Oh my goodness, have you ever had chocolate lava cake cookies? They’re like a warm hug from the inside out! Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie and discovering that gooey, molten chocolate center just waiting to spill out. It’s the best of both worlds, combining the joy of freshly baked cookies with the rich decadence of a lava cake. Trust me, once you try these chocolate lava cake cookies, you’ll be hooked! They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests. Honestly, I can hardly wait to share how to whip these up in your own kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the base of our cookies, giving them structure and chewiness.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – This adds that rich chocolate flavor we crave in every bite.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness that balances the deep cocoa.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – This helps the cookies rise just a bit for that perfect texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – This gives a luscious richness and helps create that gooey center.
- 1 large egg – It binds everything together and contributes to the softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Just a splash for that warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips – These are the stars of the show, providing extra gooey chocolate pockets in each cookie!
How to Prepare Chocolate Lava Cake Cookies
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making chocolate lava cake cookies! It’s super simple, and I promise you’re going to love how easy it is to create these little bites of joy. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your cookies are ready to go in. While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good stir to blend those dry ingredients together.
Next, you’ll want to add in the melted butter, the egg, and the vanilla extract. Mix it all together until you get a smooth, luscious dough. Now for the fun part—gently fold in those chocolate chips, so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Don’t overmix; we want those chips to stay chunky and melt beautifully in the oven!
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded mounds of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You want them to look set on the edges but still soft in the middle—this is what gives you that gooey center! Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Trust me; the wait will be worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until well combined.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, crack in 1 large egg, and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until you have a smooth dough.
- Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix, so the chips stay chunky.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop out rounded mounds of dough and place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving a couple of inches between each one to allow for spreading.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should look set around the edges but still soft in the center—this is key to achieving that gooey lava effect!
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief cooling time helps the gooey centers to stabilize just a bit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for those last-minute cravings!
- Decadent chocolate flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Gooey centers that ooze with molten chocolate—absolutely irresistible!
- Perfect for sharing or indulging all on your own.
- Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your delicious cookies!
Tips for Success
To ensure your chocolate lava cake cookies turn out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t skip the chilling step if you have time. If you let the dough sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking, it helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the gooey texture. Also, be careful not to overbake! The cookies should look set on the edges but soft in the middle; that’s where the magic happens. If you want an extra chocolatey experience, you can sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top before baking. And finally, serve them warm for that ultimate lava effect—trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let me tell you, the best way to enjoy your chocolate lava cake cookies is to pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! The contrast of the warm, gooey cookie with the cold, creamy ice cream is simply heavenly. You could even drizzle some warm chocolate sauce on top for an extra indulgent treat! If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try serving them alongside a rich cup of coffee or a chocolatey espresso. Trust me, the combination will elevate your dessert experience to a whole new level. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the ultimate treat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your chocolate lava cake cookies is a breeze! Just pop them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you’re like me and can’t resist that gooey center, you’ll want to keep them close at hand! When it comes to reheating, simply place a cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This quick zap brings back that warm, molten chocolate goodness that makes these cookies so special. If you’re in a sharing mood, you can even reheat a few at a time. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overheating, which can dry them out. Enjoy that ooey-gooey center all over again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each delicious chocolate lava cake cookie! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what to expect. Each cookie contains approximately 150 calories, with about 10g of sugar and 8g of fat, including 5g of saturated fat. You’ll also find 2g of protein and 18g of carbohydrates. They’re a delightful treat, so enjoy every gooey bite while keeping moderation in mind! Perfect for a sweet indulgence without too much guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of chocolate in these cookies?
Absolutely! While I love using semi-sweet chocolate chips for that perfect balance of sweetness and richness, you can definitely experiment with dark chocolate or even milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter cookie. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit with different chocolates!
What if my cookies don’t have a gooey center?
If your cookies come out too firm, it might be that they were baked a bit too long. Make sure to watch them closely in the last few minutes of baking. They should look set around the edges but still soft in the middle. Also, letting them cool slightly on the baking sheet is key to achieving that molten center.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. This actually enhances the flavors, plus it makes for a quick baking session whenever those chocolate cravings hit!
How do I know when the cookies are done?
You’ll want to look for cookies that are set around the edges but still soft and puffy in the center. A little jiggle is totally fine! They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature and then pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that gooey goodness!

Chocolate Lava Cake Cookies: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate lava cake cookies with a gooey center.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugars, baking powder, and salt.
- Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Stir until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Drop tablespoon-sized dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Reheat for a few seconds in the microwave for a warm center.
- Serve with ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: chocolate lava cake cookies