A quick note: these cookies are rich, soft, and pretty for a simple Valentine treat.
introduction
These Valentine Ganache Cookies are chocolate cookies filled with a smooth ganache. They look sweet and taste rich. They are easy to make at home. If you like thumbprint-style treats, try a different texture with almond flour thumbprint cookies for another option.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe when you want a small, special dessert for a friend or partner. The cookies bake fast and the ganache is simple to make. You get a tender chocolate cookie with a creamy center and a pretty top. They work well for gift boxes or a small party. If you enjoy layered chocolate treats, you might also like the idea in black forest cookies.
how to make Valentine Ganache Cookies
Ingredients :
- 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)
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (130 g) dark or white chocolate chips, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter (optional)
- 2–3 teaspoons freeze-dried raspberry powder or pink food coloring
- Freeze-dried raspberries for decoration
- Chocolate squares for decoration
- Heart sprinkles for decoration
- Melted white chocolate for drizzling
Directions :
- Make the cookie dough: In a bowl, cream the butter and both sugars until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla and mix well. Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder (if using) until you have a soft dough.
- Form and bake: Shape the dough into small balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set but the center is soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the ganache: Heat the heavy cream until it just starts to steam. Pour it over the chopped chocolate, let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth. Stir in the butter for extra shine. Let the ganache cool until it thickens but is still spreadable.
- Fill cookies: Spoon or pipe ganache into the center of half the cookies and top with the matching cookies to make a sandwich. Press gently.
- Decorate: Add a small freeze-dried raspberry or a chocolate square on top. Sprinkle with heart sprinkles or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a festive look.
how to serve Valentine Ganache Cookies
Serve them at room temperature. Place on a small plate or in a pretty box. They pair well with coffee, tea, or milk. For a louder dessert table, arrange with other cookies like candy cane cookies to add color and mix of flavors.
how to store Valentine Ganache Cookies
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving so the ganache becomes soft again. You can also freeze them in a single layer, wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge then warm to room temperature.
tips to make Valentine Ganache Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter for smooth dough.
- Do not overbake the cookies; they should feel soft in the center.
- Let the ganache cool until thick but still pipeable.
- Match cookie sizes so sandwiches look neat.
- If the ganache is too soft, chill a bit before filling.
- For shine, stir the optional tablespoon of butter into the ganache.
variation (if any)
- Use white chocolate ganache and tint it pink with the freeze-dried raspberry powder or pink food coloring.
- Add a little salt on top for a salted chocolate version.
- Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate for a sweeter filling.
- Add a drop of liqueur to the ganache for an adult version.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes. You can make the dough and chill it for up to 48 hours before baking.
Q: Can I skip the espresso powder?
A: Yes. It only boosts the chocolate flavor. The cookies will still taste good without it.
Q: How do I fix runny ganache?
A: Cool it in the fridge for a few minutes and stir until it thickens. Be careful not to chill too long or it will harden.
Q: Can I use chocolate bars instead of chips?
A: Yes. Finely chop the bars and use them like chips.
Q: Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
A: Yes. Adjust baking time: smaller cookies need less time, larger need more.
Conclusion
These Valentine Ganache Cookies are easy to make and look lovely. For another idea that pairs strawberries and ganache in a cookie cup form, see Strawberry & Chocolate Ganache Cookie Cups.
Valentine Ganache Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, cream the butter and both sugars until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla, then mix well.
- Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder (if using) until you have a soft dough.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place on a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but center is soft.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- Heat the heavy cream until it just starts to steam.
- Pour it over the chopped chocolate, let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth.
- Stir in the butter for extra shine and let the ganache cool until thick but spreadable.
- Spoon or pipe ganache into the center of half the cookies and top with the matching cookies to make a sandwich.
- Press gently and add a freeze-dried raspberry or chocolate square on top.
- Sprinkle with heart sprinkles or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a festive look.