Delicious Midnight Kiss Cookies with Easy Fudgy Chocolate Center
Soft, tender cookies with a molten, fudgy chocolate surprise at the core. Perfect for late-night cravings, potlucks, or cozy family treats.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 40-42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Fudgy Chocolate Center: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, ¼ cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon softened butter, and 2 tablespoons powdered sugar. Stir constantly until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly but keep it pourable.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then pour in the vanilla extract and mix again.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill the Dough (optional but recommended): Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Assemble the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out about 2 tablespoons (~30g) of cookie dough. Flatten slightly in your palm, then add about 1 teaspoon of the fudgy chocolate center in the middle. Carefully fold the dough around the chocolate, sealing it inside, and roll into a ball. Place on baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but center looks soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chill dough to control spreading and intensify flavors. Chill chocolate filling if too runny before assembling. Avoid overbaking to keep centers soft. Use good-quality chocolate chips with at least 60% cocoa for best flavor. Variations include adding nuts, peppermint extract, dried fruit, or making gluten-free or vegan adaptations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: cookies, chocolate cookies, fudgy center, easy cookies, homemade cookies, midnight snack, dessert, baking