Name: Hazelnut Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Milk Chocolate Ganache
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, ground to a fine meal (small bits remain); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 8 oz milk chocolate (semi-sweet can be used), chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Pinch of salt

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If you’re craving a treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, look no further than Hazelnut Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Milk Chocolate Ganache. These tender, buttery sandwich cookies are packed with the nutty flavor of toasted hazelnuts and perfectly paired with a luxuriously smooth milk chocolate filling. Each bite delivers a delicious balance of crunch and creaminess that’ll have you reaching for more, making them a wonderful dessert or gift-worthy snack that everyone will adore.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Heartwarming nutty flavor: Toasted hazelnuts add a rich, earthy depth that elevates the classic shortbread experience.
Decadent milk chocolate ganache: Silky smooth and just sweet enough, this ganache perfectly complements the crumbly cookies.
Simple ingredients, impressive results: You’ll use pantry staples and a few fresh components to create a bakery-quality delight.
Perfect texture harmony: The crisp shortbread exterior contrasts delightfully with the creamy ganache center.
Versatile for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a holiday gathering, these cookies shine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hazelnut Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Milk Chocolate Ganache recipe relies on straightforward ingredients, each delivering a vital role in crafting the rich flavor and ideal texture. From buttery richness to that velvety chocolate filling, here’s what you’ll gather:

Unsalted butter: Provides the tender, flaky texture essential for classic shortbread.
Powdered sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie dough giving it structure without toughness.
Toasted hazelnuts: Ground to a fine meal, these add signature nutty aroma and flavor.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm notes.
Semi-sweet or milk chocolate: Used for making the smooth ganache filling, balanced perfectly with cream.
Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth ganache texture.
Salt: Just a pinch to amplify sweetness and deepen the flavors.

Variations for Hazelnut Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Milk Chocolate Ganache

Feel free to put your own spin on this recipe — it’s an easy one to customize based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. These tweaks can keep things exciting or cater to dietary needs!

Dark chocolate ganache: Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate to add a richer, slightly bittersweet contrast.
Nut-free version: Replace hazelnuts with toasted oat flour or almond flour if allergies are a concern.
Orange zest addition: Mix a teaspoon of fresh orange zest into the cookie dough for a citrusy twist.
Espresso infusion: Add a pinch of instant espresso powder to the ganache for a mocha-flavored kick.
Sea salt sprinkle: Top finished cookies with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the chocolate’s richness.

Hazelnut Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Milk Chocolate Ganache Recipe

How to Make Hazelnut Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Milk Chocolate Ganache

Step 1: Prepare the Hazelnuts

Preheat your oven, spread raw hazelnuts on a baking sheet, and toast for about 10-12 minutes until their skins start to blister. Then, rub them in a clean kitchen towel to remove most of the skins. Grind the toasted nuts finely but not into a powder—small bits add lovely texture to the cookie dough.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Dough

Beat softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until creamy and light. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Gradually fold in flour and ground hazelnuts, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking to keep the cookies tender.

Step 3: Chill and Roll Out the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least one hour to firm up. Once chilled, roll the dough between parchment papers to about ¼-inch thickness for even baking.

Step 4: Cut and Bake Cookies

Use a round cookie cutter to cut out uniform disks and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at a moderate temperature until the edges are lightly golden, about 12-15 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.

Step 5: Prepare the Milk Chocolate Ganache

Heat heavy cream just until it starts to simmer, then pour it over chopped milk chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for a couple of minutes, then stir gently until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to thicken slightly at room temperature for spreading.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Spread a generous dollop of ganache on the flat side of one shortbread cookie, then sandwich with another cookie. Press gently to spread the ganache evenly to the edges but avoid squeezing out too much. Chill for about 30 minutes to let ganache set.

Pro Tips for Making Hazelnut Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Milk Chocolate Ganache

Toast hazelnuts thoroughly: Proper toasting develops their deep flavor and helps skins come off easily.
Keep butter cold but workable: Softened butter ensures tender cookies without melting before baking.
Don’t overmix dough: Overworking can result in tough cookies, so fold ingredients just until combined.
Chill for cleaner cookie shapes: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and keeps edges crisp.
Use quality chocolate: High-quality milk chocolate makes a huge difference in ganache flavor and texture.
Cool cookies completely before filling: This prevents ganache from melting and sliding off.

How to Serve Hazelnut Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Milk Chocolate Ganache

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few crushed toasted hazelnuts or dust with powdered sugar on top of the ganache for an elegant finish. A light drizzle of melted chocolate can also add visual interest and extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of espresso, rich hot chocolate, or even a creamy latte. Their buttery texture and chocolate filling complement hot beverages beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them in clear jars for a gift or arrange neatly on a beautiful platter with sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or mint for a pop of color and aroma on dessert tables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Storing in the fridge is okay but can make the shortbread slightly firmer.

Freezing

Freeze unassembled shortbread cookies in a single layer wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Freeze ganache separately in a sealed container.

Reheating

Allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature before filling with ganache. If warmed slightly before serving, the ganache becomes extra luscious but avoid heat that melts the sandwich completely.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?

Absolutely! Almonds or pecans can be toasted and ground to give a similarly rich, buttery flavor though the signature hazelnut taste will be different.

What if I don’t have a cookie cutter?

You can use the rim of a glass or a small bowl to cut out cookie shapes. Alternatively, shape the dough into small balls and flatten gently for a rustic look.

How long will these cookies keep fresh?

When stored properly, these cookies stay fresh for about 4 days at room temperature and up to a week refrigerated.

Can I make the ganache dairy-free?

Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free milk chocolate or vegan chocolate for a dairy-free ganache version.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling helps maintain the dough’s structure, making it easier to cut and ensuring cookies don’t spread too much during baking. It’s highly recommended for best results.

Final Thoughts

Hazelnut Shortbread Sandwich Cookies with Milk Chocolate Ganache truly hit that sweet spot between comforting and elegant. With their tender crumb, delicious nutty flavor, and smooth chocolate filling, they’re a wonderful project for any home baker seeking something truly special. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be delighted how a few simple, quality ingredients come together to create something that tastes like a little piece of joy.