Craving Something Delicious? Learn How To Make Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies

Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies are a decadent dessert that blends the chewy texture of a brownie with the rich indulgence of a molten lava center. These irresistible chocolate lava brownie cookies deliver everything you want in a sweet treat—crispy edges, fudgy interiors, and pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, these chocolate chip lava cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream.

When I created Recipes Tasteful, my mission was to share approachable recipes that spark joy without overcomplicating the process. These easy chocolate lava brownie cookies were one of the first recipes I perfected—and they’ve remained one of the most popular on the blog. Born from a late-night chocolate craving and a handful of pantry staples, this recipe captures the best of both brownies and cookies, all wrapped into one decadent bite.

What sets these chocolate lava brownie cookies apart is their dynamic flavor and texture. By combining melted semi-sweet chocolate chips with cocoa powder, you get intense chocolate depth and a soft, brownie-like interior. Inside each dough ball is a molten surprise—extra chocolate chips that melt as they bake, forming that irresistible lava core. If you love hot fudge filled chocolate lava cookies, you’re going to fall in love with this fuss-free, freezer-friendly version.

One of the best things about these chocolate lava brownie cookies is how flexible they are. You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it, baking a few cookies on demand whenever a craving strikes. They’re ideal for everything from cozy nights in to special celebrations, and if you’ve been searching for the most satisfying chocolate lava cookies recipe, your journey ends here.

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Craving Something Delicious? Learn How To Make Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 6 large cookies
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Rich, indulgent chocolate fudge-stuffed cookies with a gooey center and a tender, cocoa-infused exterior. A decadent treat for any chocolate lover.

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Ingredients

• 120g dark or bittersweet chocolate
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (6 oz)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (28g)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (67g)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed (67g)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (130g)
• 1/3 cup Dutch processed cocoa powder (35g)
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Place the chocolate and sweetened condensed milk in a nonstick pan over low heat. Stir until the chocolate melts and a shiny mixture forms. Add butter and stir until combined. Turn off the heat.
2. Scoop the fudge using a tablespoon onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to form 30-35g balls. Freeze. (You will need only 6 balls for cookies.)
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk the softened butter and both sugars using an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and creamy.
4. Add the egg and whisk for another 30 seconds.
5. Stir in the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt) using a spatula until just combined.
6. Freeze the cookie dough for 10 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (conventional).
8. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions (~75g each) and roll into balls.
9. Flatten each dough ball, place one frozen fudge ball in the center, and fully enclose it with the dough. Roll again to form a ball.
10. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between each ball.
11. Bake for 12–13 minutes until cookies are semi-firm. They will continue to firm up after cooling.
12. Let cool for 15 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• This recipe makes more fudge than needed; freeze leftover fudge for future use or serve as standalone truffles.
• Cookies will look soft when removed from the oven but will set as they cool.
• If using natural unsweetened cocoa powder instead of Dutch processed, cookie texture and rise may vary slightly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Ingredients for the Best Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies

These chocolate lava brownie cookies are rich, gooey, and incredibly easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s everything you’ll need to bake a batch of these hot fudge filled chocolate lava cookies that taste like they came straight from a gourmet bakery:

• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick): Use unsalted butter to control the salt content. This adds richness and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the cookies. If you love buttery desserts, check out our buttery almond meltaway cookies too!
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (12 ounces): These are melted down with the butter to form the chocolate base of the cookie. Choose a high-quality brand for maximum flavor. Reserve a few handfuls to stuff inside the cookie dough balls for that molten lava center.
• Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): This gives the cookies their crackly, brownie-like top while contributing sweetness.
• Brown Sugar, Packed (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a deep caramel-like flavor to balance the richness of the chocolate. The combination of both white and brown sugar enhances the chewy texture.
• Large Eggs (2): These bind the ingredients and help give the cookies their signature fudgy consistency.
• Pure Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Don’t skip the vanilla—it deepens the chocolate flavor and adds a warm, aromatic note to the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): The flour provides structure, ensuring that the cookies hold their shape while staying soft in the center.
• Cocoa Powder (1/4 cup): Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a deep, dark chocolate flavor and color. This helps boost the brownie quality of the cookie. If you’re out of Dutch-processed cocoa, we’ll cover whether you can substitute it in the FAQ section.
• Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to create a soft, thick center without over-expanding.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just a touch of salt balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
• Extra Chocolate Chips (a handful): Press a few into the center of each dough ball before baking to create that gooey lava effect everyone loves in chocolate chip lava cookies.

