Coffee-Infused Chocolate Cookies with Ganache Filling

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate cocoa powder (Hershey’s recommended)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the Chocolate Ganache Filling:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prep Sheets:
   • Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silpat mats for non-stick baking.
2. Cookie Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of sugar with the softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and instant coffee until well mixed. Gradually add in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda, mixing on low just until combined. Scoop the dough into small balls with an ice cream scoop, then roll each ball in the remaining 1 cup of sugar. Place them on the prepared cookie sheets, spaced apart. Press down the center of each cookie with your thumb to make an indentation.
3. Baking:
   • Bake the cookies for about 8 minutes, or until the cookie edges are firm. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 3-5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Chocolate Ganache:
   • Heat the cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot (around 1 minute). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl, cover, and let sit for 3 minutes. Uncover and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Let the ganache cool slightly, then transfer to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off for easy filling.
5. Fill the Cookies:
   • Pipe the chocolate ganache into the indentations of each cooled cookie.
6. Set the Ganache:
   • Allow the cookies to set at room temperature for about an hour or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes until the ganache is firm.

Enjoy these delightful coffee-infused chocolate cookies filled with luscious chocolate ganache, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!