Chocolate Fudge Cookies Recipe
When you crave a treat that’s deeply chocolaty, lusciously soft, and perfectly chewy, nothing beats a batch of Chocolate Fudge Cookies. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s rich with cocoa, studded with pockets of melty chocolate, and so fudgy it almost melts in your mouth. These cookies are pure bliss for chocolate lovers and have the magical power to brighten any day—whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring one all to yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Chocolate Fudge Cookies is in their simplicity: every ingredient is chosen for a reason, working together to create that signature fudgy texture and irresistible chocolate flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to make each one count.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Use room temperature butter for extra-creamy dough and that classic chewy bite.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread just the right amount.
- Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth to every bite.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add richness—make sure they’re at room temperature for best results.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): A splash of vanilla amplifies the chocolate and makes the flavors sing.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): The backbone of your cookies; measure carefully for a perfect texture.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 cup): Go for high-quality cocoa for the most intense, fudgy flavor.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cookies rise just enough while staying delightfully dense.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and makes the chocolate pop.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks (1 ½ cups): Fold these in for gooey, melty pools of chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Fudge Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also helps the cookies bake up with beautifully crisp edges and soft centers.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together for two to three minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and a little paler in color. This step is key for achieving that classic fudgy cookie texture, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until the dough looks smooth and glossy. The eggs help create that wonderful chewiness, while the vanilla adds a cozy, homey aroma.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these separately ensures the cocoa and leavening get evenly distributed, so every cookie bakes up perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Resist the urge to over-mix—this will keep your Chocolate Fudge Cookies tender and soft.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips or Chunks
With a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips or chunks. This is where the magic happens: you’ll get pockets of molten chocolate in every mouthful!
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes—look for edges that are set and centers that are just a bit soft. This is the secret to that ultra-fudgy center.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This short rest helps them finish setting up, so each one will have that perfect chewy, gooey texture.
How to Serve Chocolate Fudge Cookies

Garnishes
For a bakery-worthy finish, sprinkle your warm Chocolate Fudge Cookies with a little flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle them with melted chocolate or add a few extra chocolate chips on top right after baking—watch them melt for a truly decadent touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a latte, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat. If you’re hosting, serve them alongside a fruit platter or a bowl of fresh berries to balance the richness with something bright and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these Chocolate Fudge Cookies in a rustic tin for gifting, layer them in a mason jar for a delightful cookie tower, or arrange them on a pretty platter for parties. For a fun twist, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies to make the most irresistible homemade ice cream sandwiches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chocolate Fudge Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fudgy for up to four days—if you can resist eating them all before then!
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep their delicious texture and flavor for up to three months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls to bake fresh cookies on demand.
Reheating
To bring your Chocolate Fudge Cookies back to their fresh-from-the-oven glory, pop them in a 300°F oven for about three minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds. The chocolate chips will get perfectly gooey again—just how they should be!
FAQs
Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of natural?
Absolutely! Dutch-processed cocoa will give your Chocolate Fudge Cookies a deeper, smoother chocolate flavor and a darker color. Either type Dessert.
What’s the best way to get extra fudgy cookies?
For ultra-fudgy results, slightly underbake your cookies and let them finish setting on the baking sheet. This keeps the centers irresistibly gooey, just like a brownie in cookie form.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Of course! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a swirl of peanut butter make delicious additions to Chocolate Fudge Cookies. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
How can I make the cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The results are still rich, chewy, and just as delicious!
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling isn’t required for this recipe, but if you want even thicker, chewier Chocolate Fudge Cookies, pop the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. It’s a great make-ahead tip, too!
Final Thoughts
Few things are as comforting and joy-filled as sharing a batch of homemade Chocolate Fudge Cookies. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just because, these cookies promise rich chocolatey goodness in every bite. Give them a try, and I bet they’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Chocolate Fudge Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these rich and chewy Chocolate Fudge Cookies, combining the deep flavor of cocoa with melty chocolate chips for the ultimate indulgent treat. Perfectly soft with a fudgy center and slightly crisp edges, these cookies are easy to make and satisfy any chocolate craving.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and cocoa.
- Mix Dry with Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until the dough comes together without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Portion Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still appear slightly soft and fudgy.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For extra fudgy cookies, slightly underbake them and allow cookies to finish setting on the baking tray.
- Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Swirl in peanut butter or other nut butters to create fun and delicious variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg