Description

These Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies combine the best of two favorite desserts: rich, fudgy brownies and the decadent molten center of a lava cake. Each cookie has a slightly crisp exterior and a gooey, warm chocolate center that melts in your mouth with every bite. They’re perfect for special occasions, cozy gatherings, or whenever you need an indulgent chocolate fix. With their impressive molten center, these cookies look fancy but are surprisingly simple to make at home. Serve them warm for the ultimate treat, paired with ice cream or enjoyed on their own.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional chocolate chips for filling

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
Melt butter and chocolate chips together; let cool slightly.
Whisk together sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Stir into the chocolate mixture.
Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; fold to combine.
Chill dough for 15 minutes for easier handling.
Form dough into balls, insert a few extra chocolate chips in the center of each, and place on baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the tops are glossy and cracked.
Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes; transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chocolate Selection: For the richest flavor, use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can use milk chocolate, but the overall cookie will be much sweeter.
Filling Variation: To create different flavor profiles, you can experiment with fillings like caramel squares, peanut butter cups, or white chocolate chunks.
Chilling the Dough: If your cookie dough is too soft, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping and baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Molten Center: The key to achieving a molten center is slightly underbaking the cookies. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. The edges should be set, but the centers should still look soft and underdone.
Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat and enjoy the gooey center again, microwave the cookies for about 10 seconds.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.