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Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cookies

By: Author Jenna Margot

Posted on

Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cookies

Hey y'all! If you adore ooey-gooey desserts with rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a soft, fudgy cookie only to discover a molten, creamy peanut butter center—pure bliss! Perfect for bake sales, parties, or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, this recipe delivers indulgence in every bite. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cookies Recipe

  • Each cookie has a warm, gooey peanut butter center that oozes with every bite.
  • Easy to prepare with everyday pantry ingredients—no hard-to-find items!
  • Freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy homemade lava cookies anytime.
  • Perfect for chocolate lovers and peanut butter fans alike.
  • Great for sharing or serving warm with a scoop of ice cream.

Ingredients for Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cookies

  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (85g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups (270g) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 12 tablespoons (180g) creamy peanut butter (approximately 1 tablespoon per cookie)

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Centers

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Scoop 12 heaping tablespoons of peanut butter onto the parchment, shaping them into mounds.
  3. Freeze the peanut butter mounds for at least 30 minutes until firm.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cookie Dough

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, then fold in chocolate chips.

Step 3: Assemble the Lava Cookies

  1. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten into a disk.
  2. Place a frozen peanut butter mound in the center, then top with another 1 tablespoon of dough, sealing the edges.
  3. Roll into a ball and place onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake the Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cookies

  1. Bake for 11-13 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked.
  2. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Notes for the Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cookies

  • Make sure your peanut butter is well-chilled for the best "lava" effect in the center.
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies and even baking.
  • For more information on proper cookie baking techniques, check out this comprehensive cookie baking guide.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cookies

Variations on Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cookies

  • Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped toasted peanuts to the cookie dough for extra texture.
  • Double Chocolate Lava: Replace peanut butter with chocolate hazelnut spread for a Nutella lava center.
  • Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of baked cookies for a sweet-salty twist.

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Wire cooling rack

How to Store Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cookies

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze cookies for up to 2 months and reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy that gooey center.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions for Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cookies

  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
  • Pair with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for ultimate comfort.
  • Dress them up with chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips sprinkled on top before baking.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cookies

  • Freeze the peanut butter mounds thoroughly so they retain their lava-like consistency while baking.
  • Don't overbake—slightly underbaked centers ensure the cookies stay fudgy and gooey.
  • For precise measurements, use a kitchen scale. See more cookie baking tips from King Arthur Baking Company.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cookies FAQ

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours; let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before assembly.
  • Can I use natural peanut butter?
    It's best to use creamy peanut butter with stabilizers, as natural peanut butter can be too runny and affect the "lava" effect.
  • How do I know when the cookies are done?
    The edges should look set while the centers are still soft—remove from the oven and let the residual heat finish baking them. For more on doneness, check this cookie baking guide.

Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes freezing)
Cook time: 13 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

★★★★★ 4.90 from 98 ratings

Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cookies

yield: 12 cookies
prep: 20 mins
cook: 12 mins
total: 32 mins
Indulge in these decadent chocolate cookies filled with a gooey peanut butter lava center. Perfect for dessert lovers craving a delicious and comforting treat.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions

  1. 1
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. 2
    In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. 3
    In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  4. 4
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
  5. 5
    Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten slightly. Place 1 teaspoon of creamy peanut butter in the center, then cover with another tablespoon of dough and seal the edges.
  6. 6
    Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are set on the edges but soft in the middle. Let cool slightly before serving to enjoy the molten peanut butter center.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 210 caloriescal
Protein: 4gg
Fat: 11gg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 27gg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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