Decadent and eye-catching, these molten red velvet chocolate chip cookies are the perfect fusion of a classic cookie and a rich lava cake. With a vibrant red hue, chewy edges, gooey molten chocolate centers, and plenty of semi-sweet chocolate chips, they make a showstopping dessert for any special occasion—or any time you crave something indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are soft, rich, and bursting with flavor. The contrast between the slightly crisp edges and the warm, melty chocolate center makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, the holidays, or simply for a luxurious treat, these cookies are sure to impress with their stunning color and deep chocolate flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 8 squares of baking chocolate or chocolate truffles (for molten center)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Beat until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
7. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten slightly in your hand. Place a square of baking chocolate or a truffle in the center, then fold the dough around it, sealing well.
8. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each. Chill for 10 minutes before baking.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
10. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm to enjoy the molten center.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8 large cookies.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• White chocolate chips: Use white chocolate chips for a visually striking and sweeter variation.
• Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for crunch and flavor.
• Espresso kick: Add 1/2 tsp espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
• Filled with peanut butter: Swap the chocolate center for a peanut butter cup for a fun twist.
• Mini version: Make smaller cookies using 1 tbsp dough and mini chocolate centers. Adjust baking time to 8–9 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For a molten center, microwave each cookie for 10–12 seconds before serving.

FAQs

What makes these cookies “molten”?

The center is filled with a piece of chocolate or a truffle that melts during baking, creating a lava-like texture when served warm.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes. Shape the cookies and freeze them unbaked. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the cook time.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and improves the texture. It also prevents the molten center from leaking.

What kind of chocolate works best for the center?

Use baking chocolate squares, chocolate truffles, or thick chocolate chunks that melt well but hold their shape.

Can I make these without food coloring?

Yes, the flavor will remain the same. The red coloring is purely aesthetic for the red velvet effect.

How do I prevent the cookies from overbaking?

Watch closely and remove them when the edges are set and the center is still soft. Overbaking will eliminate the molten effect.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Absolutely. A hand mixer works perfectly for this dough.

Are these cookies cakey or chewy?

They have a soft, chewy texture with a slightly crisp edge—balanced perfectly for the molten center.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all the ingredients to make a larger batch.

What’s the best way to serve them?

Serve warm with a glass of milk, or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style presentation.

Conclusion

Molten red velvet chocolate chip cookies combine the drama of a lava cake with the ease of a classic cookie. Rich, chewy, and filled with gooey chocolate, they’re a delightful treat for chocolate lovers and a stunning addition to any dessert table. Perfect for holidays, parties, or just indulging your sweet tooth—these cookies are sure to become a favorite.

Print