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.