Why Make This Recipe

Valentine Ganache Cookies are a perfect way to show your love and affection. These cookies are rich, soft, and filled with a luscious chocolate ganache that melts in your mouth. They are simple to make and can be a wonderful treat for a loved one or for yourself. With a lovely presentation, they are ideal for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any day you want to brighten someone’s day.

How to Make Valentine Ganache Cookies

To make these delicious Valentine Ganache Cookies, you will first create a dough that brings together simple ingredients. Once baked, the cookies are filled with a creamy ganache made from chocolate and cream, resulting in a delightful treat.

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 (for ganache)
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar (for ganache)
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar (for ganache)
1 large egg (for ganache)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for ganache)
1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour (for ganache)
½ teaspoon baking soda (for ganache)
¼ teaspoon salt (for ganache)
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, for ganache)
Freeze-dried raspberries, for decoration
Chocolate squares, for decoration
Heart sprinkles, for decoration
Melted white chocolate for drizzling

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Optionally, add espresso powder for extra chocolate flavor.
Scoop out the dough and shape it into balls.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until set. Let them cool completely.
For the ganache, heat the heavy cream until warm and pour it over the chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth.
If desired, add butter to the ganache for extra richness.
Once the cookies are cool, fill each cookie with the chocolate ganache.
Decorate with freeze-dried raspberries, chocolate squares, and heart sprinkles. Drizzle with melted white chocolate.

How to Serve Valentine Ganache Cookies

Serve these cookies fresh and warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed alone or paired with a glass of milk, coffee, or hot cocoa. They also make a charming gift when arranged in a decorative box or on a plate.

How to Store Valentine Ganache Cookies

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them. For freezing, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Tips to Make Valentine Ganache Cookies

Make sure the butter is softened for easier mixing.
Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache to enhance the flavor.
Experiment with different types of chocolate (dark, milk, or white) to find your favorite.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before filling them with ganache to prevent it from melting too much.

Variation

You can get creative with this recipe by adding different flavors to the ganache, such as peppermint extract for a holiday twist or orange zest for a citrusy touch. You could also substitute the raspberry powder with other fruit powders or toppings, like crushed nuts or sprinkles.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! You can make the dough and freeze it. Chilled dough can be baked fresh whenever you want.

2. What if I can’t find freeze-dried raspberry powder? You can use regular raspberry jam or puree as an alternative, but it may change the texture.

3. Are these cookies gluten-free? To make them gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.