Shiroi Koibito Japanese White Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Delicious Shiroi Koibito is a classic Japanese snack featuring delicate buttery cookies sandwiched with a smooth white chocolate ganache. These melt-in-the-mouth treats combine crisp, lightly golden cookies with rich, creamy ganache, perfect for any occasion or a special dessert.
- Author: Lily
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 cookies 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
For the Cookies
- 125 g Unsalted butter (softened for that rich, buttery taste)
- 80 g Powdered sugar (sifted to ensure a smooth cookie texture)
- 1 Large egg white (at room temperature for better incorporation)
- 60 g All-purpose flour (sifted to maintain fluffiness)
- 15 g Cornstarch (sifted for a tender texture)
- 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla extract (optional, but recommended for a touch of aromatic sweetness)
- 1 pinch Salt (to enhance all the flavors)
For the Ganache
- 200 g High-quality white chocolate (finely chopped for a smooth melt)
- 50 ml Heavy cream (heat it just until it simmers for silky ganache)
- 15 g Unsalted butter (added to the ganache for richness)
- Making the Cookies: Start by creaming the softened unsalted butter and sifted powdered sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the cookies.
- Adding Egg White: Add the room-temperature egg white to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing for 1-2 minutes until fully combined to incorporate air and create a tender texture.
- Incorporate Vanilla: If using, pour in the vanilla extract and mix briefly to evenly distribute the aromatic flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together sifted all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt to ensure a fine, uniform dry mix.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter on low mixer speed until just combined, careful not to overmix to maintain a delicate cookie texture.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the cookie batter into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip for neat shaping.
- Pipe Cookies: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and pipe small oval-shaped cookie batter onto the sheets, spacing them to prevent sticking.
- Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake the cookies for 8-12 minutes until they are lightly golden at the edges, ensuring a crisp outer layer.
- Cooling Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely to avoid sogginess.
- Making the Ganache: Finely chop the white chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl ready for melting.
- Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to simmer, about 2-3 minutes, to prepare for melting the chocolate.
- Combine Ganache Ingredients: Pour the hot cream over the chopped white chocolate and let it sit for 1 minute to soften, then stir gently until smooth and creamy.
- Add Butter to Ganache: Stir in the unsalted butter until fully melted and incorporated, adding richness and a silkier texture to the ganache.
- Thicken Ganache: Let the ganache rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly for easier spreading.
- Assemble Cookies: Pair cookies of similar size and shape, spread the ganache on the flat side of one cookie, and press a matching cookie on top to form a sandwich.
- Finish Assembly: Continue assembling the rest of the cookies with ganache in the same manner until all are paired.
- Optional Chilling: For a firmer texture, chill the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, though they can also be served immediately at room temperature.
- Serve: Present the cookies either chilled or at room temperature for a delightful snack or dessert experience.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and egg white are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Piping the cookie batter helps achieve the signature oval shape but can be substituted with spoon drops if needed.
- Use high-quality white chocolate for the richest ganache flavor.
- Chilling the assembled cookies improves ganache firmness but is optional.
- The cookies should be stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
Keywords: Shiroi Koibito, Japanese snack, white chocolate ganache, butter cookies, sweet sandwich cookies, traditional Japanese dessert