Rich chocolate sandwich cookies filled with whipped ganache make a perfect dessert for holidays, cookie boxes, or special occasions. These homemade cookies feature crisp chocolate shortbread and a creamy chocolate filling, ideal for chocolate lovers and easy to prepare ahead. Great for Christmas baking, edible gifts, or party trays.

These tender chocolate shortbread cookies are sandwiched with a rich whipped chocolate ganache for an elegant and delicious treat. Crisp, buttery cookies and a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth filling make these perfect for gifting or special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100g) white sugar
½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt

For the Whipped Ganache

300g semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
200g (about ¾ cup + 1 tbsp) heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Make the Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add Cocoa and Vanilla:
Mix in the cocoa powder and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Add Dry Ingredients:
Add the flour and salt. Mix until the dough comes together. Use your hands to gently knead it into a soft ball.
Chill the Dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Roll and Cut:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch (6mm) thick. Cut into rounds using a cookie cutter.
Bake:
Place cookies on the prepared tray and bake for 8–12 minutes. Remove them from the oven as soon as the surface loses its shine—they’ll still be soft but will firm up as they cool. Let cookies cool completely on the tray.

Make the Whipped Ganache

Heat the Cream:
Place the cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Heat just until small bubbles appear around the edges, then remove from heat.
Melt the Chocolate:
Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool completely to room temperature.
Whip the Ganache (Optional):
Once cooled and slightly thickened, whip the ganache using a stand or hand mixer on high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Pair up cookies of similar size and shape.
Pipe or spread a dollop of ganache onto the bottom of one cookie.
Gently press a second cookie on top to form a sandwich.
Serve once set or store in an airtight container.

Tips

Don’t skip the chill time – it helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Roll gently – shortbread dough is delicate. If it cracks, press it back together gently.
Whip ganache just before assembling to keep it airy and pipeable.
For sharp edges, use a metal round cutter and dip it in flour between cuts.

Variations and Substitutions

Ganache flavors: Add orange zest, peppermint extract, or espresso powder to the cream before heating for flavored ganache.
Milk or dark chocolate: Use your preferred chocolate type for the ganache.
Dust with powdered sugar: For a festive look, lightly dust assembled cookies.
Add nuts: Mix finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds into the dough for texture.

FAQs

Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for a month.

How should I store the cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
The dough may not have been chilled enough or the butter was too soft. Chill longer if needed.

Can I freeze the assembled cookies?
Yes, they freeze well for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a cup of espresso or black tea.
Pack in a gift box lined with parchment paper for holiday treats.
Pair with vanilla ice cream for a twist on cookie sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Melt-in-your-mouth texture: Buttery shortbread with a smooth chocolate center.
Simple ingredients: Pantry staples come together for an elegant dessert.
Customizable: Switch up the ganache flavor or shape to match the season.
Perfect for gifting: These hold up beautifully and look stunning in a gift box.