Chocolate filled cookies are the ultimate treat for any cookie lover. With crisp edges and a warm, gooey center, they deliver pure chocolate bliss in every bite. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re baking for fun or impressing guests, chocolate filled cookies bring homemade baking to a whole new level. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make them perfectly—plus tips, ingredient choices, and answers to popular questions.
Table of Contents
PART 1: What Makes Chocolate Filled Cookies Special?
A Gooey Surprise in Every Bite
Chocolate filled cookies stand out with their crispy edges and soft, gooey centers. That hidden pocket of melted chocolate turns a simple cookie into something unforgettable.
Why Everyone Loves Them
These cookies are trending because they’re fun to make and even better to eat. Whether filled with Nutella or chocolate ganache, they’re rich, chewy, and satisfying—perfect for chocolate lovers and casual bakers alike.
PART 2: Best Ingredients for Chocolate Filled Cookies
Choosing the Right Chocolate Filling
The heart of every chocolate filled cookie is its rich center. For the best results, use a high-quality chocolate hazelnut spread like Nutella or a thick chocolate ganache. These options hold their shape while baking and create that dreamy molten middle.
Avoid thin chocolate syrups—they melt too fast and disappear into the dough. Instead, go for spreads that firm up when chilled, so they bake slowly and stay gooey inside.
Dough That Balances Texture and Flavor
To complement the filling, the cookie dough needs to be soft and chewy but firm enough to hold the center. Use:
- Brown sugar for moisture and chewiness
- Melted butter for richness
- Chilled dough to prevent spreading
The key is to balance sweetness and texture without overpowering the chocolate core. Keep the dough simple so the filling shines.
PART 3: How to Fill Chocolate Filled Cookies the Right Way
Freeze the Chocolate Center First
To make perfect chocolate filled cookies, you must freeze the filling. Start by scooping Nutella or your preferred chocolate spread into small mounds. Place them on a lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
This one step prevents the chocolate from leaking out while baking. It also ensures the center stays gooey and rich when the cookies are done.
Seal the Cookie Dough Properly
Once your dough is ready, flatten a ball of it in your hand. Place a frozen chocolate scoop in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around it. Roll it gently to seal it shut.
Here are a few tips to avoid mess:
- Don’t skip chilling the dough—this keeps it firm and easy to shape
- Use just enough filling to avoid overflow
- Seal tightly so no chocolate escapes during baking
Chill Again Before Baking
Yes, freeze them again! After forming your stuffed cookie balls, pop them back in the freezer for 1–2 hours. This extra step helps the dough stay thick and keeps the chocolate center intact while baking.
With the right prep, your chocolate filled cookies will have that beautiful, gooey chocolate core you’re aiming for—no leaks, no mess.
Print
Chocolate Filled Cookies
- Total Time: 3 hours 39 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
Description
Chocolate filled cookies are soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies stuffed with chocolate hazelnut spread. With simple ingredients and no mixer, these stuffed cookies are easily loved by all!
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread, (Nutella)
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, *See notes for measuring below*
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 1/8 cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate bar
Instructions
- Scoop the chocolate filling. Scoop the Nutella by the teaspoon onto a parchment-lined tray. Chill in the freezer until frozen solid, about 20-30 minutes.1 cup (160 g) chocolate hazelnut spread
- Whisk the sugar and butter. Whisk the sugar and brown sugar into the melted butter vigorously for 1 minute until combined.12 tbsp (170 g) unsalted butter,1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar,1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- Mix in the wet ingredients. Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract.1 (55 g) large egg,1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Mix in the dry ingredients. Fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt until almost combined, then fold in the chopped chocolate. Cover and chill the bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes.1 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp (226 g) all-purpose flour,1 tsp baking soda,1 tsp fine sea salt,1 1/8 cup (150 g) mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate bar
- Scoop the cookie dough. Scoop dough with a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, flatten, add frozen chocolate filling, seal, and roll into a round shape.
- Chill the stuffed cookies. Place the cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until frozen solid, about 1-2 hours minimum. Then preheat the oven to 350 F/180 C.
- Bake! Bake the cookies spaced 2 inches apart for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the middle is puffy but still pale and underbaked. Let the pan cool on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes, then remove and enjoy!
- Store baked chocolate filled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. The filled cookie dough balls can be frozen and stored in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Notes
*Measure your dry ingredients properly. This is my #1 baking tip! Do not ever scoop a measuring cup into your flour as this always leads to using too much flour. Instead, use the spoon-level method. This means fluffing the flour first, then spooning it into your measuring cup/spoon. For the BEST results, use a kitchen scale!*
Don’t use hot butter. Let the melted butter come to room temperature before use. The time this takes can vary depending on how hot it gets while melting.
Freeze the chocolate cookie filling before use. It must be frozen solid, otherwise, it will be hard to handle and work with!
- Prep Time: 210
- Cook Time: 9
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30 cookies
- Calories: 170kcal
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 0
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0
PART 4: Baking Tips for Perfect Chocolate Filled Cookies
Preheat, Space, and Watch Closely
To get golden edges and gooey centers, always preheat your oven to the right temperature—usually 350°F (175°C). If the oven isn’t hot enough, the cookies may spread too much or bake unevenly.
Place the chilled cookie dough balls at least 2 inches apart on a lined baking tray. This gives them enough room to spread without touching. Bake for 10–12 minutes, but keep a close eye after the 10-minute mark. The edges should look golden while the centers stay slightly underbaked and puffy.
Don’t Skip the Cooling Time
It’s tempting to bite into a warm cookie right away—but wait. Let your chocolate filled cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10–15 minutes. During this time, the centers settle, the bottoms firm up, and the filling stays perfectly melted without running out.
Pro tips:
- Use parchment paper for even baking and easy removal
- Rotate the tray halfway through baking for consistent browning
- Underbake slightly to keep the centers gooey
When done right, your cookies will have the ideal balance—crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and filled with warm, gooey chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Filled Cookies
Can I just add cocoa powder to chocolate chip cookies?
You can, but cocoa powder alone won’t give you a gooey center. It will only make the dough more chocolatey. To achieve the soft, molten center that defines chocolate filled cookies, you need an actual chocolate filling like Nutella or ganache.
What are creme-filled cookies called?
Creme-filled cookies are often referred to as sandwich cookies. Classic examples include Oreos or Whoopie pies. While related, they differ from chocolate filled cookies, which are sealed single cookies with gooey centers, not layered.
What kind of chocolate is in Chick-fil-A cookies?
Chick-fil-A uses a blend of semi-sweet dark chocolate and milk chocolate chunks. For homemade chocolate filled cookies, you can experiment with dark, milk, or bittersweet chocolate to match your flavor preferences.
What is the best chocolate to put in cookies?
For the best results, use high-quality chocolate bars or spreads with at least 60% cocoa content. Chocolate hazelnut spreads like Nutella are perfect for the center. For mix-ins, chopped dark chocolate melts better than standard chips, creating rich pockets of flavor.
Chocolate filled cookies aren’t just cookies—they’re a gooey, rich experience wrapped in a perfectly chewy shell. From the carefully chosen ingredients to freezing the center and sealing the dough, every step brings you closer to bakery-quality results at home.
With the right chocolate, a few pro tips, and some patience, anyone can create these decadent cookies. Whether you serve them warm from the oven or stash a batch in the freezer for later cravings, chocolate filled cookies are sure to impress every time.
Ready to take your baking to the next level? Try these today and turn a classic into something extraordinary.
