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There is something utterly irresistible about a cookie that combines rich, fudgy chocolate with a silky ganache center, which is exactly what makes this Chocolate Ganache Cookies Recipe such a standout treat. Imagine biting into a soft, cocoa-kissed cookie shell that gives way to a luscious, creamy chocolate center—this recipe masterfully balances texture and flavor to create a decadent dessert that’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring all to yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create something so indulgent. Each ingredient here is thoughtfully chosen to offer depth, texture, and that classic chocolate cookie charm. They are easy to find yet essential for that perfect balance of soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- 1 cup butter (softened): Provides a tender, rich base and adds buttery flavor to every bite.
- 1½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping create a slight crisp on the cookie’s exterior.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the chewy texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy structure for soft yet sturdy cookies.
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings intense chocolate flavor and deep color.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds just enough lift to keep the cookies light, not cakey.
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the chocolate notes.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and subtle complexity to the flavor profile.
- ¼ cup coarse sugar for rolling cookies: Gives a delightful sugar-crisp finish on each cookie.
- 1 recipe chocolate ganache filling (cooled completely): The decadent, silky chocolate filling that makes these cookies truly special.
How to Make Chocolate Ganache Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Begin by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy; this aeration is key to a tender and airy cookie texture. Then, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and Kosher salt before gradually folding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. The dough should come together smoothly with a rich chocolate appearance, perfect for shaping later.
Step 2: Shape and Roll the Cookies
Divide the dough into 14 equal portions, rolling each into a ball roughly the size of a walnut. To add a beautiful sugar-crisp exterior, roll each ball lightly in the coarse sugar. This not only gives a lovely sparkle but also a subtle crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft cookie interior.
Step 3: Bake the Cookie Shells
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced comfortably apart. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Don’t overbake—it’s crucial to keep that chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the ganache filling.
Step 4: Cool and Hollow the Cookies
After baking, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, gently hollow out a small cavity in the center of each cookie using a melon baller or a small spoon. This little step creates the perfect pocket for the luscious ganache filling and transforms these cookies into a sophisticated treat.
Step 5: Fill with Chocolate Ganache
Fill each hollowed cookie with the cooled chocolate ganache, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon if needed. The richness of the ganache contrasts so perfectly with the cocoa cookie shell, creating a luxurious bite every time. Chill briefly if needed to set the ganache before serving.
How to Serve Chocolate Ganache Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chocolate Ganache Cookies Recipe experience, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the ganache for that extra pop of flavor and an elegant finish. A few edible gold flakes or finely chopped toasted nuts can also add a beautiful touch and texture variety.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair exceptionally well with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich glass of cold milk. For a fancy touch, serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries to balance the richness with a hint of freshness and brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or entertaining, arrange the cookies in a pretty box lined with parchment paper or nestle them around a small jar of homemade hot chocolate mix. Layering them on a dessert platter with sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers gives a lovely visual appeal that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Chocolate Ganache Cookies Recipe fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cookies will maintain their soft texture and ganache center perfectly during this period, making it easy to enjoy them throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save these delicious cookies for later, freeze the unfilled baked cookie shells in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to a month. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them fully and fill with ganache for that fresh, just-made taste. You can also freeze fully assembled cookies on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container once solid, keeping them for up to two weeks.
Reheating
For a freshly baked feel, warm the cookies gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for 3-5 minutes. This softens the ganache and enhances the cookie’s chewy texture. Just be careful not to overheat or you risk melting the chocolate too much, altering the perfect balance of textures.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate for the ganache filling?
Absolutely! Using dark chocolate will give your ganache a more intense, slightly bitter edge that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cookie dough. Just adjust the sweetness of your ganache if needed to match your taste.
Is it necessary to hollow out the cookies before filling?
Hollowing the cookies creates a perfect space for the ganache, ensuring every bite carries that creamy center. While you can fill without hollowing, the cookies may crack more easily, and the ganache might spill over.
How long does the ganache need to cool before filling the cookies?
The ganache should be completely cooled and slightly thickened to hold its shape inside the cookies. Usually, refrigerating it for at least two hours does the trick nicely.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help maintain the dough’s structure and texture.
What is the best way to transport these cookies without damaging the ganache?
Place cookies in a single layer with parchment paper separators if stacking is necessary. Keep them chilled during transport, especially in warm weather, to prevent the ganache from melting and making the cookies sticky.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that impresses with its rich flavors and indulgent texture, don’t hesitate to try this Chocolate Ganache Cookies Recipe. It’s a true delight for chocolate lovers and a wonderful way to bring a little special magic to your kitchen. Once you taste that first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe quickly becomes a go-to favorite.
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Chocolate Ganache Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 14 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Ganache Cookies feature a rich, tender cocoa cookie exterior rolled in coarse sugar and filled with a smooth, luscious chocolate ganache center, perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a decadent yet easy-to-make treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating
- ¼ cup coarse sugar for rolling cookies
Filling
- 1 recipe chocolate ganache filling (cooled completely)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and Kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape and Coat Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball in the coarse sugar to coat completely, which gives the cookies a delightful crunchy exterior.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set around the edges but still soft in the center. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Assemble Cookies with Ganache Filling: Once the cookies are completely cooled, carefully slice them in half horizontally. Take a spoonful of the cooled chocolate ganache filling and spread it evenly on the bottom half of each cookie, then sandwich with the top half. Gently press to adhere.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the assembled cookies on a serving platter. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. Before serving, allow refrigerated cookies to come to room temperature for the ganache to soften.
Notes
- Ensure the ganache filling is completely cooled before filling to prevent melting the cookies.
- For a stronger chocolate flavor, you can use Dutch-process cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa powder.
- These cookies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week due to the ganache filling.
- Coarse sugar coating adds texture; if unavailable, granulated sugar can be used instead.
- Allow cookies to cool fully before slicing to avoid crumbling.
