Name: Lava Brownie Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 6 ounces dark chocolate chunks or chips

Jump to Recipe

Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie that’s not only fudgy and chocolaty, but also holds a surprise: a gooey, molten core that oozes with every bite. Welcome to the world of Lava Brownie Cookies! This show-stopping treat brings all the decadence of a molten lava cake into a chewy, handheld cookie form. It’s simple enough for a quick weeknight dessert and impressive enough for a holiday party spread.

Did you know that lava cakes gained popularity because of their luscious molten centers? Well, these cookies take that idea and make it portable—no fork required! What I love about Lava Brownie Cookies is how approachable they are; no need for fancy equipment or tricky baking techniques. They come together in under thirty minutes and are a hit with both kids and adults. If you loved our Double Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll adore this recipe too—it’s even richer and more indulgent! Try making a batch tonight—your sweet tooth will thank you.

What is Lava Brownie Cookies?

So, why are they called Lava Brownie Cookies? Let’s take a sweet little detour here! Picture biting into a cookie, and—surprise!—a pool of warm, melty chocolate flows out, just like volcanic lava. No, your kitchen won’t turn into a volcano, and there’s zero risk of needing a fire extinguisher—unless you forget them in the oven! It’s all about the magical center, which makes every bite irresistibly fun. After all, the way to a man’s (or anyone’s!) heart is through their stomach, right? These cookies prove it. Grab your apron and give these a try. I promise, your taste buds will erupt with joy!

Why You’ll Love This

First, the star attraction: every Lava Brownie Cookie combines a crisp edge with an ultra-fudgy center, practically overflowing with molten chocolate. If you’re a chocolate lover, nothing else compares! Second, making this recipe at home is a budget-friendly way to treat yourself without paying bakery prices. Plus, you won’t believe how much better homemade tastes! Third, you can customize the cookies with extra goodies—think sea salt, chopped nuts, or white chocolate chips on top for that little sparkle. If you’ve ever tried classic brownies or my homemade S’mores Cookies, you’ll love the rich, decadent twist the lava effect brings. Ready to bake something exceptional? Let’s get started!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Lava Brownie Cookies are easy, fun, and oh-so-delicious! With simple pantry staples and just thirty minutes from start to finish, these cookies pack a punch of deep chocolate flavor with a gooey, lava-like surprise inside. There’s no need for fancy equipment—just a bowl, a whisk, and your favorite baking sheet. The hardest part? Waiting for them to cool! Each bite is pure chocolate bliss, making this a must-try for dessert lovers or anyone who needs a chocolate fix in a hurry.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 ounces dark chocolate chunks or chips

Step-by-Step

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt, and gently fold everything together using a spatula. Don’t overmix—just stir until all the dry ingredients disappear.
Stir in half of the dark chocolate chunks or chips.
Scoop tablespoon-sized blobs of dough onto your prepared tray, spacing them out so they have room to spread.
Press a few extra chocolate chunks into the center of each dough mound—this is your “lava” core!
Bake for 9-11 minutes. The cookies will look slightly underbaked in the center; that’s exactly what you want for the gooey core.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm for the ultimate lava effect!

What to Serve Lava Brownie Cookies With

Lava Brownie Cookies are rich enough to stand alone, but why not create an extra-special dessert experience? Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce—talk about indulgent! They also pair wonderfully with a cup of dark roast coffee or a tall glass of ice-cold milk. Planning a party? Set out bowls of fresh berries or whipped cream as toppings and let everyone customize their cookies. For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies with marshmallow fluff for a homemade whoopie pie. The options are endless!

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use high-quality chocolate for the molten center—look for chips or a chocolate bar you’d happily eat on its own.
Don’t overbake! These cookies are meant to be soft and gooey in the middle, so take them out when they still look slightly underdone.
For a dietary tweak, feel free to use gluten-free flour or dairy-free butter substitutes.
Short on chocolate chunks? Chopped up leftover Easter eggs, caramels, or peanut butter cups also make delicious lava centers.
Avoid crowding the baking sheet. Give each cookie room to spread so they bake evenly.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sophisticated sweet-salty crunch.
Store leftovers (if you have any!) in an airtight container for ultimate fudginess.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Lava Brownie Cookies fresh, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, stash them in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply microwave a cookie for 8-10 seconds to revive that glorious molten center. For best texture, allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature before warming them up.

FAQs

Can I make Lava Brownie Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, scoop it onto a baking sheet, and freeze the unbaked dough balls. Bake fresh from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the baking time.

What type of chocolate works best?

Dark chocolate chunks or a good bittersweet chocolate deliver the richest flavor, but you can use milk chocolate or semi-sweet chips if you prefer a sweeter profile.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even peanut butter chips add fantastic texture and flavor. Just fold them in with the chocolate chunks.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges will be set, but the centers should look a little underbaked and soft. This ensures the signature gooey, lava-like interior.

Are these cookies kid-friendly to make?

Yes! Kids love helping with scooping dough and pressing in the chocolate chunks. Just be careful when handling the hot baking tray.

Conclusion

Lava Brownie Cookies are the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers—rich, fudgy, and filled with a surprise molten core. They come together in a flash with simple ingredients and no fancy steps, making them perfect for any occasion from family movie night to special celebrations. With tips for perfecting, serving, and storing, you’ll be a lava cookie pro in no time. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Go on, make a batch, and watch hearts (and tastebuds) melt!