Lava cookies are a delectable and indulgent dessert that takes the concept of chocolate chip cookies to a whole new level of deliciousness. These cookies feature a gooey and molten center of Nutella, surrounded by a soft and rich cocoa-flavored cookie dough. The contrast of textures and the intense chocolate flavor make lava cookies a true delight for all chocolate enthusiasts and cookie lovers alike.

The history of lava cookies is not as well-documented as some other classic cookie recipes. However, lava cookies are believed to have originated from the popularity of lava cakes or molten chocolate cakes. These cakes are well-known for their warm, gooey centers, and the concept was adapted to create lava cookies.

The delightful surprise of a molten Nutella center hidden inside a chocolate cookie makes lava cookies a fun and irresistible treat. The exact origins of the lava cookie recipe may be uncertain, but its appeal is undeniable. The combination of the rich cocoa cookie dough and the gooey Nutella center is a match made in chocolate heaven.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup butter, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 24 tablespoons Nutella, chilled
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, plus more for topping

INSTRUCTIONS

1. PREPARE FROZEN NUTELLA
   • Start by scooping out 24 tablespoons of Nutella onto a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone mat.
   • Freeze the Nutella scoops for 1 hour or until they become solid.
2. WHISK DRY INGREDIENTS
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and sea salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. CREAM BUTTER & SUGARS
   • In a separate large bowl, whip up the room-temperature butter until it becomes soft and fluffy, which may take about 2 minutes.
   • Add both granulated sugar and brown sugar to the bowl and whisk together for another few minutes until the mixture is well combined.
4. MIX IN EGGS & VANILLA
   • Mix in the room-temperature eggs and vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated.
   • Gradually add the unsweetened cocoa powder to the bowl and continue mixing.
5. ADD FLOUR MIXTURE & CHOCOLATE CHIPS
   • Add the prepared flour mixture and semisweet chocolate chips to the bowl with the wet ingredients.
   • Mix until all the ingredients are combined and form a smooth cookie dough.
6. FORM DOUGH BALLS
   • Scoop about 1/4 cup of the cookie dough mixture at a time and use your hands to roll it into a ball shape.
   • Place the cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Repeat this process to make 24 equal dough balls.
7. ADD FROZEN NUTELLA
   • Using the back of a spatula, make holes in the center of the dough balls and place the previously frozen Nutella scoops in the middle.
8. COVER & FORM BALLS
   • Cover the Nutella scoops completely by pulling the cookie dough and forming balls that encase the Nutella centers.
   • Place the formed cookie dough balls on a silicone mat or another baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. SPRINKLE & FREEZE
   • Sprinkle the tops of the cookie dough balls with a few additional chocolate chips and a pinch of sea salt.
   • Freeze the cookie dough balls for at least 1 hour to ensure the Nutella centers remain molten during baking.
10. PREHEAT OVEN & ARRANGE
    • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
    • Space the frozen cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet or silicone mat.
11. BAKE & COOL
    • Bake the lava cookies in the preheated oven for 12 minutes.
    • Let the cookies rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow them to cool slightly and set.

Now, you have a batch of mouthwatering Lava Cookies ready to be enjoyed. The soft and chocolatey cookie exterior perfectly complements the molten Nutella center, creating a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite. Whether served as a special treat or at a gathering, these Lava Cookies are sure to impress and satisfy anyone with a love for rich and gooey chocolate desserts.