Midnight Chocolate Lava-Core Cookies
These Midnight Chocolate Lava-Core Cookies are irresistibly gooey with a molten chocolate center, perfect for any chocolate lover's cravings!
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup chocolate chips
- 0.25 cup milk
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa, preventing lumps and uneven baking.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This aerates the dough, giving the cookies a tender texture.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. These ingredients help bind everything together and add moisture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough. These pockets of chocolate will contribute to the gooey texture and intense chocolate experience.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies with a Lava Core
- This step is key to creating the molten center. Take a tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a small spoonful of chocolate chips or a piece of soft chocolate (you can also use a chocolate truffle or a square of your favorite chocolate bar) in the center. Cover with another tablespoon of dough and seal the edges, forming a ball. Repeat until all dough is used.
Step 8: Bake
- Place the cookies on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. The cookies will firm up more as they cool but should retain a molten center.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm for the best lava-core effect, or gently microwave for a few seconds if they’ve cooled completely.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Spoon or cookie scoop
Notes
- Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best creaming results.
- Do not overbake the cookies to maintain the gooey lava core.
- Seal the dough well around the chocolate core to prevent leaking during baking.
- For extra indulgence, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before shaping helps manage stickiness and improves texture.