why make this recipe

Valentine Ganache Cookies are perfect for any sweet celebration, especially around Valentine’s Day. These cookies not only look delightful but also taste amazing with their rich chocolate flavor and creamy ganache filling. They are a fun way to show your affection to loved ones, and their pink color adds a lovely touch for the occasion. Baking these cookies is a simple way to create a homemade treat that everyone will enjoy.

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. Start by creaming the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Next, stir in the dry ingredients for each dough until everything is combined.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Scoop the chilled dough into balls and press a well in each ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes.
After baking, re-press the centers of the cookies while they are still warm. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
To make the ganache, pour hot heavy cream over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Stir until smooth and shiny.
Fill the wells of the cooled cookies with the ganache and decorate them as desired with toppings.
Let the filled cookies set at room temperature or chill them briefly before serving.

how to serve Valentine Ganache Cookies

Serve these cookies on a beautiful plate or in a cute box to share with friends and family. They make a lovely gift for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delicious treat.

how to store Valentine Ganache Cookies

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about two weeks. Just make sure to seal them well to prevent them from drying out.

tips to make Valentine Ganache Cookies

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Experiment with different colors of food coloring for the pink dough to match your theme.
For added richness, use high-quality chocolate for the ganache.
Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the ganache for a sweet and salty combination.
If you want, you can substitute other flavors of extract like almond for a twist.

variation

You can switch up the flavors of the cookies by using different flavored extracts or even adding mix-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chunks to the dough. Try using white chocolate chips in the ganache for a creamier filling.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies before or after baking. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container. They will last for about three months in the freezer.

2. What can I use instead of freeze-dried raspberry powder?
If you don’t have freeze-dried raspberry powder, you can use pink food coloring or even omit it for a classic chocolate color.

3. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should look firm around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.