Thick, rich, and loaded with dark chocolate, these gooey cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream. Soft and fudgy in the center with crisp edges, they strike the perfect balance between a brownie and a cookie. I wanted a recipe that feels indulgent but stays simple, so I kept the prep easy with a quick one-bowl dough and plenty of chopped dark chocolate for those melty, lava-like pockets. As they bake, the tops get beautifully crinkled while the centers stay soft and molten, making every bite decadent and irresistible.
The kitchen smells like pure chocolate heaven while they bake, and pulling these warm cookies from the oven is pure bliss. Each bite melts in your mouth with deep, bold cocoa flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. They’re perfect for dessert nights, cozy weekends, or when you need something impressive but effortless. Serve them on their own, with a sprinkle of flaky salt, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are soft, fudgy, and packed with rich chocolate flavor. The dough comes together fast and bakes in minutes for bakery-style results without the fuss.
You can easily customize them with nuts, caramel, or a mix of chocolates for extra indulgence. Perfect for holidays, parties, or weeknight cravings.
Ingredients
For the Dark Chocolate Cookies:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup extra dark chocolate chunks (for gooey centers)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Melt the Chocolate
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt butter and 1 cup dark chocolate together in a heat-safe bowl until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
2. Make the Dough
Whisk in sugars, eggs, and vanilla until glossy. In another bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Fold dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture until just combined.
3. Shape the Cookies
Scoop dough into balls and press a few extra chocolate chunks into the center for gooey middles. Arrange on the baking sheet, leaving space between each.
4. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 9–11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and fudgy. Do not overbake for that molten texture.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Let cookies rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm while the centers are gooey and melty.
Gooey & Fudgy Dark Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
For the Dark Chocolate Cookies:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup extra dark chocolate chunks for gooey centers
Instructions
- Melt butter and dark chocolate until smooth.
- Mix in sugars, eggs, and vanilla.
- Fold in dry ingredients and shape dough balls.
- Add extra chocolate chunks and bake until edges set.
- Serve warm for ultimate gooeyness.
Tips & Variations
- Salted finish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top right after baking.
- Triple chocolate twist: Add white and milk chocolate chunks for contrast.
- Nutty crunch: Fold in toasted walnuts or hazelnuts for texture.
- Extra lava effect: Press a square of dark chocolate in the center before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream, drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce, or enjoy with a glass of cold milk or hot espresso.
Final Thoughts
These dark chocolate cookies are rich, fudgy, and melt-in-your-mouth decadent without being overly sweet. Perfect for anyone who loves bold chocolate flavor and wants a dessert that feels special but stays simple to make. They’re guaranteed to impress at any gathering — if you can resist eating them all first.
