If you’re the kind of person who can never decide between a brownie and a cookie, let me introduce you to the best of both worlds—Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies. These decadent treats have the crackly, chewy edges of a brownie with a gooey, molten chocolate center that oozes out with every bite. They’re rich, fudgy, and absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Brownie-meets-cookie magic – Crisp edges, soft center, and a molten surprise inside.
Easy to make – No complicated techniques, just simple ingredients.
Perfect for chocolate lovers – Loaded with deep, intense chocolate flavor.
Great for any occasion – Perfect for holidays, dessert trays, or a chocolate craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Salt
Chocolate chunks or squares (for the molten center)
Full list of ingredients with exact measurements is below.

Step-by-Step Directions

Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter together in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Let it cool slightly.

Whisk the Sugars and Eggs

In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This helps create that signature crinkly top.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the melted chocolate into the sugar-egg mixture. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then add it to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Form the Cookie Dough

Scoop out portions of dough, flatten slightly, and press a piece of chocolate into the center before sealing it in. Roll into a ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy the Chocolate Lava Moment

Once cooled slightly but still warm, break open a cookie and watch the molten chocolate ooze out. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use high-quality chocolate – The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor.
Don’t overbake – The centers should be slightly underdone to keep that lava effect.
Chill the dough – If the dough is too soft, refrigerate it for 15 minutes before rolling.
Stuff with creativity – Try using caramel, peanut butter, or Nutella for a fun twist.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Dairy-Free Version – Use dairy-free chocolate and plant-based butter.
Gluten-Free Option – Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Extra Chocolatey – Stir in additional chocolate chips for even more richness.
Mocha Brownie Cookies – Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These cookies are best served warm, straight out of the oven. Pair them with a glass of milk, a scoop of ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. They also make a fantastic addition to holiday cookie trays and dessert platters.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes.
Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back the molten center.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze for longer storage.

What kind of chocolate works best for the lava center?

A high-quality chocolate square, truffle, or chocolate ganache works best for a gooey center.

Can I make smaller cookies?

Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time down to about 7-8 minutes.

Do I need to use both granulated and brown sugar?

Yes! The brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while the granulated sugar helps with the crisp edges.

The Final Bite

Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies are the kind of treat that makes any day feel special. They’re rich, indulgent, and packed with melty chocolate goodness. Whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Try them out and let me know what you think!

These Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies Are Pure Chocolate Bliss

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Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with these Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies. Featuring the perfect blend of a cookie’s crisp edges and a brownie’s fudgy center, each bite reveals a luscious molten chocolate core. Ideal for satisfying intense chocolate cravings or impressing guests with a decadent dessert.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Melt the Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Prepare the Sugar and Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the sugar-egg mixture. In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Form the Cookie Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough. Flatten each portion slightly, place a chocolate chunk or square in the center, and fold the dough around it to form a ball. Ensure the chocolate piece is fully enclosed.
Bake the Cookies: Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly soft.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm to enjoy the molten center.

Notes

Chilling the Dough: If the dough seems too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 15 minutes before forming the cookies.
Alternative Fillings: For a twist, consider filling the cookies with caramel squares, peanut butter cups, or a spoonful of Nutella.
Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To reheat and achieve a molten center, microwave each cookie for 10-15 seconds before serving.