Chocolate Lava Cookies

Chocolate Lava Cookies combine the best features of cookies and molten lava cakes. They have a slightly crisp exterior with a soft, gooey, molten chocolate center that is utterly irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are an indulgent treat that feels elegant yet easy to make. With their rich chocolate flavor and molten center, they are perfect for special occasions, gifting, or whenever you crave a decadent dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Chocolate chunks or chocolate truffles (for the lava center)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Scoop a ball of dough, press a piece of chocolate or a chocolate truffle into the center, and cover completely with dough.
7. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
9. Cool slightly before serving to enjoy the molten center.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 large cookies and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and bake.

Variations

• Use peanut butter cups or caramel squares instead of chocolate for the center.
• Add espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to remelt the centers.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but the cookies will be slightly sweeter.

How do I ensure the center stays molten?

Do not overbake and use a good-sized chunk of chocolate in the center.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze the dough balls before baking and add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

What type of chocolate works best for the lava center?

Use high-quality chocolate or filled chocolate truffles.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Should the dough be chilled before baking?

Chilling helps if you want a thicker cookie but is not strictly necessary.

Can I add nuts to the dough?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts make a delicious addition.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

The butter might have been too warm or the dough was not firm enough.

Can I make mini versions of these cookies?

Yes, simply reduce the size of the dough balls and adjust baking time.

How long can the baked cookies be stored?

They can be stored for 3 days at room temperature or frozen for up to a month.

Conclusion

Chocolate Lava Cookies are a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert with a rich, molten center. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying as an indulgent treat anytime.

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