If you adore rich, fudgy desserts with a delightful twist, you are going to fall head over heels for this Sea Salt Brownie Cookies Recipe. These cookies marry the best qualities of a dense, chocolatey brownie with the crisp edges and portability of a cookie. Each bite offers a perfect balance of deep cocoa flavor elevated by a sprinkle of sea salt flakes, which cuts through the sweetness with a gorgeous, savory pop. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be reaching for them again and again whenever that chocolate craving hits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sea Salt Brownie Cookies Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each component plays an important role, making sure your cookies come out fudgy, tender, and perfectly balanced every time.
- 6 tablespoons butter (room temperature): Provides rich moisture and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s essential for brownie-like cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- 8 oz dark chocolate chips or semi sweet (chunks): The star ingredient delivering intense chocolate flavor and luscious chunks throughout.
- ½ cup white sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps with the cookies’ beautiful crackled tops.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel undertone and keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
- 2 eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and add moisture for that tender bite.
- ½ cup flour (sifted): Just enough to hold the batter together without making it cakey.
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (sifted): Intensifies the chocolate flavor with its deep, earthy notes.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (sifted): Gives a small lift so the cookies spread nicely without becoming flat.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly from within the batter.
- Sea salt flakes for garnish (optional): A finishing touch that makes every bite pop with a little crunch and salty contrast.
How to Make Sea Salt Brownie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Chocolate
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Gently melt the butter and chocolate chips together using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts. Be patient with the melting—stir constantly until smooth, then allow the mixture to cool slightly. This step is crucial because it forms the rich, fudgy base that makes these cookies unforgettable.
Step 2: Beat the Eggs and Sugars
While the chocolate cools, grab a mixer and whip the eggs with both sugars on high speed for a solid 4 minutes. This creates a light, airy foundation that contrasts perfectly with the dense chocolate to come. Slowly drizzle the cooled chocolate mixture into the eggs and sugars as the mixer runs, ensuring a luxuriously glossy batter that hints at the indulgence ahead.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This blend ensures your cookies have the perfect texture and that the cocoa is evenly distributed. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into your chocolatey wet mixture, careful not to overmix to keep the batter thick and fudgy.
Step 4: Portion the Batter
The batter will be soft and sticky, almost like brownie batter but slightly more workable. Using a spoon, drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto your prepared baking sheet spaced 2 to 3 inches apart to allow spreading. For larger, thicker cookies, use 2 tablespoons of batter per mound. Each cookie promises a crackly top with a chewy, soft center.
Step 5: Bake Until Crackly
Pop the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops develop that signature crackled look, signaling the perfect balance of crisp edges and gooey insides. If your oven can handle multiple trays, baking more cookies at once saves time without compromising quality.
Step 6: Add the Sea Salt and Cool
Right after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top while they are still warm. This step elevates the dessert’s complex flavor, making the sweet moments even more memorable. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling.
How to Serve Sea Salt Brownie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the defining sprinkle of sea salt flakes, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness contrast, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a luxurious touch. These options enhance the cookies’ visual appeal and add layers of flavor without overpowering the rich chocolate core.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement their fudgy texture. A cup of robust coffee or a tall glass of cold milk also pairs wonderfully, highlighting the cookies’ bittersweet notes and balancing their richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, sandwich two cookies around some homemade chocolate ganache or marshmallow fluff for a decadent treat. Alternatively, break the cookies into chunks and use them as a topping for yogurt or parfaits to add a delightful crunch and deep chocolate flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Sea Salt Brownie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Layering the cookies with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and preserves their soft, chewy texture beautifully.
Freezing
These cookies freeze exceptionally well! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to three months without losing any of their fudgy goodness, ready for any spontaneous chocolate craving.
Reheating
To refresh frozen or stored cookies, warm them gently in a low oven for just a few minutes or microwave briefly until they are soft and gooey again. This quick reheat trick revives the fresh-baked feel, making every bite taste like it just came out of your oven.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Using milk chocolate will make the cookies sweeter and creamier, but keep in mind the sea salt’s contrast will be a bit less pronounced. Adjust the sugar slightly if you want a less sweet cookie overall.
What if I don’t have sea salt flakes? Can I use regular salt?
While regular salt will work in the batter, the finishing salt is best as flakes because they add a delicate crunch and bursts of flavor. If you only have table salt, use it sparingly on top to avoid it dissolving too quickly and overpowering the cookie.
How do I ensure the cookies stay chewy?
The key is not to overbake. Remove the cookies once the tops have cracked and they look just set. They might feel slightly soft but will firm up as they cool, leaving you with a perfect chewy texture inside.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend in the same quantity. Just be sure your cocoa powder and baking powder are also gluten-free certified for the best results.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
This can happen if your butter is too soft or melted before mixing, or if the dough is too warm when scooped. Chill the dough briefly if needed and make sure to measure your flour properly by scooping and leveling, not packing.
Final Thoughts
This Sea Salt Brownie Cookies Recipe is truly a keeper for anyone who loves bold chocolate flavors with a sophisticated hint of salt. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these cookies deliver on taste, texture, and that little extra flair that makes dessert moments special. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and start baking these unforgettable cookies today!
