Chocolate Lava M&M Surprise Cookies: The Ultimate Gooey Treat
These Chocolate Lava M&M Surprise Cookies combine rich chocolate flavor with a molten center and colorful M&M candies for an irresistible dessert. Perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you crave a decadent cookie with a fun surprise inside. Follow this easy recipe to create bakery-worthy treats that will impress everyone.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Lava M&M Surprise Cookies
These cookies stand out because they feature:
- A soft chocolate cookie exterior
- A warm, gooey chocolate lava center
- Colorful M&M candies for crunch and sweetness
- Simple ingredients with professional results
Ingredients for Chocolate Lava M&M Surprise Cookies
Makes 24 cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup M&M candies
- 24 chocolate truffles or chocolate squares for the lava center
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, cream together butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. Add the M&M Surprise
Fold in M&M candies, reserving some for topping. The dough will be thick but manageable.
4. Create the Lava Centers
Take about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a chocolate truffle in the center and wrap the dough around it, sealing completely. Repeat for all cookies.
5. Bake to Perfection
Place dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Gently press reserved M&Ms on top. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft.
6. Cool and Serve
Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Serve warm for the best lava effect.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chocolate Lava Cookies
- Use high-quality chocolate for the lava center – chocolate squares or truffles work best
- Don’t overbake – the cookies will continue to set as they cool
- For extra chocolate flavor, add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the dough
- Try seasonal M&M colors for holiday variations
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For the lava effect, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. These cookies pair wonderfully with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Cold milk
- Hot coffee
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough balls and freeze them before baking. When ready to bake, simply add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of M&Ms?
Try Reese’s Pieces, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips as alternatives to M&Ms in this recipe.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be set but the centers will still look slightly underbaked – this ensures the molten chocolate center.
Final Thoughts on These Decadent Cookies
These Chocolate Lava M&M Surprise Cookies offer the perfect combination of textures and flavors in every bite. The crisp exterior gives way to a soft cookie and finally to that irresistible molten chocolate center, while the M&Ms add pops of color and sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this recipe delivers impressive results with simple techniques.
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Chocolate Lava M&M Surprise Cookies
Description
Decadent chocolate cookies with a molten chocolate center and colorful M&M surprises in every bite. Perfect for celebrations or when you need a chocolate fix!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- For the cookie dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the filling & topping:
- 24 chocolate truffles or chocolate squares (for lava centers)
- 1 cup M&M’s (regular or mini)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
- 3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- 6. Fold in 1/2 cup of M&M’s into the dough.
- 7. Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten slightly, and place a chocolate truffle in the center. Wrap dough around truffle completely, forming a ball.
- 8. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Press remaining M&M’s onto tops of cookies.
- 9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft.
- 10. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
- 11. Dust with powdered sugar while still warm for extra presentation points!
Notes
• For best results, use room temperature ingredients. • Underbake slightly for maximum lava effect. • Store in airtight container for up to 3 days (reheat briefly for molten center). • Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months – bake from frozen adding 1-2 extra minutes.
