STEP 1: PREPARE THE COOKIE DOUGH

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the right baking temperature for your cookies.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

STEP 2: MAKE THE CHOCOLATE FILLING

1. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the heavy cream to a simmer. Be sure to watch it closely to prevent boiling over.
2. Melt the Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chopped chocolate to the hot cream. Allow it to sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and fully combined.
3. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the ganache. Let the mixture cool slightly as it thickens.

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE THE COOKIES

1. Scoop the Cookie Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, take about 1.5 tablespoons of cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Create an Indentation: Use your thumb or the back of a measuring spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball. This will hold the chocolate filling.
3. Fill with Ganache: Carefully spoon a small amount of the chocolate ganache into the indentation of each cookie. Be sure not to overfill, as the filling may spill out during baking.

STEP 4: BAKE

1. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
2. Cool on Wire Rack: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

STEP 5: SERVE AND GARNISH

1. Optional Toppings: For an extra touch, consider drizzling additional melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or sprinkling them with sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast.
2. Presentation: Arrange the Chocolate Pie Cookies on a decorative platter. They can be served warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.