Valentine Ganache Cookies
The Sweetest Little Delight
Ever tasted a cookie that melts in your mouth while giving you a warm hug from the inside? Valentine Ganache Cookies are just that! These decadent treats combine rich chocolate and a heavenly ganache filling, making your sweet tooth dance with happiness. They’re perfect for impressing your special someone—or treating yourself because let’s face it, you deserve it!
Why Make This Recipe
Why do these cookies deserve a spot in your dessert lineup?
- Easy cleanup: Who wants to spend hours washing dishes? This recipe is a breeze to whip up!
- Family-friendly: Kids love helping scoop and decorate—and let’s be honest, they also love eating the dough!
- Deliciously versatile: Want to switch things up? You can easily tweak the flavor or toppings to suit your mood!
Ingredients:
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
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 the butter and sugars together, then add the egg and vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes. (Trust me; it makes a difference!)
- Scoop dough into balls and press a well in each.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Re-press centers after baking and allow cookies to cool completely.
- For the ganache, pour hot cream over the chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Fill cookie centers with ganache and decorate as desired.
- Let set at room temperature or chill briefly before serving.
How to Make Valentine Ganache Cookies (Overview)
Making these cookies is so simple, it’ll feel like you’re cheating! Start off by mixing your butter and sugars until light and creamy, then introduce the egg and vanilla to keep things cozy. After a little chill time, scoop them out, press them flat, and bake. The magic happens when you fill them with silky ganache—life changing, I tell you! Pro tip: Don’t pull them out of the oven too soon; a chewy cookie is a happy cookie!
How to Serve Valentine Ganache Cookies
These cookies practically beg to be served warm with a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top. Imagine your guests’ eyes lighting up as they see the glossy ganache peeking through—cue the oohs and aahs! For an extra touch, sprinkle freeze-dried raspberries or heart sprinkles for a pop of color and crunch—absolutely adorable!
How to Store Valentine Ganache Cookies
Want these cookies to last longer than a day? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-5 days. If you want to make them ahead, you can freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before you bake!
Tips to Make Valentine Ganache Cookies
- Chill the dough: This is key for the best cookie texture!
- Don’t hesitate to swap the chocolate chips for white or milk chocolate based on your taste!
- Want even more depth? Add a splash of espresso to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- For a crunchier texture, you can mix in some chopped nuts too—hello, versatility!
Variation
Feeling a bit adventurous? You can easily turn this recipe vegan by swapping out the butter for plant-based alternatives and using flax or chia seeds instead of the egg. You can also experiment with different flavored ganaches—lavender, orange zest, or even a hint of mint. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
Can I freeze the cookies? Yes! Bake, cool, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of heavy cream for ganache? Try coconut cream for a dairy-free option, or even a nut-based milk!
How do I make the cookies softer? Undercook them slightly—this will keep them chewy and delightful.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Valentine Ganache Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare each dough flavor separately.
- Cream the butter and sugars together, then add the egg and vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes. Trust me; it makes a difference!
- Scoop dough into balls and press a well in each.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Re-press centers after baking and allow cookies to cool completely.
- For the ganache, pour hot cream over the chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Fill cookie centers with ganache and decorate as desired.
- Let set at room temperature or chill briefly before serving.
