There’s something truly magical about biting into a soft, chewy cookie and discovering a gooey chocolate surprise inside. These Chocolate Lava M&M Surprise Cookies take the classic chocolate chip cookie to the next level by hiding a rich, melty chocolate center with bursts of colorful M&Ms for added fun. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Trust me, one bite won’t be enough
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating a dessert that’s as surprising as it is delicious. Here’s why it’s a favorite
Gooey Chocolate Center: The hidden lava core adds an indulgent twist to every bite. Who doesn’t love molten chocolate?
Fun & Festive: The colorful M&Ms bring a playful element that makes these cookies perfect for parties, holidays, or any time you want to brighten someone’s day.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. No need for fancy techniques just mix, scoop, and bake!
Customizable: Swap out the M&Ms for other candies or nuts if you prefer. The possibilities are endless!
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at gatherings or as a treat for family and friends. Everyone loves a cookie with a surprise inside
Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and ensures the cookies hold their shape while staying soft.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a chewy texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough. Let it soften before using.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Creates the perfect balance of sweetness and caramelized edges.
Eggs: Act as binders and contribute moisture to the cookies.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Form the gooey lava center when melted during baking.
M&Ms: Add pops of color and candy-coated crunch to each bite
Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful masterpiece
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures a tender crumb.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
Combine Everything: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Assemble the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading. Press a few chocolate chips into the center of each ball of dough, then top with a couple of M&Ms.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 18
Calories per serving: 150
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
How to Serve Chocolate Lava M&M Surprise Cookies
These cookies pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your experience
Fresh Milk: Dip the warm cookies in a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort combo.
Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, these cookies are irresistible enough to enjoy on their own. Simply savor each gooey bite
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe
Chill the Dough: For thicker, chewier cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading.
Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for a richer taste.
Experiment with Candies: If you’re not a fan of M&Ms, try substituting them with Reese’s Pieces, Skittles, or sprinkles for variety.
Store Properly: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze extras for longer storage.
Double the Batch: This recipe scales easily, so feel free to double it for larger gatherings or meal prep
FAQ Section
1. Can I use dairy-free chocolate chips? Yes! Dairy-free or vegan chocolate chips work beautifully if you’re looking for a plant-based option.
2. What type of flour should I use? All-purpose flour works best for achieving the right texture. For a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Simply bake as needed.
4. How do I store leftover cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage.
5. Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
6. Can I double the recipe? Definitely. Doubling the recipe is simple and ensures you have plenty for sharing or snacking later.
7. Is this recipe suitable for a low-sugar diet? Not as written, but you can replace sugars with a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a lower-sugar option.
8. Can I skip the M&Ms? Yes, though they add fun and color. Substitute with chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or omit entirely for a simpler cookie.
9. Do I need to chill the dough? Chilling isn’t strictly necessary, but it helps achieve thicker, chewier cookies.
10. Can I add more chocolate chips? Of course! Adding extra chocolate chips will only make the cookies richer and more indulgent
Conclusion
There you have it a delicious and exciting Chocolate Lava M&M Surprise Cookie that’s sure to become a go-to dessert in your kitchen. With its gooey chocolate center, colorful M&Ms, and perfectly chewy texture, it’s a treat that satisfies both your cravings and creativity. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let’s bake something amazing together! Your taste buds will thank you
Print
Chocolate Lava M&M Surprise Cookies
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These indulgent Chocolate Lava M&M Surprise Cookies are a sweet treat with a gooey chocolate hazelnut center and crunchy M&M candies. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing guests!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
- 1/2 cup M&M candies
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Add a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of chocolate hazelnut spread in the center, then press a few M&M candies on top of the spread. Cover with another small piece of dough, sealing the edges to encase the filling. Roll into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Chill the stuffed cookie dough balls in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve warm for a gooey, lava-like surprise in the center, or enjoy at room temperature.
Notes
For a richer taste, you can add more chocolate chips or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg