why make this recipe
Valentine Ganache Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for spreading love and joy. These cookies are not only visually appealing but also mouthwateringly delicious with their rich chocolate flavor and luscious ganache filling. Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day or simply want to show someone you care, these cookies make a sweet gesture that everyone will appreciate.
how to make Valentine Ganache Cookies
Ingredients:
Cookie Dough (Chocolate)
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
Cookie Dough (Pink)
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2–3 teaspoons freeze-dried raspberry powder or pink food coloring
Ganache Filling
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (130 g) dark or white chocolate chips, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter (optional)
Toppings (Optional)
- Freeze-dried raspberries
- Chocolate squares
- Heart sprinkles
- Melted white chocolate for drizzling
Directions:
- Prepare each dough flavor separately. Start by creaming the butter and sugars together until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla, and stir until combined. Then, mix in the dry ingredients.
- Chill both doughs in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, scoop the dough into balls and press a well into the center of each ball.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes. After baking, re-press the centers while they are still warm. Allow the cookies to cool completely.
- To make the ganache, pour hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Stir until it is smooth and well combined.
- Fill the centers of the cooled cookies with the ganache and decorate them as desired with the toppings.
- Let the cookies set at room temperature or chill briefly before serving.
how to serve Valentine Ganache Cookies
Serve Valentine Ganache Cookies on a decorative plate or a cute cookie box. These cookies are perfect for gifting or sharing with friends and loved ones. You can also pair them with a glass of milk or a warm beverage for an extra delightful treat.
how to store Valentine Ganache Cookies
To store these cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
tips to make Valentine Ganache Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- If you want a vibrant pink color, add a little more freeze-dried raspberry powder or food coloring to the pink dough.
- Let the ganache sit for a few minutes after making it, so it thickens slightly before filling the cookies.
variation
You can create different flavors by adding nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, or by using different types of chocolate chips (like milk chocolate or semi-sweet) for the ganache.
FAQs
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake the cookies when you are ready!
- What if I don’t have freeze-dried raspberry powder?
- You can use pink food coloring instead, adjusting the amount to achieve your desired shade.
- How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
- The edges should look set but the centers will still look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Valentine Ganache Cookies
Delightful and visually appealing cookies filled with rich chocolate ganache, perfect for spreading love and joy on Valentine's Day or any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough (Chocolate)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder (optional) Enhances chocolate flavor, optional
Cookie Dough (Pink)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2–3 teaspoons freeze-dried raspberry powder or pink food coloring Use raspberry powder for a more natural color
Ganache Filling
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup dark or white chocolate chips, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional) Adds richness to ganache
Toppings (Optional)
- Freeze-dried raspberries For decoration
- Chocolate squares For decoration
- Heart sprinkles For decoration
- Melted white chocolate for drizzling For decoration
Instructions
Preparation of Dough
- Prepare each dough flavor separately. Start by creaming the butter and sugars together until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla, and stir until combined. Then, mix in the dry ingredients.
- Chill both doughs in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Baking
- Once chilled, scoop the dough into balls and press a well into the center of each ball.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes. After baking, re-press the centers while they are still warm. Allow the cookies to cool completely.
Making Ganache
- To make the ganache, pour hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Stir until it is smooth and well combined.
Assembly
- Fill the centers of the cooled cookies with the ganache and decorate them as desired with the toppings.
- Let the cookies set at room temperature or chill briefly before serving.
Notes
Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.