If you have a sweet tooth and love that perfect combination of rich chocolate and buttery cookie, then you are going to adore this Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies Recipe. These treats bring together the buttery softness of classic cookies with a luscious, creamy ganache center that melts in your mouth. Each bite is a celebration of smooth chocolate and tender crumb that feels homemade yet impressively decadent. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, gifting them to friends, or just indulging yourself, these cookies make every moment a little more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s providing the perfect texture, the ideal sweetness, or that irresistible chocolate flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it all together:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base for the cookie dough, crucial for tender texture.
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar: Perfect for sweetness without grit, helping the cookies stay soft.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the flavor beautifully.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation ingredient that gives the cookies structure.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Essential for creating a luxuriously smooth and creamy ganache.
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped): The star ingredient for the ganache, delivering rich, bittersweet chocolate intensity.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for ganache): Adds extra silkiness and shine to the ganache filling.
How to Make Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This simple preparation sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies every time.
Step 2: Create the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this tends to take about 3 to 5 minutes. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that comforting flavor. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing gently until a soft dough forms; be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Roll your dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Press them down slightly with the bottom of a glass to create a flat shape that will bake evenly with a tender center and delicate edges.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges just start to turn a golden hue. Remove the tray from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Fully cooled cookies will ensure your ganache doesn’t melt prematurely when you assemble them.
Step 5: Make the Ganache
While your cookies cool, gently heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer—do not boil. Remove the cream from heat and pour it over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and butter. Let it sit untouched for about 2 minutes; then stir until the ganache becomes smooth, shiny, and perfectly glossy. Allow it to cool until it’s thick but still spreadable.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Take one cookie and spread a generous layer of ganache on the bottom before gently pressing another cookie on top, creating a sandwich. Repeat this process until all cookies are paired up. For best results, let them set at room temperature or pop them briefly into the fridge to firm up the ganache.
How to Serve Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes not only ups the visual appeal but also creates extra texture and fun flavor contrasts. Try rolling the edges of your assembled cookies in crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, or festive sprinkles. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add an elegant touch that makes these treats shine at any gathering.
Side Dishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a cup of strong coffee complements the intense chocolate flavor beautifully. For a fancy touch, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some fresh berries to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider arranging your Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies Recipe on a decorative plate with doilies for special occasions. You can also wrap them individually in cellophane tied with a ribbon to gift to friends or family. If hosting a party, display them in cupcake liners to make grabbing a treat effortless and elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay soft and maintain that luscious ganache center without drying out or becoming stale.
Freezing
If you want to keep your delicious cookies longer, freeze them unassembled—the cookie pieces and ganache separately—so they maintain their texture and flavor. When ready to eat, thaw the cookies and ganache at room temperature, then assemble for fresh, homemade taste any time.
Reheating
To enjoy these sandwich cookies as if freshly baked, you can gently warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the ganache slightly and makes the cookies delightfully tender, but avoid overheating to maintain their structure.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache?
Absolutely! Using milk chocolate will make your ganache sweeter and creamier, which is wonderful if you prefer a milder chocolate flavor. Just keep in mind that the sweetness might overpower the balance a little compared to semi-sweet.
How do I prevent the ganache from being too runny?
Make sure to let the ganache cool and thicken before spreading it on the cookies. If it’s still too runny, pop it in the refrigerator for a few minutes and stir occasionally until it reaches the ideal spreadable consistency.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and chill the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This can actually enhance the flavor and texture by allowing the flour to fully hydrate.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing after assembly?
It’s best to freeze the cookies and ganache separately because assembled sandwich cookies can become soggy. Freeze the individual cookie rounds on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag, and store the ganache in an airtight container.
What’s a good way to add an extra depth of flavor to the ganache?
A pinch of espresso powder added to the ganache mixture intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee. It’s a simple trick to elevate the richness wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies Recipe is one of those treats you’ll want to keep in your recipe box forever. Its perfect combination of buttery cookies and silky ganache never fails to delight both chocolate lovers and casual cookie fans alike. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s straightforward, rewarding, and sure to become a cherished favorite at your table.
Print
Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies feature tender, buttery cookies paired with a rich, silky chocolate ganache filling. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any chocolate lover’s craving, this easy-to-make recipe yields elegant sandwich cookies with a luscious center that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Ganache Filling
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for ganache)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, helping to create a tender cookie.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms that holds together well.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass for uniform thickness.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the cookie edges start to turn golden, indicating they are perfectly baked but still soft inside.
- Cool Cookies: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack to firm up before assembly.
- Prepare Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
- Make Ganache: Pour the hot cream over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and butter. Let it sit for 2 minutes to melt, then stir gently until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
- Thicken Ganache: Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it thickens but remains spreadable, perfect for filling the cookies.
- Assemble Cookies: Spread a layer of the cooled ganache onto the bottom of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie, creating a sandwich. Repeat for all cookies.
- Set Cookies: Let the assembled cookies set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly to firm the ganache filling for easier handling and enhanced texture.
Notes
- Enhance the ganache flavor by adding a pinch of espresso powder when heating the cream.
- For a festive presentation, roll the edges of the assembled cookies in sprinkles, crushed nuts, or mini chocolate chips.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