These simple ingredients come together to create a truly show-stopping dessert. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, you’re just minutes away from enjoying the best easy chocolate lava brownie cookies you’ve ever made at home.

Chocolate lava brownie cookies recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate chocolate lava brownie cookies recipe, this one delivers bakery-level results with minimal effort. What makes this recipe stand out is its perfectly balanced combination of rich semi-sweet chocolate, cocoa powder, and that irresistible molten chocolate center. Each cookie is stuffed with additional chocolate chips to create that iconic lava effect when baked. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or just indulging at home, this recipe will quickly become your favorite go-to. It’s not only easy to follow, but the flavor is deep, fudgy, and unforgettable.

How to Make Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies

Making these chocolate lava brownie cookies is surprisingly easy and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. With just one bowl, a whisk, and a baking sheet, you’ll be on your way to enjoying melty, gooey, bakery-style cookies right from your own oven. Follow these step-by-step directions to get that signature hot fudge center in every bite.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
   Get your oven hot and ready while you prepare the dough. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will also help prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Melt the butter and chocolate chips together.
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 12 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Set aside and allow to cool slightly so you don’t scramble the eggs in the next step.
3. Whisk together the sugars, eggs, and vanilla.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture becomes light and slightly frothy—this adds air to the dough and improves texture.
4. Combine the wet and dry mixtures.
   Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the sugar and egg mixture, stirring constantly to combine into a glossy batter.
5. Add the dry ingredients.
   Sift in 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed), 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gently fold everything together using a spatula until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the cookies tender and chewy.
   Easy chocolate lava brownie cookies
   These are truly easy chocolate lava brownie cookies, perfect even for beginner bakers. The dough comes together in one bowl, uses no electric mixer, and requires just a brief chill time before baking. The trick to keeping them simple is using pantry staples while still achieving that luxurious molten center. The melted chocolate base, paired with the cocoa powder and just the right baking time, gives you the texture of a gooey lava cake inside a crisp, brownie-style cookie shell.
6. Chill the dough.
   Place the dough in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
7. Form the cookie dough balls.
   Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form balls of dough roughly 2 tablespoons in size. Press a few extra chocolate chips into the center of each dough ball to create that molten lava effect when baked.
   Chocolate chip lava cookies
   If you’ve ever had a craving for those bakery-style chocolate chip lava cookies, this recipe lets you recreate them at home—without needing special molds or techniques. By pressing a few extra chocolate chips into the center of each cookie dough ball before baking, you guarantee that signature molten core. The combination of gooey chocolate chips inside and a crisp brownie cookie shell outside creates the same experience you’d get from a café or cookie shop.
8. Bake to perfection.
   Place the dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are glossy and have just begun to crack. The cookies will look slightly underbaked in the center—that’s what you want for that gooey interior.
9. Cool before serving.
   Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the molten centers set just slightly, making them easier to handle without losing that lava flow.

Once cooled, enjoy these easy chocolate lava brownie cookies warm with a glass of milk or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re a fan of chocolate chip lava cookies, this recipe is sure to become your new obsession.

How to Serve Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies for Any Occasion

One of the best things about chocolate lava brownie cookies is how versatile and crowd-pleasing they are. Whether you’re planning a party, enjoying a romantic night in, or cozying up with your family on a weekend, these cookies fit every mood and setting. Their rich flavor, molten center, and bakery-style texture make them the perfect treat for any occasion.

