why make this recipe
Valentine Ganache Cookies are the perfect treat for celebrating love and affection. Their delightful combination of chocolate and pink cookie dough makes them visually appealing and tasty. With a rich ganache filling that adds a creamy texture, these cookies are sure to impress your loved ones. They are not only a sweet way to show your feelings but also a fun baking project to enjoy together.
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. Cream together the butter and sugars, then add the egg and vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients until well combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Scoop the dough into balls and press a well in the center of each ball.
- Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
- After baking, re-press the centers of the cookies to create a space for the ganache.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely.
- Make the ganache by pouring hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Fill the centers of the cookies with the ganache and decorate as desired.
- Let the cookies set at room temperature or chill them briefly before serving.
how to serve Valentine Ganache Cookies
Enjoy these tasty cookies as a delightful dessert or snack. They can be served with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a wonderful treat for afternoon tea or a romantic dinner. For the perfect presentation, arrange them on a colorful plate and add a sprinkle of heart-shaped sprinkles or freeze-dried raspberries on top.
how to store Valentine Ganache Cookies
To keep your Valentine Ganache Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
tips to make Valentine Ganache Cookies
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Chilling the dough is important for keeping the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Feel free to use white chocolate or dark chocolate chips based on your preference for the ganache filling.
- Experiment with different toppings for added flavor and decoration.
variation
You can try adding different flavors to the cookie dough, such as almond or peppermint extract for a unique twist. You can also replace the freeze-dried raspberry powder with other flavors, like strawberry or blueberry, for a fun variation.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Valentine Ganache Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies. Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it becomes too hard.
3. What can I substitute for the heavy cream in the ganache?
You can use milk, half-and-half, or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream in place of heavy cream, but the consistency may vary.
Valentine Ganache Cookies
Ingredients
Chocolate Cookie Dough
- 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)
Pink Cookie Dough
- 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
Ganache Filling
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup dark or white chocolate chips, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Toppings (Optional)
- freeze-dried raspberries
- chocolate squares
- heart sprinkles
- melted white chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare each dough flavor separately. Cream together the butter and sugars, then add the egg and vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients until well combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Scoop the dough into balls and press a well in the center of each ball.
Baking
- Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
- After baking, re-press the centers of the cookies to create a space for the ganache.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely.
Ganache Preparation
- Make the ganache by pouring hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Fill the centers of the cookies with the ganache and decorate as desired.
- Let the cookies set at room temperature or chill them briefly before serving.