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Molten Lava Cake Cookies

Imagine the rich, fudgy goodness of a molten lava cake, all wrapped up in a perfectly chewy cookie. These Molten Lava Cake Cookies are surprisingly simple to whip up, making them perfect for a quick indulgence or a last-minute sweet treat for friends.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 cookies
Course: Dessert
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 (3.4oz) box instant chocolate fudge pudding mix, unprepared
  • 2 tablespoons powdered milk
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup salted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 additional large egg yolk, room temperature
  • 2 ounces whole milk, room temperature
  • 1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup hot fudge sauce This is the molten center! You can use your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • medium bowl
  • Large bowl
  • Stand Mixer (optional)
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, instant chocolate fudge pudding mix, powdered milk, salt, and baking soda. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter for about 1 minute. You want it light and fluffy.
  4. Step 4: Beat in the large egg until it's nicely combined. Then, add the egg yolk, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is just combined.
  5. Step 5: Now, it's time to bring it all together! Add half of your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat until just incorporated. Then, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until the dough is thoroughly combined and looks beautiful.
  6. Step 6: Scoop the dough into 16 equal portions, about 2 ounces each. Gently press each portion flat, creating a little well in the center. This is where the magic happens!
  7. Step 7: Carefully spoon about a teaspoon of hot fudge sauce into the well of each dough portion. Don't overfill, or it might ooze out!
  8. Step 8: Gently fold the dough up and around the hot fudge sauce, like you're tucking it in. Pinch the edges to seal it completely and then gently roll the dough between your palms to form a smooth ball.
  9. Step 9: Place the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they have at least 2 inches between them. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You're looking for the edges to be just set and the tops to look matte, not shiny.
  10. Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes. This is crucial for them to set up properly. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Step 11: Once they've cooled a bit, give them a light dusting of powdered sugar while they're still a little warm. It looks so pretty and adds that final touch of sweetness!

Notes

These cookies are fantastic as is, but you can totally play around with them! If you're not a fan of hot fudge, you could try a dollop of melted chocolate chips or even a caramel center. Feeling adventurous? Consider adding a few chocolate chips directly into the cookie dough before baking. For a bit of a flavor twist, a pinch of espresso powder in the dough can really enhance the chocolate flavor.