Name: Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 27 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (170 grams / 6 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips; ½ cup (90 grams / 3.2 ounces) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips; ½ cup (115 grams / 4 ounces) unsalted butter; ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar; ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour; ¼ cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt

Warm chocolate memories swirl around these irresistible lava brownie cookies that promise pure decadence.

Molten centers burst with rich chocolate intensity, melting right through crisp edges.

Unexpected textures make every bite an adventure of sweet surprises.

Soft interiors contrast beautifully against delicate crackled surfaces, creating a sensory experience.

Professional bakers and home cooks will adore this simple yet stunning dessert.

Small details elevate these treats from ordinary to extraordinary.

One taste and you’ll understand why these cookies become instant favorites.

Let passion guide your baking journey and create something truly memorable.

Everything Inside These Gooey Brownie Cookies

Chocolate Base:

Chocolate Chips, Butter: Rich core of the cookie with deep, creamy chocolate flavor. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate works best for intense taste.

Wet Ingredients:

Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet base that provides structure and caramelized depth. Light or dark brown sugar can be used for variation.
Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Binding and flavor enhancers that create smooth, rich texture. Fresh eggs recommended for best results.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour, Cocoa Powder, Baking Powder, Salt: Structural components that create perfect cookie texture. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for best chocolate intensity. Dutch-processed cocoa recommended for deeper flavor.

How to Bake Cookies That Ooze Chocolate

Step 1: Melt Chocolate and Butter

Grab a microwave-safe bowl and toss in chocolate chips and butter. Zap in quick 20-second bursts, stirring between each round until everything transforms into a silky smooth mixture. Let it cool down slightly.

Step 2: Whip Wet Ingredients

Snag a large mixing bowl and whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture looks creamy and combined.

Step 3: Blend Wet and Dry Components

Chocolate mixture
Sugar and egg blend
Flour
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Salt

Pour the melted chocolate into the sugar mixture, stirring until perfectly blended. In another bowl, mix dry ingredients, then slowly fold them into the wet mixture until just incorporated.

Step 4: Chill Cookie Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic and park it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This helps the dough firm up and become easier to handle.

Step 5: Shape Delicious Cookies

Crank the oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out dough balls, flatten them in your hand, and hide a few chocolate chips in the center. Wrap the dough around the chips to create perfect chocolate-filled spheres.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Arrange cookie balls on baking sheets, giving them room to spread. Slide into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for crackly edges and slightly underdone centers- this is the secret to that amazing lava effect.

Step 7: Cool and Devour

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm and watch the chocolate ooze out with each bite!

Tips That Help Get the Lava Just Right

Chill for Better Texture: Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Melt Chocolate Carefully: Use short microwave intervals and stir frequently to avoid burning the chocolate, ensuring a smooth and glossy mixture.
Check Doneness Wisely: Look for crackly edges and slightly underdone centers- this guarantees that signature lava-like molten chocolate center when you bite into the cookie.
Chocolate Placement Trick: Press a few extra chocolate chips into the center of each cookie ball before baking to create more gooey chocolate pockets.
Store and Reheat Smartly: Keep cookies in an airtight container and warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that irresistible melted chocolate center when serving later.

Store and Warm Cookies Without Losing Goo

Store cooled lava cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months for best quality and taste.
Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes. Heating briefly restores the soft, gooey chocolate center.
Consume within 2-3 days for maximum freshness and optimal molten chocolate texture.

Drinks That Go with These Brownie Cookies

Select a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich chocolate flavor, creating a luxurious dessert experience that balances the sweetness with wine's tannic notes.
Serve the warm lava brownie cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold, smooth texture to contrast beautifully with the warm, gooey chocolate center.
Accompany the cookies with a bold, freshly pulled espresso shot that cuts through the chocolate's richness and provides a sophisticated, palate-cleansing counterpoint to the dessert's intense sweetness.
Top the cookies with a light drizzle of salted caramel sauce to introduce a complex flavor profile that elevates the chocolate's depth and adds a delightful salty-sweet dimension.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the same rich texture and flavor for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies: Substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for a plant-based version.
Low-Sugar Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies: Swap granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the decadent chocolate taste.
Nutty Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough, adding extra crunch and depth to the classic chocolate lava cookie recipe.

Questions About These Cookies? Start Here

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling helps the dough firm up, prevents spreading, and allows the flavors to develop. It also makes the cookies easier to handle and shape, resulting in a more stable and delicious final product.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes, you can experiment with dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips. Just ensure the chocolate melts smoothly and complements the rich, fudgy texture of the cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for crackly edges and a slightly underdone center. The cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the middle. This ensures a gooey, molten chocolate center when you bite into them.

What if my dough is too sticky to handle?

If the dough is too soft, refrigerate it for a bit longer. You can also lightly dust your hands with cocoa powder or flour to make shaping easier and prevent sticking.

Why Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies Are a Crowd-Pleaser

Indulge in an irresistible dessert that combines the richness of brownies with the classic cookie texture, perfect for serious chocolate lovers.
Whip up these decadent treats in under 30 minutes of active cooking time, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even novice bakers can master.
Create a show-stopping treat that works brilliantly for casual family nights, potlucks, or unexpected dessert emergencies, guaranteed to impress both kids and adults with its molten chocolate center.
Experiment with different chocolate types, add nuts or sea salt, or serve with vanilla ice cream to make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its irresistible core appeal.

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Fusion Cuisine Development
Recipe Development and Food Styling
Culinary Writing and Content Creation
Nutrition and Healthy Cooking

Education

Culinary Institute of America

Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation.

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression.

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

Gooey Chocolate Lava Brownie Cookies Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Everything Inside These Gooey Brownie Cookies