Description
These Irresistible Molten Chocolate Lava Cookies feature a rich, fudgy center made from homemade hot fudge sauce, surrounded by a soft, cocoa-infused cookie dough. With a perfect balance of creamy chocolate and tender baked cookie, they are a decadent treat ideal for chocolate lovers seeking an indulgent dessert with a gooey molten center.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Fudge Center
- 1 x recipe Easy One Pot Hot Fudge Sauce
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, for rolling fudge balls
Instructions
- Hot Fudge Preparation: Prepare the Easy One Pot Hot Fudge Sauce according to the recipe instructions. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to enrich the chocolate flavor, then pour the fudge into a jar. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until the sauce is completely set and firm enough to scoop.
- Cookie Dough Preparation: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. In a separate medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients to combine evenly, then fold them gently into the butter mixture until just combined. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up.
- Fudge Center Preparation: Using a teaspoon, scoop portions of the chilled fudge sauce. Roll each portion in cocoa powder to coat the surface and prevent sticking. Place the fudge balls on a parchment-lined plate or tray, then freeze for 30 minutes until firm.
- Assembling Cookies: Using a 1 ½-ounce cookie scoop, portion the chilled dough and roll into 14 balls. Flatten each ball into a disk roughly 2 ½ inches in diameter on a clean surface. Place one fudge ball in the center of each disk. Carefully wrap the dough around the fudge ball, sealing all edges to prevent the fudge from leaking during baking. Repeat for all dough balls. Refrigerate the assembled cookies for another 15 minutes to set.
- Baking Cookies: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the chilled dough balls on the parchment-lined trays, spacing them about 3 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers remain slightly soft. Remove from the oven and cool the cookies completely on the baking sheets before serving to allow the lava center to thicken slightly.
Notes
- Chilling the dough and fudge centers is crucial for maintaining the molten lava effect and preventing leakage during baking.
- Ensure the fudge is completely firm before wrapping in dough to make handling easier.
- You can prepare the hot fudge sauce a day ahead and store it refrigerated.
- For an extra fudgy experience, use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate in the hot fudge sauce.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: molten chocolate cookies, chocolate lava cookies, hot fudge cookies, baked chocolate dessert, fudgy cookies
