Molten Lava Cookies

Courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board

Servings: 24
Prep Time: 20 Min.
Cook Time: 9-11 Min.

* 1 c. (2 sticks) butter, softened
* 2 c. sugar
* 3/4 c. cocoa powder
* 2 eggs
* 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
* 2 c. all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp. baking powder
* 1/3 c. dark or semisweet chocolate (at least 60% cocoa), roughly chopped
* powdered sugar for garnish (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream together butter and sugar with an electric mixer. Add cocoa powder, eggs and vanilla; mix until combined. Combine flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually add to butter mixture.
2. Shape dough into 1 in. balls. Using your thumb, press a thumbprint into the center; fill with a piece of chocolate and fold dough over to cover chocolate.
3. Place balls 2 in. apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake 9 to 11 min. or until edges are firm and tops are soft. Remove cookies to a cooling rack; dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm, if possible. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
4. To reheat cookies, place cookie on microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 5 sec., or until cookie is slightly warm.