Fudgy Chocolate Lava Cookies

There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, gooey chocolate lava cookie that oozes molten chocolate from the center. These fudgy chocolate lava cookies are the perfect balance of a soft, chewy cookie exterior with a rich, melted chocolate center. Whether you’re craving a decadent dessert or impressing guests at a dinner party, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. The best part? They’re easy to make and take less than 30 minutes from start to finish! Let’s dive into the recipe and create a batch of irresistible chocolate lava cookies.

Ingredients:

• For the Cookies:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• For the Lava Center:
  • 4 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate (broken into pieces)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

  • Instructions:

    1. Prepare the Lava Center:
       • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the broken chocolate pieces and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
       • Let the melted chocolate mixture cool slightly, then transfer to a small bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 20 minutes, or until it firms up enough to scoop (but still soft inside).
    2. Make the Cookie Dough:
       • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
       • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
       • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
       • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
       • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
    3. Assemble the Cookies:
       • Scoop a tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand. Place a teaspoon of the chilled chocolate ganache in the center, then fold the dough around the ganache, sealing it completely. Roll into a ball and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat for all cookies, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
    4. Bake:
       • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake, as the molten lava center needs to remain gooey.
       • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
    5. Serve and Enjoy:
       • Serve the cookies warm for the best molten chocolate experience. Watch as the fudgy center oozes out when you break them open.

       • Tips for Success:

         • Chill the ganache: Make sure the chocolate ganache is firm enough to handle but not too hard to be difficult to work with. Chilling it for 20 minutes is usually perfect.
         • Don’t overbake: These cookies need to stay soft in the center to create the lava effect, so take them out as soon as the edges are done.
         • Add some flair: You can sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies right after baking for an extra touch of flavor contrast!