Milano Cookie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about Milano Cookies? The crispy, delicate cookie shell is perfectly paired with a silky smooth dark chocolate ganache, creating a delicious contrast of textures. The best part? These cookies are completely homemade, so you get to enjoy them fresh, with a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Whether you’re a fan of classic chocolate or love adding a touch of mint, this recipe is a must-try for any cookie lover.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
• 1 large egg white, room temperature
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

For the Ganache

• 1 ¼ cups chopped dark chocolate
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• Mint extract (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the egg white and whole egg to the butter mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in the melted butter until incorporated.
7. Transfer the cookie dough to a piping bag with a round tip (or use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off). Pipe 2-inch long strips onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 1 inch apart.
8. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets.

For the Ganache

1. Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, pour the cream over the chopped chocolate.
3. Let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt. Stir until smooth and fully combined. If you like, add a drop of mint extract to the ganache for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Let the ganache cool to room temperature and thicken slightly before assembling the cookies.

Assembling the Cookies

1. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a layer of ganache on the bottom side of one cookie. Top with another cookie, pressing gently to sandwich them together.
2. Allow the ganache to set before serving, about 10-15 minutes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-14 cookies
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30-40 minutes

Variations

• Mint Milano: Add a few drops of mint extract to the ganache for a minty twist on the classic Milano.
• Flavored Ganache: You can infuse the heavy cream with other flavors, such as orange zest or espresso, before making the ganache.
• Nutty Milano: Add chopped toasted nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds, to the cookie dough for a crunchy texture.
• Milk Chocolate: If you prefer a sweeter filling, substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate for the ganache.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Milano cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 30 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag, and store them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to use unsalted butter in this recipe. Margarine may not yield the same results in terms of flavor and texture.

2. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even a combination of different chocolates to suit your preference.

3. Can I make these cookies without eggs?

To make these cookies egg-free, you can try using an egg replacer or flax egg. However, the texture may vary slightly.

4. How thick should the ganache be before spreading it?

The ganache should be slightly cooled and thickened, but still spreadable. If it becomes too thick, you can gently warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds.

5. Can I pipe the cookies into different shapes?

Yes! You can use any piping tip you like to create different shapes or designs for the cookies. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary depending on the size of the cookies.

6. How do I make sure the cookies stay crispy?

Store the cookies in an airtight container, and avoid stacking them until the ganache is completely set. This will help keep the cookies crispy.

7. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before piping.

8. Can I use a store-bought ganache?

If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought ganache, but making it from scratch adds a rich, homemade touch.

9. Can I use a different sweetener for the cookies?

You can experiment with other sweeteners, such as coconut sugar or maple syrup, but note that it may affect the texture and consistency of the dough.

10. How can I make the ganache smoother?

If your ganache is too thick or has lumps, you can reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring until smooth.

Conclusion

These Homemade Milano Cookies are a sophisticated, delicious treat that brings the perfect combination of buttery crispness and silky chocolate together. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. The homemade ganache filling, customizable flavors, and rich texture make them well worth the effort. Give them a try, and enjoy this classic treat in the comfort of your own home!

Print