Shortbread Thumbprints with Bittersweet Ganache

By sandiB2010

"Tender, buttery little shortbread thumbprint cookies have a sweet filling of smooth dark chocolate in this pretty addition to your holiday table." — Ghirardelli®

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup half-and-half
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup coarse sugar (optional)
• 3/4 cup whipping cream
• 1 (10 ounce) package Ghirardelli® 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Chips

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 1 minute. Add the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and the vanilla; beat until smooth. Beat in half-and-half until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour with a spatula or wooden spoon.

On a lightly floured surface, pat dough into an 8x7-inch rectangle. Cut into 1-inch squares and shape each square into a 1-inch ball. If desired, roll balls in coarse sugar. Place balls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Using your thumb, make an indentation in the center of each ball. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. (If an indentation puffs up during baking, re-press with the end of a wooden spoon.) Transfer to a wire rack; cool.

Meanwhile, for ganache filling, in a medium saucepan, bring the whipping cream just to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat. Add Ghirardelli® 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Chips; do not stir. Let stand for 5 minutes; stir until smooth. Cool for 15 minutes before using. Spoon about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center of each cookie.*

Enjoy immediately, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.