Hey there, sweet friend! If you’re searching for the perfect way to show some love this Valentine’s Day, I’ve got just the recipe for you. Picture this: gooey ganache hidden inside delightful cookies, each one a sweet little package of joy. Valentine Ganache Cookies are your answer to turning the everyday into something magical. They’re not just cookies; they’re love notes baked into delightful rounds of happiness. Ready to create something memorable? Let’s dive in!
Why Make This Recipe
You might wonder why you should whip up a batch of Valentine Ganache Cookies. Yes, they’re adorable and delicious, but they also come packed with heartfelt intentions. Whether you’re baking for a special someone, a gathering of friends, or just for yourself because you deserve it, these cookies are perfect. They not only speak the language of love but also deliver an experience, mixing the richness of chocolate with a touch of whimsy. Plus, the pink and chocolate combination is visually inviting, making them the epitome of festive treats. They’re sure to spark joy and leave everyone begging for more!
How to Make Valentine Ganache Cookies
Creating Valentine Ganache Cookies is an absolute joy, so easy and satisfying! They are made using two types of cookie dough: one is chocolatey and rich, and the other is a pretty pink hue that’ll make your heart flutter. The secret ingredient? A luscious ganache filling that nests inside each cookie. Let’s get right into how we can make these delectable treats!
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: Start by making the chocolate and pink cookie doughs separately. In a bowl, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Repeat the same for the pink cookie dough, adding the raspberry powder or food coloring to achieve that gorgeous hue.
Chill the Dough: Once you’ve made both doughs, chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step will help your cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Form the Cookies: After chilling, scoop the dough into balls. For each ball, create a well in the center using your thumb or a small spoon, making enough space for the ganache.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10–12 minutes. As they cool, gently press the centers down again to create a deeper well.
Make the Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to bubble. Pour the hot cream over the finely chopped chocolate and let it sit for a minute. Stir until silky smooth. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a tablespoon of butter to make it even richer!
Fill the Cookies: Once the cookies cool completely, fill each well with the ganache and decorate with your chosen toppings. Drizzles of melted white chocolate, sprinkles, or freeze-dried raspberries make for perfect finishing touches.
Let Set: Allow the ganache to set at room temperature or pop them in the fridge briefly for a firmer texture.
How to Serve Valentine Ganache Cookies
These cookies are deliciously decadent on their own but can be served in a variety of fun and romantic ways. Arrange them on a pretty plate and sprinkle a few heart-shaped sprinkles around for decoration. Pair them with a glass of milk, coffee, or even a bubbly sparkling beverage. If you’re celebrating with someone special, why not serve them in a lovely gift box tied with a ribbon? This small personal touch will make them feel extra loved.
How to Store Valentine Ganache Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to savor them longer, consider freezing the baked cookies without the ganache. Once completely cool, layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container, and they can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw and fill with ganache!
Tips to Make Valentine Ganache Cookies
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap the chocolate chips in the ganache for your favorite variety, dark, milk, or even white chocolate!
- Coloring Options: If you don’t have raspberry powder, you can use red or pink food coloring for the pink dough. Just start with a couple of drops and mix until the desired shade.
- Chill Longer: If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the dough for longer than 30 minutes. This will help prevent them from spreading out too much while baking.
Variations
If you want to mix it up, try adding nuts or different mix-ins to your cookie doughs. Chopped hazelnuts or walnuts can bring a delightful crunch, and candy pieces can add a fun pop of color and additional sweetness.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?
Absolutely! You can use any type of chocolate you love, whether it’s dark, milk, or even gourmet flavors. Just keep in mind that the chocolate’s sweetness will affect the overall taste of the ganache.
2. What if I don’t have freeze-dried raspberry powder?
No worries! You can use pink food coloring to achieve that vibrant color in your pink dough. You can also mix in crushed freeze-dried strawberries for added flavor!
3. Can these cookies be made without eggs?
Certainly! You can substitute one large egg with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5 minutes before adding it to your cookie batter.
And there you have it! Valentine Ganache Cookies that are not only delightful to your taste buds but also to your heart. Whether it’s for a loved one or just a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a smile. Now get baking and remember that every moment spent in the kitchen is a moment shared with love!
Print
Valentine Ganache Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies with gooey ganache hidden inside, perfect for Valentine’s Day.
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 (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
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (130 g) dark or white chocolate chips, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter (optional)
- Freeze-dried raspberries (for topping)
- Chocolate squares (for topping)
- Heart sprinkles (for topping)
- Melted white chocolate for drizzling (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Each Dough Flavor: Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined for both the chocolate and pink doughs.
- Chill the Dough: Chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
- Form the Cookies: Scoop the dough into balls and create a well in the center for the ganache.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), bake cookie balls for 10–12 minutes.
- Make the Ganache: Heat heavy cream until bubbling, pour over chopped chocolate, let sit for a minute and stir until silky smooth, adding butter if desired.
- Fill the Cookies: Fill each well with ganache and decorate with toppings.
- Let Set: Allow the ganache to set, either at room temperature or in the fridge.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze baked cookies for up to three months without ganache.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg