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CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE COOKIES

Sana Umer
These chocolate lava cake cookies are rich, fudgy, and filled with a warm molten chocolate center. Soft on the outside and gooey inside, they make a perfect indulgent dessert for chocolate lovers and special occasions.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 18 cookies
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Lava Filling:

  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup melted chocolate
  • ½ cup chocolate chips optional, for extra fudginess

For Topping (Optional):

  • Powdered sugar
  • Chocolate drizzle

Instructions
 

Prepare the Lava Filling:

  • Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream until smooth. Chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes, then scoop teaspoon-sized balls and freeze.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

  • In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Make the Cookie Dough:

  • Beat butter and sugars until creamy. Add egg and vanilla. Mix in melted chocolate. Add dry ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in extra chocolate chips.

Assemble the Cookies:

  • Scoop dough, flatten slightly, place a frozen chocolate ball in the center, and wrap dough around it. Shape into smooth balls.

Bake:

  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers look soft.

Finish:

  • Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate.

Notes

  • Make Ahead:
    Freeze lava centers up to 1 month. Dough can chill 24 hours before baking.
  • Flavor Options:
    Add a pinch of espresso powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
  • Serving Suggestions:
    Serve warm for the best molten center. Pair with vanilla ice cream or hot coffee.
  • Storage Tips:
    Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat for 10 seconds to make the center melty again.
Keyword bakery-style cookies, chocolate dessert, fudge cookies, gooey chocolate cookies, lava cake cookies, molten cookies