The Gooey Chocolate Lava Cake Cookies Recipe You’ll Love

Soft, decadent chocolate cookies hide a molten chocolate surprise that erupts with rich lava cake magic.

These irresistible treats combine the best of two dessert worlds in one incredible bite.

Dark chocolate melts into a luxurious center, creating a dramatic contrast against the tender cookie exterior.

Each cookie delivers a dramatic moment of pure chocolate indulgence that will make chocolate lovers swoon.

Warm from the oven, these cookies ooze with a silky chocolate center that promises pure bliss.

The delicate balance of crisp edges and a liquid chocolate core makes these cookies a standout dessert.

Prepare to experience a chocolate sensation that turns an ordinary moment into an extraordinary sweet escape.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 13

Everything In Chocolate Lava Cake Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structural foundation and tender crumb for the cookie.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich, deep chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates soft, light texture.
• Salt: Enhances and balances overall sweetness of the cookie.

• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture, complex caramel undertones, and soft chewiness.
• Granulated Sugar: Creates crisp edges and provides sweetness.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to rich, smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Intensifies chocolate flavor and adds aromatic warmth.

• Butter: Creates tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor base.
• Chocolate Pieces: Creates molten center and surprise gooey chocolate experience.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides elegant finishing touch and light sweetness.
• Vanilla Ice Cream (Optional): Offers complementary creamy contrast to warm cookies.

Tools You’ll Use For Chocolate Lava Cake Cookies

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for creaming butter and sugars, and mixing wet ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients and ensuring even distribution of cocoa powder and flour.
• Baking Sheet: Crucial for holding and baking cookies evenly in the oven.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy on the bottom.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Helps scrape and mix ingredients thoroughly in the bowl.

How To Make Chocolate Lava Cake Cookies

• Create Silky Dough

Mix butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and airy. Blend in egg and vanilla extract smoothly. In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture until soft dough forms.

• Chill and Prepare

Refrigerate dough for half an hour to make handling easier. Warm oven to 350F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Craft Chocolate Surprise

Grab small portions of dough and gently flatten. Nestle chocolate piece in center, then carefully wrap dough around chocolate, creating a sealed ball. Arrange cookies on baking sheet with space between each.

• Bake to Perfection

Cook cookies for 9-11 minutes until edges look set but center remains tender. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet briefly before transferring to cooling rack.

• Elevate and Enjoy

Sprinkle powdered sugar over warm cookies. Serve immediately for maximum gooey center. Consider pairing with vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.

Tips To Get That Molten Center In Chocolate Lava Cake Cookies

• Gooey Chocolate Mastery: Smart Baking Tricks for Perfect Lava Cookies
• Chocolate Quality Matters: Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chunks for richer, more intense molten centers that create stunning chocolate flow when broken.
• Dough Chilling Technique: Always refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and help cookies maintain perfect shape during baking.
• Temperature Control Magic: Remove cookies from oven when edges look set but centers appear slightly underbaked to ensure that signature lava-like gooey texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil and use vegan chocolate to create a delicious plant-based version without compromising rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these decadent cookies accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.

How To Serve Chocolate Lava Cake Cookies

• Sweet Chocolate Companion: Serve these warm cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience that melts in your mouth.
• Cozy Beverage Pairing: Complement the rich chocolate flavor with a steaming mug of hot coffee, espresso, or hot chocolate to enhance the cookie's warm, gooey center.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board, dust with powdered sugar, and add a few fresh mint leaves for a sophisticated and Instagram-worthy display that impresses guests.
• Indulgent Party Treat: Create a dessert bar with multiple toppings like caramel sauce, whipped cream, and chopped nuts, allowing guests to customize their chocolate lava cake cookie experience.

Storage Ideas For Chocolate Lava Cake Cookies

• Cookie Storage Sanctuary: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezing Magic Trick: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for soft, delicious results.
• Dough Prep Strategy: Prepare cookie dough balls ahead of time and refrigerate for 24 hours or freeze unbaked for spontaneous fresh-baked treats. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Serving Temperature Wisdom: Reheat refrigerated or frozen cookies in a 300F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore that irresistible warm, gooey chocolate center. Enjoy best within 10 minutes of warming.

Gooey Chocolate Lava Cake Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Sweet chocolate lava cake cookies blend molten chocolate centers with crisp cookie edges, creating an irresistible dessert experience. Rich French-inspired flavors promise indulgent moments you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 oz (113 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Creaming: Whip softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until achieving a fluffy, pale texture that’s light and airy.
2. Liquid Integration: Vigorously incorporate egg and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture becomes completely homogeneous.
3. Dry Ingredient Preparation: Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together, eliminating any potential lumps and ensuring smooth distribution.
4. Dough Formation: Delicately merge dry ingredients into wet mixture, folding gently to create a cohesive dough without overmixing, which could compromise the cookie’s tender texture.
5. Chilling: Encase dough completely and refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to develop and consistency to firm up.
6. Preheating and Preparation: Warm oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal non-stick surface.
7. Chocolate Stuffing: Portion chilled dough, creating small discs with center depressions, then carefully embed chocolate piece and roll into seamless spheres.
8. Baking: Position cookie spheres on prepared sheet with sufficient spacing, then bake 10-12 minutes until edges set but center remains delicately soft.
9. Cooling and Finishing: Rest cookies momentarily on baking sheet to stabilize, then transfer to cooling rack and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Control Butter Temperature: Soften butter at room temperature for smooth, even mixing, avoiding cold or melted butter that disrupts cookie texture.
• Prevent Overmixing: Fold dry ingredients gently into wet mixture to maintain a tender, delicate cookie structure without developing tough gluten.
• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate dough for exactly 30 minutes to enhance flavor development and firm up texture for easier handling and clean chocolate encasing.
• Master Chocolate Placement: Completely seal chocolate center within dough ball to create perfect lava effect, ensuring no chocolate leakage during baking process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg