Easter Cookies with Milk Chocolate Ganache

Ingredients

For the Ganache:

  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) milk chocolate
  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces or 0.5 cup) heavy cream (35%)

For the Sablé Dough:

  • 250 grams (9 ounces or 2 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 40 grams (1.5 ounces or 0.5 cup) almond flour
  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces or 0.75 cup) powdered sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 130 grams (4.5 ounces or 0.5 cup) very cold butter
  • 1 large egg (50 grams or 1.75 ounces)

Equipment

  • Food Processor

    This is essential for quickly and evenly blending the cold butter into the flour mixture. For best results, pulse rather than blend continuously.

  • Parchment Paper

    Rolling the dough between two sheets of parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures a smooth surface.

  • Cookie Cutter

    An egg-shaped cookie cutter works great for this recipe, but feel free to get creative with different shapes.

  • Piping Bag

    Using a piping bag offers precision when adding ganache to the cookies. A small round tip is ideal for this purpose.

  • Perforated Baking Mat

    Helps to bake cookies evenly by allowing hot air to circulate. If you don’t have one, a regular baking mat will also work.

Instructions

Step 1

Ganache Preparation:

Warm the heavy cream, but do not bring it to a boil.
Pour the warm cream over the milk chocolate. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
Cover the ganache with plastic wrap in contact with the surface and refrigerate overnight.

Step 2

Sablé Dough Preparation:

Lightly beat the egg with a fork and refrigerate.
Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl.
Cut the cold butter into cubes and quickly blend with the dry ingredients using a food processor until combined.
Gradually add the egg, pulsing the food processor for a few seconds each time until the mixture starts to form a dough.
Quickly knead the dough to form a smooth ball. Divide it into portions and roll each between two sheets of parchment paper to a thickness of 3 mm (0.12 inches).
Refrigerate the dough for 4 hours.

Step 3

Baking the Cookies:

Preheat the oven to 190-200°C (375-390°F).
Remove the dough from the refrigerator, peel off the top parchment sheet, and cut out egg shapes using a cookie cutter.
Bake on a perforated baking mat for about 10 minutes until golden brown.

Step 4

Assembling the Cookies:

Once the cookies have fully cooled, use a piping bag to apply ganache on one cookie and sandwich it with another.
Optionally, decorate with tempered chocolate and small chocolate beads for extra flair.

Servings

Imagine a lazy Sunday afternoon with a plateful of these exquisite Sablé Ganache Cookies ✨. Set them out on a charming porcelain plate and serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea ☕. The cookies' buttery crunch paired with the creamy ganache will make for an unforgettable treat.

Hosting a dinner party? These cookies make for a stunning dessert presentation. Arrange them in tiers on a dessert stand, and don't forget to sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top for that extra touch of elegance. 🕯️

For a special twist, try crumbling the cookies over vanilla or chocolate ice cream 🍨. The mix of textures will delight your guests and elevate your dessert game to new heights!

Kids in the house? Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk 🥛 for the ultimate comfort snack. Feel free to get creative with the decorations—add some colorful sprinkles or edible glitter to make them even more fun!

Variations

If you're on a special diet, don't worry! Here are some variations to keep everyone happy:

Gluten-Free Version 🌾🚫:

  • Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it's one that's designed for baking.

Vegan Version 🌱✨:

  • Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute. Coconut oil can also work but will change the flavor slightly.
  • Use a flax egg in place of the regular egg. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds with 2.5 tbsp water and let it sit until it gels.
  • Substitute the heavy cream in the ganache with a coconut cream or any non-dairy milk.

Faq

  • Why is my dough crumbling and not coming together?

    The dough might be too dry. Gradually add more cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until it forms a cohesive dough.

  • Can I make the ganache if I don’t have heavy cream?

    Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or another high-fat non-dairy milk for a different but equally delicious ganache.

  • How can I ensure my cookies bake evenly?

    Use a perforated baking mat to allow better air circulation and make sure your dough is rolled out evenly to 3 mm (0.12 inches).

  • How do I keep my ganache smooth?

    Ensure your cream is warm enough to melt the chocolate completely. Stir or blend until there are no lumps.

  • Can I freeze the cookie dough?

    Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.

  • How do I temper chocolate for decoration?

    Heat two-thirds of your chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until melted. Add the remaining third, stirring until smooth, and cool it to about 31-32°C (88-90°F) for dark chocolate or 29-30°C (84-86°F) for milk and white chocolate. This will give it a nice sheen and snap!

Nutrition facts

Easter Cookies with Milk Chocolate Ganache
Recipe Yield:20 cookies
Calories:Per cookie
Calories (Min - Max):80 - 100
Total Fat:6g
Saturated Fat:3.5g
Protein:1.5g
Total Carbohydrate:11g
Total Sugars:5g