What type of chocolate works best for the gooey center?

Milk or dark chocolate squares are ideal for creating a molten, gooey center that melts perfectly during baking.

Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary preferences?

You can replace semi-sweet chips with peanut butter or caramel chips for different flavor variations.

Keep baking time to 7-8 minutes at 320°F and let the cups cool slightly to maintain a soft, gooey center.

Lightly grease or line silicone muffin cups to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.

While designed for an air fryer, these cups can be baked in a traditional oven with adjusted time and temperature.

Buttery, soft cookie cups with a molten, gooey center—quickly baked to perfection in your air fryer. A decadent treat for any occasion.

I first baked these cookie cups on a weekend, and they quickly became a family favorite for their perfect balance of soft and gooey.

Dry Ingredients: 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter melted, 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar packed, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Mix-ins: 1/2 cup (90 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, 6 squares (about 30 g) milk or dark chocolate (for gooey center)

Step 1:: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 2:: In a separate bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Step 3:: Add egg and vanilla extract to the wet mixture; mix until fully combined.
Step 4:: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.
Step 5:: Fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 6:: Lightly grease or line six silicone muffin cups.
Step 7:: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of dough into each cup, pressing gently to cover the bottom.
Step 8:: Place a square of chocolate in the center of each cup, then top with another tablespoon of dough, sealing in the chocolate.
Step 9:: Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 10:: Place muffin cups in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch (work in batches if necessary).
Step 11:: Air fry for 7–8 minutes, until the tops are golden but centers are still soft.
Step 12:: Let cool in cups for 5 minutes before serving warm for maximum gooeyness.

This recipe always brings smiles when shared around the table during family get-togethers.

Swap chocolate chips for peanut butter or caramel chips for variation.

Mixing bowls, whisk and spoon, silicone muffin cups or ramekins (safe for air fryer), air fryer

Contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk (dairy), soy (in some chocolate chips). Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Enjoy your gooey cookie cups warm for the best melting chocolate experience.

→ What type of chocolate works best for the gooey center?: Milk or dark chocolate squares are ideal for creating a molten, gooey center that melts perfectly during baking.
→ Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary preferences?: You can replace semi-sweet chips with peanut butter or caramel chips for different flavor variations.
→ How do I prevent overbaking the cups?: Keep baking time to 7-8 minutes at 320°F and let the cups cool slightly to maintain a soft, gooey center.
→ What is the best way to prepare the cups before adding dough?: Lightly grease or line silicone muffin cups to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
→ Can this method be used without an air fryer?: While designed for an air fryer, these cups can be baked in a traditional oven with adjusted time and temperature.