If you’re looking to impress every chocolate lover in your life, these Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies are about to be your secret culinary weapon. Imagine two perfectly tender, chocolatey cookies hugging a rich, velvety ganache—each bite is equal parts nostalgia and decadence. This recipe takes classic flavors and elevates them with simple, thoughtful techniques that let each ingredient shine. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to make an ordinary afternoon feel like a party, these Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies offer the ideal balance of crisp, creamy, and utterly crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beautiful things about Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies is that you don’t need a mile-long grocery list. Each ingredient plays a starring role, adding its own touch of texture, flavor, or color to make your cookies stand out.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Creates a rich melt-in-your-mouth base and makes the cookies irresistibly tender.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cookies just right and helps achieve that perfect snappy edge.
- Large egg (1): Binds the cookie dough together and adds subtle richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the chocolate flavor with aromatic warmth.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the structure your cookies need while keeping them soft.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Packs a deep chocolate punch and gives the cookies their beautiful color.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures the cookies rise just enough for a lovely, tender crumb.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the complexity of the chocolate and balances the sweetness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate (8 ounces, chopped): The foundation of your luscious ganache filling—choose high-quality chocolate for best results.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the ganache ultra-smooth and gives it that silky texture you’ll swoon over.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds shine and richness to the ganache for that extra bit of luxury.
How to Make Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step helps create a light, delicate cookie base and ensures your cookies will melt in your mouth. If you have a stand or hand mixer, now’s the time to put it to work for a couple minutes.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to your creamed butter mixture. This not only adds richness but helps bind everything together perfectly, giving your dough a smooth, cohesive consistency.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Not only does this evenly distribute the leavening agents, it ensures every bite is bursting with deep chocolate flavor. Don’t forget—good cocoa powder makes a world of difference!
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low until a soft dough forms. The dough should be just cohesive and workable—not sticky nor crumbly. Be careful not to over-mix or the cookies can become tough.
Step 5: Portion and Shape
Scoop out 1-inch balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball with your palm or a flat-bottomed glass for even, bakery-style cookies that stack perfectly once sandwiched.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the cookies in a preheated 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, watching for the edges to set while the centers remain soft. It’s better to pull them a smidge early than too late—soft centers will firm up beautifully as they cool.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes (they’re fragile when hot!), then transfer them to wire racks to finish cooling. Resist the urge to assemble while still warm; patience here ensures the ganache won’t melt away.
Step 8: Prepare the Ganache
Place the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream just until it begins to simmer—don’t let it boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1–2 minutes to melt. Add butter for a glossy finish, then stir until silky smooth. Let cool until thick enough to spread.
Step 9: Assemble the Cookies
Spread about 1 tablespoon of ganache onto the flat side of half the cookies. Top each with a second cookie, creating perfect Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies. Let them set at room temperature or chill briefly to help the ganache firm up.
How to Serve Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies
Garnishes
Dress up your Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a generous dusting of powdered sugar, or dip half the cookies in melted chocolate for an elegant look. You can also roll the ganache edges in colorful sprinkles or finely chopped toasted nuts for a festive twist—these little extras not only add eye appeal, they offer pops of flavor and texture in every bite.
Side Dishes
These cookies are decadent and rich, so they’re especially wonderful with something light and refreshing. Pair a plate of Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies with a bowl of fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla or raspberry sorbet, or a glass of cold milk. For grown-ups, they’re brilliant alongside espresso or an after-dinner liqueur.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your cookies at a holiday party by stacking them on a tiered stand or nestling them among other treats on a dessert platter. For a fun DIY vibe, set up a “cookie bar” where friends can roll the ganache edges in their choice of toppings. Or, package a few Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies in a pretty box tied with ribbon for an unforgettable edible gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies keep beautifully at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container. If you’re making them ahead, wait to fill them with ganache until closer to serving to maintain the cookies’ crispness. Store unfrosted cookies and ganache separately, then assemble the day you plan to serve.
Freezing
Freezing is a fantastic option here! Unfilled cookies freeze best—stack them between layers of parchment in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. To freeze assembled Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies, arrange them in a single layer or separated by parchment paper in an airtight container, then thaw at room temperature before serving. The ganache remains wonderfully smooth even after a stint in the freezer.
Reheating
While these cookies are at their best at room temperature, if you like your ganache a bit gooey, pop a sandwich cookie in the microwave for just a few seconds. Be careful not to overheat—it just needs a kiss of warmth to revive that melty center. For crisp cookies, avoid reheating, as it will soften the texture a bit.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet for the ganache?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will yield a sweeter and slightly softer ganache. Just keep in mind the flavor will be milder, so it’s a great option if you prefer a less intense chocolate punch in your Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies.
Why is my ganache too runny or thick?
Ganache thickness depends on your chocolate-to-cream ratio and the temperature. If your ganache is runny, let it cool and thicken longer, stirring occasionally. Too thick? Warm it gently over a double boiler or whisk in a tablespoon of warm cream at a time until you reach the right consistency.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the traditional flour. The cookies may be a touch more delicate, so handle them gently during assembly, but you’ll still get delicious results from this Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies recipe.
How long do the cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, filled cookies will stay deliciously fresh for up to three days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the cookies and ganache separately, and assemble the Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies just before serving.
What’s the best way to get uniform sandwich cookies?
Use a cookie scoop for even portions, and gently flatten each dough ball with a flat glass for cookies that bake up evenly. When pairing for sandwiches, match cookies of similar sizes so each Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookie looks bakery-perfect.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing homemade Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies—each bite is an invitation to slow down and savor the sweet moments. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, give this recipe a try and discover just how delightful a simple sandwich cookie can be.
Print
Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 18 sandwich cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Ganache Sandwich Cookies that offer a rich cocoa-flavored cookie filled with a smooth, chocolate ganache. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings or impressing guests with a delightful treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Ganache Filling:
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra shine)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F and line baking sheets.
- Cream butter and sugar: Cream until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
- Form dough: Mix dry ingredients into wet until a soft dough forms.
- Bake: Scoop dough, flatten, and bake for 8–10 minutes.
- Make ganache: Melt chocolate with hot cream, add butter, and stir until smooth.
- Assemble cookies: Spread ganache on cookies and form sandwiches.
- Set: Let cookies set at room temp or chill briefly.
Notes
- Cookies can be stored unfrosted for up to 3 days.
- For a festive touch, roll ganache edges in crushed nuts or sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
