Buttery Soft Cookie Cups

Featured in: Baking

These buttery soft cookie cups feature a molten chocolate center that melts perfectly inside a tender baked dough. Prepared in an air fryer, they come together quickly with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, melted butter, brown sugar, and chocolate chips. The dough is pressed into muffin cups, a chocolate square nestled in the center, and air fried until golden on top but still soft inside. Cooling briefly preserves their gooey texture, making them an indulgent treat ideal for any occasion or a quick dessert fix.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:46:00 GMT
Air Fryer Gooey Cookie Cups with melted chocolate: a warm, delicious dessert, ready in minutes. Save to Pinterest
Air Fryer Gooey Cookie Cups with melted chocolate: a warm, delicious dessert, ready in minutes. | buddybiteskitchen.com

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

I love making these cookie cups because they satisfy my sweet tooth in no time and impress guests without fuss.

Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

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.
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| buddybiteskitchen.com

My family always gathers eagerly when I make these cookie cups and enjoy sharing them fresh and warm.

Notes

For extra indulgence serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

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

Freshly baked Air Fryer Gooey Cookie Cups with melty chocolate centers, perfect for sharing. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked Air Fryer Gooey Cookie Cups with melty chocolate centers, perfect for sharing. | buddybiteskitchen.com

Enjoy these cookie cups warm for the best gooey texture and share with loved ones for sweet moments.

Common Recipe Questions

Can I use different types of chocolate for the center?

Yes, milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate squares all work well to create the gooey center.

How can I prevent the cookie cups from sticking to the cups?

Lightly grease the silicone muffin cups or use liners before adding the dough for easy removal.

Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer before baking?

Preheating the air fryer ensures even baking and a nicely golden top on the cookie cups.

Can I substitute the sugars in the dough?

Light brown sugar and granulated sugar contribute to texture and flavor, but you can adjust proportions or swap with alternatives cautiously.

What is the ideal cooking time to keep centers gooey?

Air frying for 7–8 minutes strikes the right balance between a golden top and a soft, molten center.

Are these suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the ingredients align with a vegetarian diet, though check chocolate chips for any additives if needed.

Buttery Soft Cookie Cups

Soft buttery cookie cups with a molten chocolate center, baked quickly in an air fryer for a decadent treat.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
8 minutes
Total Time
18 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Baking

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Yield 6 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Suitable for Vegetarians

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
03 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
03 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 1 large egg
05 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Mix-ins

01 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
02 6 squares milk or dark chocolate (approximately 1 ounce)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 02

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir melted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.

Step 03

Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add egg and vanilla extract to the wet mixture and mix thoroughly until fully combined.

Step 04

Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated.

Step 05

Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough.

Step 06

Prepare Muffin Cups: Lightly grease or place silicone muffin cups in the air fryer basket.

Step 07

Assemble Cookie Cups: Place about 2 tablespoons of dough into each cup, pressing gently to cover the bottom, then center a square of chocolate on top and cover with an additional tablespoon of dough, sealing the chocolate inside.

Step 08

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 320°F for 3 minutes.

Step 09

Cook Cookie Cups: Arrange muffin cups in the air fryer basket without touching and air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, until tops are golden and centers remain soft.

Step 10

Cool and Serve: Allow cookie cups to cool in their cups for 5 minutes before serving warm to retain gooey centers.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spoon
  • Silicone muffin cups or ramekins suitable for air fryer
  • Air fryer

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk (dairy), and soy (present in some chocolate chips)
  • Check ingredient labels for hidden allergens

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 320
  • Fat Content: 17 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 39 grams
  • Protein Content: 4 grams