For a casual treat: Warm up a few chocolate lava brownie cookies and serve them with a cold glass of milk. The gooey, chocolate-filled center surprises kids and adults alike, turning a simple snack into something special.

As a plated dessert: Impress your dinner guests by plating one or two warm chocolate lava brownie cookies with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Drizzle with caramel or hot fudge sauce, and finish with chocolate curls or a dusting of powdered sugar for a restaurant-quality presentation.

On a holiday cookie tray: These cookies make a stunning addition to your holiday baking. The cracked tops and fudgy interiors stand out among traditional sugar, gingerbread, or shortbread cookies. Their irresistible lava filling brings a gourmet twist to festive gatherings.

For gifting: Package cooled chocolate lava brownie cookies in a kraft paper bakery box, tied with ribbon or twine. Add a printed recipe card and a tip to “microwave for 10 seconds” for that just-baked, gooey experience. It’s a thoughtful, homemade gift perfect for birthdays, holidays, or thank-you gestures.

No matter how you serve them, chocolate lava brownie cookies are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Their indulgent flavor, soft texture, and show-stopping appearance make them the ultimate cookie for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.

These hot fudge filled chocolate lava cookies aren’t just a dessert—they’re a memorable experience. And no matter how you serve them, they’ll always be the first to disappear.

Notes and Pro Tips for Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies

• Don’t overbake. The key to achieving that gooey lava center is pulling the cookies out when they still look a little underdone. They’ll continue to set on the baking sheet as they cool.
• Chilling is crucial. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and prevents spreading. If your kitchen is warm, don’t skip this step!
• Add-ins and variations. For an extra flavor twist, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate depth, or stir in a few chopped walnuts or hazelnuts.
• Storage tips. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that gooey lava texture.
• Freezer-friendly. These chocolate lava brownie cookies freeze beautifully before baking. You can bake one or two at a time straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
• Pairing suggestion. These cookies go perfectly with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of homemade chocolate sauce. For more serving ideas, visit our feature on chocolate desserts at Home Easy Recipes.

Chocolate lava cookies recipe
This chocolate lava cookies recipe takes inspiration from classic molten chocolate desserts but transforms them into hand-held cookies that are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. The beauty of this recipe is how it balances simplicity and decadence: you get that luscious lava center without the stress of underbaking or using ramekins. The results are consistent every time, thanks to the structured dough and stuffed chocolate center.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a chocolate craving, these easy chocolate lava brownie cookies are guaranteed to impress.

Conclusion

If you’re craving something warm, gooey, and ultra-chocolatey, these chocolate lava brownie cookies are the ultimate solution. With a soft brownie-like texture on the outside and a molten, fudgy center, they’re everything you want in a dessert—simple, indulgent, and perfect for any occasion.

This chocolate lava cookies recipe brings together the best of brownies and cookies, stuffed with a lava-like core of melted chocolate chips that makes each bite better than the last. It’s no wonder these have become one of the most requested treats from our readers here at Recipes Tasteful. Whether you’re baking a full batch for a party or stashing a few in the freezer for later, this recipe gives you flexibility without compromising flavor.

Plus, they’re incredibly beginner-friendly. If you’ve ever wondered how to make chocolate chip lava cookies or needed an easy chocolate lava brownie cookies option that doesn’t involve multiple mixing bowls or fancy techniques, this is the one. The ingredients are simple, the steps are straightforward, and the results are impressive.

Many readers also asked how this compares to other popular treats like hot fudge filled chocolate lava cookies, and we can confidently say—it holds its own. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate, rich cocoa, and that signature molten center creates a dessert experience that rivals any bakery treat.

Whether you’re making them for a holiday tray, a romantic dessert night, or just a Tuesday treat, these cookies are sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe box.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies