The best molten lava cookies are like bite-sized treasures of chocolate goodness. When you take a bite, warm chocolate fudge spills out, creating such a delightful surprise. These cookies are perfect for any day, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating the family.
Why You Will Love This Molten Lava Cookie Recipe
This recipe is easy and quick, making it great for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. You’ll use simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. They are surprisingly impressive and sure to wow your family and friends. Plus, who can resist a warm cookie with melted chocolate inside?
How to Make Molten Lava Cookies
Making these cookies is as simple as mixing ingredients and baking. You’ll form the cookies around a frozen dollop of fudge, creating that lovely gooey center. It only takes a few steps to whip up a batch, making it perfect even for beginner bakers.
What You Need
- 3 tbsp chocolate fudge sauce (the thick kind*** Read the notes.)
- 1/2 cup butter (softened, salted or unsalted)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 & 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup dutch processed cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- powdered sugar (for dusting)
Step-by-Step
- Freeze 6 dollops of chocolate fudge sauce on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. Each dollop will be about 1/2 tbsp.
- Start by preheating the oven to 350F. Then line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Then add in the flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing just until combined.
- Scoop out 6 equally sized cookie dough balls. Flatten each one in between your palms. Place a frozen dollop of chocolate fudge in the center and fold the cookie dough over it. Place on a baking sheet and gently pat the top, keeping the cookie about 1-1.5 inches thick.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet for another 20 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!
How to Serve Molten Lava Cookies
These cookies shine on their own, but you can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an utterly delightful dessert. Pair them with a fresh fruit salad for a lighter side, or enjoy them with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. They make a wonderful treat for family movie nights or casual gatherings.
How to Store Molten Lava Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They last about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy again, let them thaw and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure to freeze the fudge for a gooey center.
- Don’t overmix the dough; just combine until the dry ingredients disappear.
- Bake just until the edges are set for soft centers.
- Experiment with different fudge flavors if you like.
- Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for a lovely touch.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap the chocolate fudge for peanut butter or caramel for a different flavor.
- Use gluten-free flour to make it gluten-free.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a salty-sweet combo.
- Try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.
- Make smaller versions by halving the dough for mini cookies.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and freeze the balls before adding the fudge. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy. You can also freeze the baked cookies for later.
How do I freeze the cookies?
Place the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. Lay parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Can I use different types of chocolate sauce?
Absolutely! You can use other fudge flavors like caramel or nut butter. Ensure they are thick enough to hold their shape when frozen.
What happens if I overbake the cookies?
Overbaking can lead to dry cookies. Keep an eye on them and take them out when the edges are set but the centers still look soft for that gooey texture.
What do I do if my cookies are flat?
Check if your dough has enough flour and isn’t too warm. Also, ensure the baking soda is fresh, as it’s key for helping cookies rise.
Molten Lava Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup butter (softened, salted or unsalted)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup dutch processed cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Filling
- 3 tbsp chocolate fudge sauce (the thick kind) Read the notes for best results.
For Dusting
- powdered sugar For dusting before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Freeze 6 dollops of chocolate fudge sauce on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate; each dollop will be about 1/2 tbsp.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add the flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing just until combined.
- Scoop out 6 equally sized cookie dough balls, flatten each one, and place a frozen dollop of chocolate fudge in the center.
- Fold the cookie dough over the fudge and place on the baking sheet, gently patting the top to keep it about 1-1.5 inches thick.
Baking
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for another 20 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
