape with cookie cutter or open end of a glass to round them. 

    Mascarpone espresso frosting: 

    1. Using a chilled mixing bowl and chilled beaters OR chilled bowl of a stand mixer and whisk attachment, whip mascarpone on medium speed for 45 seconds.
    2. Stop your mixer and add the rum and vanilla extracts, espresso powder, and powdered sugar. Scrape sides and beat frosting about 1 more minute. Watch bowl closely to avoid over-beating, as it will cause the frosting to develop lumps and curdle.
    3. Bump up your mixer to high speed and slowly drizzle the whipping cream along the side of the bowl. Let your frosting whip up for another 60-90 seconds, until it appears thick, smooth, and creamy. Continue monitoring bowl closely to avoid lumps and curdling.  
    4. Spread or pipe frosting onto cookies.  
    5. Lightly dust the tops of your cookies with cocoa powder or espresso powder for added flavor.

    Notes

    The nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and measurements.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 cookie
    • Calories: 168 kcal
    • Sugar: 10.5 grams
    • Sodium: 110 mg
    • Fat: 10.6 grams
    • Saturated Fat: 6.5 grams
    • Unsaturated Fat: 3.9 grams
    • Carbohydrates: 17 grams
    • Fiber: 0.8 grams
    • Protein: 2.1 grams
    • Cholesterol: 33 mg

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag @susanbringsdessert — would love to see your creations!

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    About Susan Gravatt

    Susan is a recipe developer and food photographer. She specializes in sharing original dessert recipes and unique buttercream cake designs and tutorials. Her goal is to help readers feel kitchen-confident when they're baking desserts and decorating cakes at home.

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