If you’re looking to win over everyone at your next gathering or simply want to indulge yourself, Chocolate Fudge Cookies are the answer. These beauties are loaded with rich chocolate flavor and have a soft, fudgy center that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re a chocolate fanatic or just crave something that feels a little luxurious yet is super approachable, this recipe delivers. They’re easy enough for a weeknight bake, yet decadent enough to impress at any celebration. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cookie!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chocolate Fudge Cookies lies in simple pantry staples elevated by a few chocolatey stars. Every ingredient has a purpose: adding chewiness, balancing sweetness, and, of course, building that signature fudge flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup, melted and slightly cooled): This creates a luscious, deep chocolate base that makes the cookies intensely fudgy.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Soft butter creams beautifully with sugar for that perfect cookie texture.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Brings sweetness and helps create those amazing crisp edges.
- Brown sugar, packed (½ cup): Adds moisture and a warm, caramel-like depth to the cookies.
- Large eggs (2): These hold everything together and help give the cookies structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with its comforting aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The backbone of any cookie, providing shape and chew.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (½ cup): Intensifies the chocolate flavor and contributes to the famous fudgy interior.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Ensures the cookies rise just the right amount without puffing up too much.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Brightens the chocolate flavor and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks (½ cup): Stirred in for pools of melty chocolate throughout every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Fudge Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready when your dough is. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to guarantee easy removal and picture-perfect cookies (plus, cleanup is a breeze!).
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is key to getting those crackly tops and rich flavor—take your time and enjoy the transformation!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract next. The eggs bring the dough together, while the vanilla adds a subtle warmth. Once your mixture is smooth and glossy, you’re halfway to chocolate heaven.
Step 4: Pour in the Melted Chocolate
Gently add your melted (and slightly cooled) chocolate chips. Mixing this in now creates a gorgeously fudgy texture and deep chocolate undertones throughout the cookies.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. The cocoa powder gives extra chocolate oomph, and the baking soda ensures just the right amount of rise.
Step 6: Finish the Dough
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop once you can no longer spot streaks of flour. Finally, fold in the extra chocolate chips or chunks for a double chocolate effect in every bite.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about two inches between each one. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers look soft—this is your ticket to extra fudgy results!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for five minutes (they’ll finish baking from residual heat), then move them to wire racks to cool completely. Patience is tough, but it’s worth it—the Chocolate Fudge Cookies become even richer as they rest.
How to Serve Chocolate Fudge Cookies
Garnishes
Just before baking, sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt onto each cookie takes them up a notch—think melty chocolate and a hint of salty crunch. Alternatively, a light dusting of powdered sugar after they’ve cooled adds a bakery-perfect finish.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn your Chocolate Fudge Cookies into a spectacular dessert, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream. A fresh berry salad or even a glass of cold milk turns the cookies into a moment worth savoring.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies high on a rustic cake stand for potlucks, or arrange them in a patterned circle on a pretty platter for parties. For gifting, place a few cookies in parchment-lined treat bags and tie with a ribbon—you’ll make someone’s day extra sweet!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate Fudge Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. The fudgy centers hold up beautifully, and the flavor is just as dreamy on day three as it is fresh from the oven.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Stash them in the freezer for up to three months and enjoy homemade cookies on demand. You can also freeze scoops of dough and bake directly from frozen for warm cookies anytime.
Reheating
Pop a cookie or two in the microwave for about 8–10 seconds to revive that just-baked gooeyness. If you’re reheating a larger batch, a few minutes in a warm oven will bring back their irresistible softness.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet gives these cookies their deep, classic chocolate flavor, milk chocolate chips will make them a touch sweeter and a bit milder. Feel free to swap in your favorite or mix both for extra depth.
How can I make these cookies even fudgier?
If you love an ultra-fudgy center, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough hold its shape and creates an extra-rich texture that Chocolate Fudge Cookies fans will adore.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cherries are fantastic additions. Just fold up to ½ cup into the dough with the chocolate chips for a little crunch or a pop of tartness.
Do these cookies spread much while baking?
Chocolate Fudge Cookies are designed to have a decadent, thick texture, so they won’t spread as much as lighter cookies. That’s part of their charm! You’ll end up with rich, round cookies every time.
Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Kids love these cookies just as much as adults do! They’re perfectly sweet and chocolatey, with a soft center that’s easy to bite into. It’s a treat the whole family can get excited about.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Chocolate Fudge Cookies yet, you’re in for a seriously delicious surprise. These cookies have earned a gold-star spot in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to experience their rich flavor and gooey texture first-hand. Pour yourself a glass of milk, grab a warm cookie, and enjoy every blissful crumb!
PrintChocolate Fudge Cookies Recipe
Indulge in these rich and chewy Chocolate Fudge Cookies that are loaded with chocolate chips and cocoa powder. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks (for mixing in)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla until smooth.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted chocolate and mix until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Finish Dough: Fold in the remaining chocolate chips or chunks.
- Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- For an extra fudgy texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg