If you have a sweet tooth and love the irresistible combination of dark chocolate and fruity raspberry, you must try this Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe. These cookies are perfectly soft with a tender crumb, deeply chocolatey with just a hint of espresso, and filled with a luscious ganache and tangy raspberry jam that sings with every bite. It’s like a little party of flavors and textures all wrapped up in a delicate, elegant sandwich cookie. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these cookies will quickly become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these cookies just right starts with simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from building the rich chocolate base and balancing sweetness to adding a pop of fresh raspberry flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect tender crumb to your cookies.
- Dutch-process cocoa powder: Gives a deep, rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to remain soft yet sturdy.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the chocolate flavors and balances sweetness.
- Instant espresso powder: A tiny boost that intensifies the chocolate without tasting like coffee.
- Bittersweet chocolate (60-70%): Melted into the dough for luxurious chocolate depth.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture while keeping the dough silky.
- Brown sugar: Brings caramel notes and chewy texture to the cookie.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with spreading during baking.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with warm, sweet aromatics.
- Chocolate (milk and bittersweet mix): For the luscious ganache filling, melting into creamy perfection.
- Heavy cream: Smooths and softens the ganache for irresistible texture.
- Chambord or raspberry-flavored liqueur (optional): Gives the ganache a subtle, elegant raspberry note.
- Raspberry jam: The fruity center that brightens every bite with fresh raspberry sweetness and tartness.
How to Make Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and instant espresso powder. This step is crucial to ensure the flavors distribute evenly and your cookies bake uniformly. Set aside this fragrant, chocolaty dry mixture while you move to the next steps.
Step 2: Melt the Bittersweet Chocolate
Gently melt the finely chopped bittersweet chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts on half power. The goal here is a smooth, glossy liquid that will enrich your dough with deep chocolate flavor. Allow it to cool slightly before mixing it into the batter to avoid scrambling the eggs or butter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy. This step creates air pockets in the dough for a soft cookie and develops the caramel notes from the brown sugar. It’s magic watching it transform into a creamy base for your cookies!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Drop in eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to keep the batter smooth and well-incorporated. Then mix in the vanilla extract, which brings a cozy, familiar sweetness that makes your cookies feel like home.
Step 5: Incorporate Melted Chocolate and Dry Ingredients
Pour in the lukewarm melted chocolate and mix on low to integrate the rich chocolate evenly. Follow with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could make your cookies tough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of your dough and refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough for easier handling and improves the cookie’s texture during baking. Plus, it helps control spreading for a nicer shape.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out dough balls about a tablespoon each, flattening them slightly into pucks so they bake with even thickness. Leave plenty of space between cookies, as they will spread beautifully. Bake for about 8 minutes until puffed and matte on top.
Step 8: Shape and Cool
Right out of the oven, gently press around each still-warm cookie with a round cutter to perfect the shape. Cool on the baking sheets briefly, then transfer to wire racks to finish cooling completely. This attention to detail ensures every cookie is as pretty as it is delicious.
Step 9: Make the Ganache Filling
Warm heavy cream until just bubbling and pour it over chopped milk and bittersweet chocolate. Stir gently to form a rich ganache, then whisk in Chambord if using. Cool until thickened to peanut butter consistency, whisking regularly to keep it silky smooth.
Step 10: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Pipe a ring of ganache on the underside of half your cookies, then fill the center with a small dollop of raspberry jam. Top with matching cookies, pressing gently so the filling spreads evenly but doesn’t squeeze out. Chill until set, then get ready to enjoy these little chocolate-raspberry beauties!
How to Serve Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, dust the cookies lightly with cocoa powder or powdered sugar. Fresh raspberries or tiny sprigs of mint on the side add a lovely pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of melted chocolate can also elevate the presentation for special occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte, complementing their bittersweet chocolate notes. A glass of cold milk, raspberry-infused tea, or even a sparkling rosé can also enhance the experience, balancing richness and sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these sandwich cookies on a pretty cake stand for a party display, or arrange individually in small clear boxes tied with ribbons as delightful gifts. For a festive twist, add edible gold leaf or dip half the cookie edge in melted white chocolate for contrast and glamour.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your assembled Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This keeps the ganache and jam fresh while maintaining the soft texture of the cookies. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
Wrap individual sandwich cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve their delicate texture and fillings.
Reheating
Avoid microwaving since it can make the ganache runny or the cookie overly soft. Instead, bring the cookies to room temperature, or warm gently in a low-temp oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes if you prefer a slightly warmed treat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of jam instead of raspberry?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam complements the chocolate perfectly, you can experiment with other berry jams like blackberry or strawberry. Just choose a good quality jam with a balance of sweetness and tartness to enhance the cookie.
Do I have to use Chambord in the ganache?
No, the Chambord is optional and adds a lovely raspberry liqueur note, but if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit it. The raspberry jam already provides plenty of fruity flavor and brightness.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture may vary slightly, but the overall flavor will still be fantastic.
What is the purpose of instant espresso powder in the dough?
Espresso powder amplifies the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee. It deepens the richness and adds complexity, making the chocolate taste even more intense and satisfying.
How long do the cookies keep once assembled?
Once the sandwich cookies are put together, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, giving you plenty of time to savor every bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that feels both indulgent and thoughtful, this Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe is a must-try. The harmony between the rich chocolate dough, silky ganache, and tangy raspberry filling will win your heart—and your taste buds. So grab your apron and baking tools, and make some little moments of joy today. Trust me, these cookies are too wonderful to keep to yourself!
Print
Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling, cooling ganache, and assembly)
- Yield: 22 sandwich cookies (44 individual cookies)
Description
Decadent Chocolate Raspberry Sandwich Cookies featuring rich bittersweet cocoa cookies filled with a luscious chocolate ganache and tart raspberry jam. These elegant sandwich cookies are perfect for special occasions or as an indulgent treat, combining a deep chocolate flavor with a hint of espresso and a vibrant raspberry surprise inside.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 4 oz good quality bittersweet chocolate (60-70%), finely chopped
- ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Ganache and Filling
- 4 oz good quality chocolate, finely chopped (mix of 35% milk and 76% bittersweet recommended)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Chambord or other raspberry-flavored liqueur (optional)
- ¼ cup raspberry jam
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and instant espresso powder in a medium bowl; set aside for later use.
- Melt Chocolate: Gently melt the chopped bittersweet chocolate using a double boiler or microwave at 50% power in 20-second increments until just melted. Allow to cool slightly before use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is lightened and somewhat fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Lower mixer speed to low and add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the bowl, then increase speed to medium-high for 30 seconds until the batter lightens slightly in color. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Melted Chocolate: Pour the lukewarm melted chocolate into the batter and mix on low speed, scraping the bowl well until the batter turns uniform in color.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill Dough: Press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the dough’s surface and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes until it firms enough to handle.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop and Shape Cookies: Using a small cookie scoop (about 20g or 1 tablespoon), scoop dough rounds onto baking sheets spaced 2-3 inches apart. Flatten dough balls slightly into puck shapes to help even spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake cookies for approximately 8 minutes until tops are puffed and no longer shiny.
- Shape Cookies: Immediately after baking, use a round cookie cutter slightly larger than the cookie diameter to perfect the edges by swirling around each warm cookie. Cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough to yield ~44 cookies.
- Make Ganache: Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it just bubbles around edges (do not boil). Pour warm cream over chocolate and let sit 30 seconds. Whisk slowly from the center outward until smooth and emulsified. Stir in Chambord if using.
- Cool Ganache: Allow ganache to cool at room temperature, whisking gently every 10 minutes until it thickens to peanut butter consistency (~45 minutes). Alternatively, refrigerate and whisk every 5 to 10 minutes to speed cooling. Transfer ganache to a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch round tip. Place raspberry jam in a second piping bag with a ¼-inch round tip or keep for spooning.
- Assemble Sandwich Cookies: Pair cookies by size, flipping one cookie in each pair upside down on a baking sheet. Pipe a ring of ganache on the flat side of half of the cookies, then fill the center with about 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam. Lightly press the second cookie on top, avoiding squeezing out the filling. Refrigerate sandwiches until ganache is set.
- Storage: Store assembled cookies in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one week.
Notes
- Using high-quality chocolate significantly enhances the flavor of both cookies and ganache.
- If Chambord or raspberry liqueur is unavailable or undesired, omit it without affecting the overall taste too much.
- Pressing the cookie cutter around warm cookies helps achieve perfect round edges as the dough spreads unevenly.
- Keep dough chilled; warm dough will be difficult to shape and spread may be uneven.
- Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for proper batter incorporation and texture.
- Gentle whisking during ganache cooling helps maintain smooth texture and prevents graininess.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes per batch (about 16 minutes total for two baking sheets)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
