Gooey Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

Few things rival the comfort of a warm chocolate chip cookie with a molten chocolate center These gooey soft chocolate chip cookies combine old fashioned chewy cookie flavor with a decadent lava core that oozes with every bite If you are in the mood to seriously spoil yourself or impress a crowd this recipe is your ticket to cookie perfection

I first made these for my best friend’s birthday and we both agreed nothing beats the dramatic chocolate lava reveal moments after pulling them from the oven

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: softened for creamy dough and rich flavor Choose a high quality butter for best taste
• Brown sugar: packed for chewiness and caramel undertones Go for dark brown sugar if you love deeper flavor
• Granulated sugar: adds sweet crunch and balance Fine grain sugar mixes in smoothly
• Egg: gives structure and moisture Opt for fresh organic eggs
• Vanilla extract: brings warmth and depth Pure vanilla is worth splurging on
• All purpose flour: the dough’s foundation Sift for even mixing
• Baking soda: ensures gentle cookie rise Make sure yours is fresh for proper lift
• Salt: enhances all flavors Use fine sea salt for even distribution
• Semi sweet chocolate chips or chunks: for pools of chocolate Use the best you can find or chop your own from a bar
• Chocolate bar: for the lava core Dark chocolate with 60 to 70 percent cocoa melts beautifully and stays gooey

Step by Step Instructions

Cream the Butter and Sugars:

Beat softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is pale and fluffy This usually takes about three to four minutes using a hand mixer and ensures your cookies bake up soft

Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:

Add the egg and vanilla extract Beat until fully combined and the dough is glossy and smooth This is crucial for uniform cookies

Combine the Dry Ingredients:

Whisk flour baking soda and salt together in a separate bowl Make sure there are no lumps Now gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients Stir until just combined so your cookies stay tender

Add the Chocolate Chips:

Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chunks Distribute them evenly so every bite is loaded with chocolate

Chill the Dough:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much and makes them extra thick

Shape with Lava Centers:

Scoop out a generous spoonful of chilled dough Flatten it slightly Place a square of chocolate bar in the center and use a second bit of dough to seal the chocolate inside Roll into a thick puck so the chocolate stays hidden inside

Bake:

Arrange dough pucks on a parchment lined baking sheet leaving space between each Preheat oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Bake for ten to twelve minutes until the edges are just turning golden but the centers look a bit underdone This ensures the lava core stays melty

Cool Slightly and Cut:

Let cookies cool on the tray for five minutes while the lava sets just enough Slice into halves or quarters while still warm for the best chocolate eruption

Serve Warm:

Enjoy your cookies fresh while the center is gooey Pour yourself a cold glass of milk for peak coziness

Save

I have a weakness for the rich chocolate lava center It is like a mini dessert within a cookie Once my niece saw the melted core she called these cookies chocolate volcanoes and now that is what our family calls them

Storage Tips

Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days If you want to enjoy them warm simply pop them in the microwave for about ten seconds To freeze shape the dough with the chocolate cores and freeze on a tray until solid then transfer to a freezer bag Bake from frozen adding an extra two minutes

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of brown sugar you can make your own by mixing granulated sugar with a little molasses Dairy free butter substitutes work for a non dairy version and flax eggs can be swapped for the egg if needed Try peanut butter chips or white chocolate chunks for a unique twist

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are best served when just baked and the lava is gooey Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for the ultimate dessert experience For parties you can serve them quartered so everyone gets a dramatic chocolate bite

Cookie History

Chocolate chip cookies were invented in the 1930s but this lava version is a fun riff inspired by molten lava cakes The added chocolate core takes that classic nostalgia and ramps up the wow factor for any chocolate lover

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve a gooey chocolate center?

Insert a piece of chocolate bar into the center of each dough ball and fully enclose it with dough. Bake until edges set but centers remain soft for the best molten effect.

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give a sweeter, creamier filling. Adjust to your taste preference.

→ Why chill the dough before baking?

Chilling helps prevent excessive spreading, ensuring a thick cookie with a gooey center and rich flavor.

→ How do I keep the cookies soft?

Slightly underbake so the centers stay moist. Let them rest on the tray after baking, and store in an airtight container once cooled.

→ What's the best way to serve these cookies?

Serve warm, ideally freshly baked, to enjoy the gooey chocolate lava. Pair with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat.