If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly balances indulgence and sophistication, look no further than Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Cookies. These thick bakery-style cookies offer the best of both worlds: crisp edges giving way to soft, tender centers that hide a molten chocolate-hazelnut filling. When you break one open, warm ganache slowly oozes out, creating a moment so visually tempting, you almost don’t want to eat it — but trust me, you will. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt heightens the deep cocoa richness, making each bite an irresistible dance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, yet thoughtfully selected ingredients is the key to these cookies’ magic. Each component plays a vital role — from achieving the perfect texture to layering that rich, nutty chocolate flavor you’ll crave.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and that chewy bite without overwhelming softness.
- Cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark hue to the dough.
- Baking powder: Gives just enough lift to keep the cookies thick but tender inside.
- Unsalted butter: Contributes richness and helps crisp the edges to perfection.
- Sugar (granulated and brown): Granulated sugar ensures a crisp texture while brown sugar brings moisture and subtle caramel notes.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add to that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic depth.
- Chocolate hazelnut spread: The star ingredient that creates that signature molten lava center.
- Flaky sea salt: A finishing touch to brighten flavors and balance sweetness.
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by combining the dry ingredients — flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder — in a bowl and set it aside. In a separate large bowl, cream together softened butter with both granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy; this ensures a tender yet crisp texture. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract to build a fragrant base. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a smooth, chocolatey dough.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies Around the Filling
This step makes the cookies truly special. Take a small spoonful of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Add a generous dollop of chocolate hazelnut spread in the center, then cover it completely with another piece of dough. Seal the edges carefully to encase the molten center without any leaks. This technique guarantees a lava-like center that erupts when baked.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with enough space between them to spread slightly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are crisp but the center remains soft. Because every oven is different, keep a close eye so the molten center stays gooey — that’s the magic moment you’re aiming for!
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch
Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the cookies with flaky sea salt. This finishing detail enhances every bite by balancing the richness with a hint of savory crunch. Let the cookies cool just enough so the centers remain molten but you can handle them—warm cookies bring out the full velvet texture of the lava center.
How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Cookies
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few whole toasted hazelnuts makes for elegant decoration and a contrast in texture. If you want to go all out, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a sprinkle of cocoa nibs amps up the chocolate experience even further.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, which cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate. For an adult twist, serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. Fresh berries add a bright, tangy contrast that highlights the nutty chocolate notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dessert platter, place the cookies on a wooden board alongside small bowls of hazelnut spread and sea salt flakes inviting guests to customize. Or serve warm cookies stacked on a pretty plate with a dusting of edible gold leaf for an upscale look. Sharing these Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Cookies straight from the oven gives a cozy, comforting vibe that always wins hearts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Maintaining a cozy, sealed environment helps preserve their softness and prevent the centers from hardening.
Freezing
You can prepare the cookies ahead of time by making the dough and shaping it with the chocolate hazelnut filling, then freezing the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time. This method allows you to enjoy fresh lava cookies anytime!
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm with that irresistible lava center, gently reheat leftovers in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the cookie or harden the molten center.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate instead of chocolate hazelnut spread?
While regular chocolate chips or chunks can be used, they won’t create the same molten, gooey center that chocolate hazelnut spread provides. The nutty flavor and creamy texture are what make these cookies stand out.
How do I prevent the lava center from leaking during baking?
Make sure to seal the edges of the cookie dough around the chocolate hazelnut spread very well. Chilling the dough balls before baking can also help maintain the shape and prevent leakage.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, though the texture may vary slightly.
Can I substitute the butter for a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, using a good-quality dairy-free margarine or coconut oil can work, but the flavor and texture might change a bit. Coconut oil, for example, adds a subtle coconut undertone that pairs nicely with hazelnut.
What is the best way to measure the flour accurately?
For the best results, lightly spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and result in too much, making the cookies dense.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Cookies are pure joy wrapped in a chocolatey hug, perfect for any occasion when you want to impress or simply indulge yourself. Each bite offers that unforgettable contrast between crisp edges and melty centers, intensified by a perfect pinch of sea salt. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try, whether you’re treating family, friends, or just yourself. Once you experience that warm molten center flowing out and the rich hazelnut flavor lingering on your palate, these cookies will become your go-to comfort dessert!
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