Chocolate Lava Cake Cookies are rich, fudgy cookies with a molten chocolate center that oozes out with every bite. These indulgent treats combine the best of gooey lava cakes and soft, chewy cookies, making them perfect for chocolate lovers. Ideal for date nights, holiday treats, or whenever you’re craving an ultra-decadent dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Molten Chocolate Center – A rich, gooey filling inside a soft cookie.
- Easy to Make – No fancy equipment needed!
- Perfect for Special Occasions – Great for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or holidays.
- Deep Chocolate Flavor – Made with cocoa powder and real melted chocolate.
- Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and bake fresh when ready!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cookie Dough:
- Butter (softened)
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Lava Filling:
- Dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Heavy cream
Directions
- Make the Lava Filling – Melt chocolate and heavy cream together until smooth. Let it cool, then freeze in small spoonfuls for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough – Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Mix in egg and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
- Form the Cookies – Scoop cookie dough, flatten slightly, and place a frozen chocolate filling piece in the center. Wrap dough around it, sealing completely.
- Chill the Dough – Refrigerate the filled cookie dough balls for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Bake – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool & Serve – Let cool for 5 minutes before enjoying the warm, molten chocolate center!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
Variations
- Salted Caramel Lava: Replace chocolate filling with caramel sauce.
- Peanut Butter Lava: Use frozen peanut butter instead of chocolate.
- Espresso Boost: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Extra Gooey: Use a mix of milk and dark chocolate for a softer center.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Top cookies with melted white chocolate after baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months; bake from frozen with an extra minute or two.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to re-melt the center.
FAQs
How do I keep the chocolate lava from leaking?
Ensure the dough fully encases the filling and chill before baking.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes! Milk chocolate will create a sweeter, softer center.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Make sure to chill the dough before baking, and don’t overmix the batter.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Can I use Nutella instead of chocolate?
Absolutely! Freeze Nutella dollops for 30 minutes before stuffing the cookies.
How do I make the center extra gooey?
Increase the amount of chocolate filling, or slightly underbake the cookies.
Can I add nuts to the dough?
Yes! Chopped hazelnuts or almonds add great texture.
What’s the best cocoa powder to use?
Use high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for the richest flavor.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just keep the dough chilled between batches.
What’s the best way to serve these cookies?
Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate!
Conclusion
Chocolate Lava Cake Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers, with a soft, fudgy cookie exterior and a rich, melty center. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Try them today and enjoy the irresistible molten chocolate goodness!
Print
Chocolate Lava Cake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chocolate Lava Cake Cookies have a soft, fudgy exterior with a gooey molten chocolate center—just like a lava cake but in cookie form! Perfect for chocolate lovers, special occasions, or an indulgent treat, these cookies are rich, decadent, and irresistibly delicious. 🍫✨
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Lava Center:
- 4 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate (broken into small squares or chunks)
For Topping (Optional):
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. (This makes it easier to handle.)
Step 3: Stuff with Chocolate & Shape
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop 1.5 tablespoons of dough, flatten it slightly, and place a piece of chocolate in the center.
- Wrap the dough around the chocolate, sealing it completely. Roll into a ball.
- Place on the baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style touch.
- Serve warm for the best gooey lava effect!
- Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Extra Gooey Center: Use truffle chocolates or frozen chocolate ganache for an even more molten effect.
- Make-Ahead: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.