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1
To make the ganache, place 3/4 cup of the chocolate in a small bowl.
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2
Bring the cream to a boil over medium-high heat and pour it over the chocolate.
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3
Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 3 minutes, then whisk it from the center of the bowl out to the edges until smooth (dont vigorously whisk the chocolate mixture-you dont want to whip in air bubbles).
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4
Re-cover with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature for at least 6 hours or overnight.
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5
To make the cookie cake, heat the oven to 350F.
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6
Place a 10-inch cake pan on top of a piece of parchment paper and trace a circle.
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7
Cut the circle out and set aside.
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8
Grease the 10-inch cake pan with the 1 1/2 tablespoons of softened butter, and then press the parchment circle into the pan.
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9
Grease the top of the parchment with a little more butter and set the pan aside.
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10
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl and set aside.
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11
Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, cream the stick of butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla and almond extracts on medium speed until well combined, about 1 minute.
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12
Increase the mixer speed to high and beat for 15 seconds.
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13
Stop the mixer, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the egg.
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14
Blend on medium speed for 30 seconds.
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15
Add the dry ingredients and combine on low speed until just a few dry streaks remain.
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16
Add the remaining chopped chocolate and mix for a few seconds until combined.
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17
Scrape the batter into the prepared cake pan.
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18
Dip a rubber spatula in cold water, shake off the excess, and use it to press the batter into a smooth and even layer in the pan.
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19
Bake until lightly golden and puffy around the edges (the center should still feel quite soft), 18 to 22 minutes.
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20
Cool for 10 minutes and then run a paring knife around the edge of the pan to release the cake.
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21
Cool for at least 4 hours before turning the cake out of the pan and onto a large plate (or cutting board).
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22
Peel off the parchment, then invert back onto a cake plate or stand.
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23
Use a rubber spatula to fill a pastry bag fitted with an 8-mm tip (or a reseal-able plastic bag with one corner snipped off) with the ganache.
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24
Pipe a decorative border around the edge of the cake and streak the remaining ganache across the entire cake, or write the name of the recipient in the center.