Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies Recipe
There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies. Imagine tender, buttery cookies hugging a silky layer of chocolate ganache—that just-right mix of comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a holiday treat plate or just need a pick-me-up with your afternoon coffee, these beauties are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The ganache filling elevates a classic shortbread base into something nostalgic yet elegant, making every bite a celebration of everything we love about homemade cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every part of this recipe is simple, but each ingredient perfectly plays its role in creating the flavor and texture we all crave. Let’s take a quick tour through what makes these Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies so irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Creaming butter gives the cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth feel and adds rich, dairy flavor.
- Powdered sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and creates that classic soft texture, blending smoothly into the butter.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the buttery and chocolatey notes with a cozy warmth.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of your cookie, giving them structure while keeping them crumbly and light.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a touch sharpens the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): The secret to a ganache that’s luxurious and spoon-licking good!
- Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (6 oz): Pick a good-quality bar for maximum smoothness and depth of flavor in your ganache.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, for ganache): Makes the ganache extra glossy and helps set perfectly between your cookies.
How to Make Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies
Step 1: Mix Up the Dough
Start by combining your softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Cream them together until the mixture turns pale and fluffy—it should look whip-a-bowl delicious already! Beat in the vanilla extract, letting its sweet aroma perk things up. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low just until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Resist the urge to over-mix; you want tender cookies, not tough ones!
Step 2: Shape and Flatten Cookies
Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them about two inches apart on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Give each ball a gentle press with the bottom of a sturdy glass—you’re aiming for even, disk-like shapes that will sandwich neatly later. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic edges just look homemade and charming.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until you catch a hint of golden brown at the edges. Keep a close eye—these cookies are best when barely colored, so they stay tender and light. Once done, let them cool completely on the baking sheet before moving. Patience pays off here: warm cookies can easily break apart, and we want perfect sandwich cookies for our ganache.
Step 4: Make the Dreamy Ganache
Pour your heavy cream into a small saucepan and heat it gently until it just begins to simmer. Immediately remove from the heat and pour over your chopped semi-sweet chocolate and a tablespoon of butter in a heatproof bowl. Let everything sit for about two minutes to soften, then stir until the chocolate melts and the ganache turns glossy and smooth. If you love deeper flavors, try whisking in a pinch of espresso powder here.
Step 5: Assemble Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies
Let the ganache sit for a few minutes until it thickens to a spreadable consistency (think soft frosting). Spread a generous layer on the flat side of one cookie, then gently top it with another. Press lightly to sandwich—some ganache may peek out, and that part is honestly irresistible. Assemble the rest, and let your cookies set at room temperature, or pop them in the fridge for 10–15 minutes so the ganache firms up perfectly.
How to Serve Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies
Garnishes
There’s endless fun in dressing up your Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies! Roll the edges in festive sprinkles, chopped pistachios, or mini chocolate chips for extra crunch and color. You can even dust with a shower of powdered sugar or a hint of cocoa powder for a bakery-worthy finish. Little touches like these not only dazzle the eyes but add their own subtle snap or sweetness in each bite.
Side Dishes
These cookies are stars on any dessert table, but they truly shine when paired with something creamy and refreshing. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a tangy berry compote will cut the richness and make your plate pop with texture and flavor. Prefer something simple? An iced cold brew or hot cup of tea alongside transforms snack time into a grown-up cookie moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Wowing your family or guests is easy with these cookies. Stack them in tall glass jars and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift. Arrange on a platter with fresh berries for a colorful party spread. For the ultimate decadence, drizzle extra ganache over the assembled cookies and add edible gold flakes. Don’t forget to let the little ones help decorate—you’ll get gorgeous cookies with plenty of personality!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies have set, tuck them into an airtight container. Layer parchment between each cookie to keep them from sticking together, and store at room temperature for up to five days. The ganache will stay just the right firmness, and the cookies won’t lose their tender, buttery snap.
Freezing
These cookies are fantastic for making ahead or freezing. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap, then stash in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep their texture and flavor perfectly for up to two months. Just bring what you need to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Reheating
Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies are truly best at room temperature, where the centers stay lush and the cookies tender. If you’ve refrigerated or frozen them, allow the cookies to thaw completely. No need to warm them, but if you just can’t wait, a quick 5–10 seconds in the microwave softens the ganache for an even more decadent bite.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet in the ganache?
Absolutely! If you prefer a slightly sweeter, creamier filling, feel free to swap in milk chocolate. You may want to reduce the additional butter just a touch so the ganache sets properly between your cookies.
Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?
Butter temperature is key! Make sure your butter is just softened, not melted. Chilling the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking can also help the cookies hold their shape beautifully.
Can I add flavors to the cookie dough?
Definitely! Try stirring in orange zest, ground cinnamon, or even a little almond extract to take your Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies in a delicious new direction.
How long does the ganache take to set?
The ganache will firm up on its own at room temperature within about 30 minutes. For quicker results, pop the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes. Then they’re ready to stack, pack, or snack.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully. Just make sure to bake the cookies in batches so they don’t crowd your baking sheet—each sandwich should have plenty of room to bake up light and tender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a bit of magic to your cookie repertoire, bake up a batch of Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies. They’re buttery, chocolatey, and every bit as fun to make as they are to eat. Share them with friends or keep them all to yourself—you’re in for pure, homemade bliss, one bite at a time!
Print
Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwich cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies that perfectly balance rich, creamy ganache with buttery, tender cookies. A delightful treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Ganache:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for ganache)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and bake cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, flatten slightly, and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Make ganache: Heat cream until simmering, then pour over chocolate and butter. Stir until smooth.
- Assemble cookies: Spread ganache on one cookie, sandwich with another, and let set.
Notes
- You can add a pinch of espresso powder to the ganache for deeper flavor.
- For a festive touch, roll the assembled cookies in sprinkles, nuts, or mini chocolate chips.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
