Chef's Essential Tips

Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough is soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
Cooling the Shells: Allow the cookie shells to cool completely to avoid melting the ganache.
Ganache Thickness: For a thicker ganache, let it cool longer before filling the shells.
Peppermint Substitute: If peppermint extract isn’t available, feel free to use vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Serving Tip: These cookie shots can be prepared a day in advance; just keep them refrigerated until serving.
Decorative Options: Get creative with toppings! Consider adding festive edible glitter or chocolate shavings.

Essential Ingredients Selection

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, providing the foundation for the cookie shot shells. Using sifted flour ensures a finer texture.
Powdered Sugar: Gives sweetness without the graininess of granulated sugar while also helping to create a tender texture.
Unsalted Butter: The star of the cookie dough, it adds richness and moisture, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances and deepens the overall flavor profile, adding warmth to the sweetness.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, making them more pronounced.
Heavy Cream: A key component in the ganache, it provides the necessary fat content for a rich, smooth texture.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Offers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making the ganache indulgent.
Peppermint Extract: Adds festive flavor, elevating the cookie shots to a delightful holiday treat.
Crushed Candy Canes: Not only bring a pop of color and crunch, but also enhance the peppermint flavor.
White Chocolate Chips: Used for drizzling, these add creaminess and visual appeal to the finished shots.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Serving with Joy:

Present your Naughty Elf Cookie Shots with flair! Arrange them on a festive platter and enjoy the smiles they bring. They make for a great conversation starter and a delightful addition to any holiday celebration.

Chilling Before Serving:

Allowing the cookie shots to chill not only helps set the ganache but also enhances the flavors as they meld together. Serve them chilled for the best flavor experience as the ganache will be firm yet creamy.

Decorating with Candy Canes:

Crushed candy canes provide a delightful crunch and a pop of color. This step is best done right before serving to keep the candy canes crisp. Adding them on top of the ganache also enhances the peppermint flavor profile.

Drizzling White Chocolate:

Melting and drizzling white chocolate adds not just flavor but also visual appeal. Use a fork or a disposable piping bag to create decorative patterns on top of the cookie shots. Let the chocolate harden for a professional finish.

Setting the Ganache:

Chilling the filled cookie shots allows the ganache to firm up, giving it a perfect texture. This step is essential for ensuring that the ganache holds its shape when serving. A minimum of 30 minutes in the fridge is recommended.

Filling the Cookie Shots:

Using a piping bag for the ganache makes it easier to fill the cookie shells without spilling. It’s important to fill them just below the top to prevent overflowing, allowing for easy handling when serving.

Preparing the Ganache:

The process of heating the cream before adding it to the chocolate is key for melting it effectively. Letting the mixture sit for a few minutes helps to achieve a smooth ganache without graininess. Stir until you achieve a glossy finish.

Baking the Cookie Shells:

Baking at the right temperature (350°F) ensures the cookies are cooked thoroughly without becoming too hard. Keep an eye on them around the 10-minute mark; removing them at just the right time will yield a tender, crisp shell.

Pressing Dough into Muffin Tin:

When pressing the cookie dough into the muffin tin, aim for an even distribution to create consistent shot glasses. Use your thumb to press the center down and form a hollow. This technique is crucial for creating the perfect shape for filling later.

Creaming Butter and Sugar:

This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, ensuring your cookie shells are light and fluffy. Beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until creamy, about 3-4 minutes. The longer you beat, the more air you whip in, leading to a better texture.

The Complete Guide to Mastering Naughty Elf Cookie Shots

Serving with Joy:

Chilling Before Serving:

Decorating with Candy Canes:

Drizzling White Chocolate:

Setting the Ganache:

Filling the Cookie Shots:

Preparing the Ganache:

Baking the Cookie Shells:

Pressing Dough into Muffin Tin:

Creaming Butter and Sugar:

Pro Chef Secrets to Perfect Cookie Shots

Pair these shots with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.

Store any leftover cookie shots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Double the recipe for larger gatherings — they’re sure to be a hit!

Omit the peppermint extract and serve as plain chocolate shots for the kids!

Decadent Naughty Elf Cookie Shots with Chocolate, Peppermint and Creamy Filling

Name: Decadent Naughty Elf Cookie Shots with Chocolate, Peppermint and Creamy Filling
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Cookie Shell:; 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for a light texture.; 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for a sweet touch.; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened for a rich base.; 1 tsp vanilla extract, to enhance flavors.; 1/2 tsp salt, to balance the sweetness.; For the Filling:; 1 cup heavy cream, for a luscious ganache.; 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped for rich flavor.; 1 tsp peppermint extract, for a festive kick.; For the Topping:; 1/2 cup crushed candy canes, for crunch and color.; 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, for drizzling.; Sprinkles for decoration, optional and festive.

Looking to add a playful twist to your holiday gatherings? These Naughty Elf Cookie Shots are the perfect festive treat that combines rich flavors and whimsical fun. Made with buttery shortbread, velvety chocolate ganache, and a hint of peppermint, each bite is a delightful explosion of sweet indulgence. The crunchy exterior gives way to a smooth, creamy filling that will have your guests wanting more. Perfect for Christmas parties, cozy family gatherings, or as a cheeky dessert for an adult-only soirée, these cookie shots evoke laughter and nostalgia. The festive green and red colors not only make them eye-catching but also add to the holiday spirit, making them a must-have on your dessert table. Elevate your celebrations and create sweet memories with each shot, as the flavors mingle on your palate, leaving a joyous aftertaste. Celebrate the season with a dessert that’s both fun and delicious — because who doesn’t love a naughty little elf?

Prep Time

30 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the Cookie Shell:

2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for a light texture.

1/2 cup powdered sugar, for a sweet touch.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened for a rich base.

1 tsp vanilla extract, to enhance flavors.

1/2 tsp salt, to balance the sweetness.

For the Filling:

1 cup heavy cream, for a luscious ganache.

8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped for rich flavor.

1 tsp peppermint extract, for a festive kick.

For the Topping:

1/2 cup crushed candy canes, for crunch and color.

1/4 cup white chocolate chips, for drizzling.

Sprinkles for decoration, optional and festive.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a mini muffin tin by greasing it lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add vanilla extract and salt to the mixture, mixing until well combined.

Step 4: Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the shells tender.

Step 5: Divide the dough into small balls and press them into the muffin tin cups, creating a hollow center to form cookie shot glasses.

Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: While the shells cool, prepare the ganache by heating heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until just boiling.

Step 8: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate, letting it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 9: Stir in the peppermint extract and allow the ganache to cool slightly until it thickens.

Step 10: Once the cookie shells are completely cooled, fill them with the peppermint ganache using a piping bag or spoon.

Step 11: Melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle over the filled cookie shots, then sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive look.

Step 12: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the ganache to set.

Step 13: Serve your Naughty Elf Cookie Shots chilled and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Step 14: Optional: Garnish with additional sprinkles for a cheerful touch.

Step 15: Share the joy with friends and family during your holiday celebrations!