Chocolate Lava M&M Surprise Cookies Recipe

Let’s talk about the cookie of your wildest chocolate dreams—Chocolate Lava M&M Surprise Cookies. These cookies are pure magic. Picture this: soft, chewy cookies that are loaded with rich chocolate, and then bam—you bite into one, and there’s an explosion of gooey, molten chocolate lava oozing out, paired with the perfect crunch of colorful M&Ms. It’s like a cookie and a chocolate experience all rolled into one! These babies are fun to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to wow anyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy weekend treat, or just because you’re craving something delicious, these cookies are the answer.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Lava M&M Surprise Cookies

Here’s why these cookies are about to be your new go-to:

• Chocolate Explosion: With a rich chocolate base and a molten chocolate center, these cookies are a chocoholic’s dream come true. It’s a little bit of chocolate heaven in every bite!
• Surprise Inside: The M&Ms add the perfect pop of color and crunch, plus, the surprise gooey center will totally blow your mind.
• Easy to Make: Don’t let the “lava” part scare you off! These cookies come together with just a few steps, and they’re easier to make than you think.
• Customizable: You can switch up the M&M colors for different occasions (think red and green for Christmas or pastel shades for Easter) or add extra mix-ins like chopped nuts for a twist.

Ingredients

Let’s check out the ingredients that make these cookies a sweet sensation:

For the Cookies:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for a chewy and soft cookie texture.
• Baking Soda: This will help the cookies rise and spread, creating that perfect chewy texture.
• Salt: To balance the sweetness and bring out the chocolate flavor.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives the cookies a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
• Butter: It helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and gives the cookies a slightly caramelized flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the brown sugar and gives the cookies their slight crispness on the edges.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and give the cookies their structure.
• Vanilla Extract: A must for that warm, sweet depth of flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: The key to that molten, gooey chocolate center.
• M&Ms: Colorful and crunchy, they add texture and a fun twist to each cookie.

For the Lava Filling:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: This is the secret ingredient for the ooey-gooey lava center.
• Heavy Cream: Helps melt the chocolate to the perfect consistency for the lava filling.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make the best cookies of your life? Here’s how:

1. Prepare the Lava Filling

Start by making the chocolate lava filling. In a heatproof bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Let the mixture cool down slightly and then place it in the fridge to firm up for about 30 minutes. This is your molten center!

2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This will take about 3 minutes.

5. Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

7. Fold in the Chocolate Chips and M&Ms

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms. The dough should be thick and sticky, but that’s just how we like it for the perfect cookie texture.

8. Form the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out a portion of cookie dough. Flatten the dough slightly, and then add a small spoonful of the chilled chocolate lava filling in the center. Wrap the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal it completely. Roll the dough into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.

9. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should look set on the outside but still soft in the center. Be careful not to overbake them, as you want that gooey chocolate lava inside!

10. Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. As you bite into one, watch that luscious chocolate lava spill out—pure bliss!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 310
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 24g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin D: 4%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate Lava M&M Surprise Cookies

These cookies are amazing all on their own, but here are a few ideas to serve them up in style:

• With a Glass of Milk: The classic combo! The cold milk perfectly balances out the rich chocolate lava.
• With Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve the warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• As a Party Treat: These cookies are so fun to share at gatherings or parties. They’ll be the talk of the dessert table, for sure!
• With a Hot Drink: Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even a latte for the ultimate cozy treat.

Additional Tips

• Chill the Lava Filling: If you don’t want the filling to spill out when baking, make sure it’s nice and firm before wrapping it in the dough.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. They’re perfect when they’re just set on the outside but still soft inside.
• Customize the M&Ms: Feel free to use different flavors or colors of M&Ms depending on the season or occasion. You could even try mini M&Ms for a fun twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and lava filling ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready!

Q2: Can I use milk chocolate for the lava filling?
A2: Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give the filling a sweeter, creamier texture. You can use any type of chocolate you prefer.

Q3: How do I store leftover cookies?
A3: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q4: Can I make these cookies without the M&Ms?
A4: Yes, you can omit the M&Ms if you prefer a more traditional chocolate lava cookie, or replace them with another mix-in, like chopped nuts.

Q5: Can I use a different kind of chocolate for the center?
A5: Yes, feel free to experiment with white chocolate, peanut butter cups, or even caramel. Just make sure it melts well!

Q6: How do I prevent the lava from spilling out?
A6: Make sure to chill the lava filling before wrapping it in dough. It will firm up and help prevent it from spilling out while baking.

Q7: Can I use gluten-free flour?
A7: Yes! You can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour substitute. Just be aware that the texture may vary slightly.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Definitely! Just make sure you have enough space on your baking sheets and that you’re able to chill the lava filling in batches if needed.

Q9: Can I add other fillings, like caramel or peanut butter?
A9: Yes! Feel free to get creative with your lava fillings. Caramel or peanut butter would add a delicious twist.

Q10: Can I freeze the dough?
A10: Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just let them thaw a little before baking and you’ll be good to go.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Lava M&M Surprise Cookies are everything you could want in a cookie and more. The rich chocolatey dough, the gooey molten center, and the fun crunch of M&Ms make every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re indulging on your own or sharing them with friends, these cookies are sure to be a hit! So go ahead, get baking, and let the lava flow!

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