If you are craving a delightful treat that combines the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the comforting shape and bite of a cookie, then you are going to absolutely adore this Sea Salt Brownie Cookies Recipe. These cookies offer a perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor, chewy texture, and a subtle hit of sea salt that elevates every bite to pure bliss. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to indulge yourself with something truly irresistible, these brownie cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth with their crackly tops and soft, luscious centers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sea Salt Brownie Cookies Recipe depends on some simple but essential ingredients that come together harmoniously to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the richness of butter and chocolate to the tender crumb provided by flour and cocoa powder.
- 6 tablespoons butter (room temperature): Provides a creamy richness that helps the cookies stay moist and fudgy inside.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the chocolate notes beautifully.
- 8 oz dark chocolate chips or semi sweet (chunks): The star ingredient for intense chocolate flavor and smooth fudginess.
- ½ cup white sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to a tender texture.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel undertones and helps maintain chewiness.
- 2 eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together while keeping the batter rich and smooth.
- ½ cup flour (sifted): Gives structure without weighing down the cookie.
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (sifted): Intensifies the chocolate flavor and deepens the cookie’s color.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (sifted): Ensures a slight rise and the perfect delicate crackle on top.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
- Sea salt flakes for garnish (optional): A finishing touch that introduces a delicious contrast and crunch.
How to Make Sea Salt Brownie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter and Chocolate
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Melt the butter and chocolate chips together using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts. Let this luscious mixture cool just enough so it won’t scramble the eggs in the next step but still warm enough to combine smoothly.
Step 2: Beat Eggs and Sugars
While the chocolate is cooling, whisk the eggs, white sugar, and brown sugar on high speed for about four minutes. This whipping incorporates air which helps your cookies stay light yet chewy. Gradually drizzle in the melted chocolate mixture, blending until silky and glossy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and lump-free. Slowly fold these dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture until just combined—resist overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
The batter will be soft and sticky—this is exactly what you want! Quickly spoon about one tablespoon of batter onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart since they will spread during baking. For larger, thicker cookies, use two tablespoons of batter instead.
Step 5: Bake and Watch for Crackly Tops
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cookie tops become crackly and shiny. Because these cookies are thin, keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake; you want soft, chewy centers.
Step 6: Add Sea Salt Flakes and Cool
Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the cookies immediately after taking them out of the oven to add that perfect salty crunch. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—this lets them firm up just right without drying out.
How to Serve Sea Salt Brownie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple is best when serving these Sea Salt Brownie Cookies Recipe treats. A dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving can add that little extra visual and taste appeal. Fresh raspberries or a mint leaf on the side also pair wonderfully with the rich chocolate.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookie brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. For a cozy pairing, a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk complements the deep chocolate flavors beautifully and rounds out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform these cookies into an impressive dessert by layering them in a glass parfait with chocolate mousse and berries. You can also sandwich them together with your favorite frosting or nut butter for an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing. Wrapping them in cellophane tied with a ribbon makes a thoughtful and delicious gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Sea Salt Brownie Cookies Recipe leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To maintain their chewy texture, place a slice of bread inside the container—the bread helps retain moisture without making the cookies soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies baked or unbaked. For baked cookies, layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To freeze dough, scoop onto parchment-lined trays, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake frozen dough by adding a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
Warm cookies gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or place in a low oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back their fresh-baked softness and enhances the gooey chocolate experience just as if they were pulled out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the cookies?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make the cookies sweeter and a bit less intense but they will still be delicious. Dark chocolate provides richer flavor and a fudgier texture, but feel free to customize according to your taste.
What if I don’t have sea salt flakes for garnish?
If sea salt flakes aren’t available, you can omit them or use a very light sprinkle of fine kosher salt as an alternative. The contrast of salt to sweet is part of what makes this recipe special, but it’s still tasty without it.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Make sure to use one that includes xanthan gum or add it separately for the best texture.
Why are my cookies too flat?
If your Sea Salt Brownie Cookies Recipe turns out too flat, the butter or chocolate might have been too warm when combined with the eggs, or the dough was too loose. Try chilling the dough slightly before baking and make sure to measure your flour accurately.
How long do these cookies take to bake?
They bake quickly—between 8 and 10 minutes at 350°F—until the tops are crackly and shiny. Thin cookies bake faster, so keep an eye after 8 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of biting into a cookie that tastes like a homemade brownie with a hint of savory sea salt to make every flavor pop. This Sea Salt Brownie Cookies Recipe is a personal favorite that’s easy enough for weeknight baking yet special enough to impress friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own cherished moments with these irresistibly delicious treats.
Print
Sea Salt Brownie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including cooling and resting time)
- Yield: 26 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sea Salt Brownie Cookies combine the rich, fudgy texture of a brownie with the convenience of a cookie. Featuring a crackly top and a soft, chewy interior, they are garnished with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. With dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are an indulgent treat that can be enjoyed any time.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chunks
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
Dry Ingredients
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup flour (sifted)
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (sifted)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Garnish
- Sea salt flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare chocolate mixture: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the butter and chocolate chips together using a double boiler or microwave in short increments, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix eggs and sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and both sugars on high speed with a handheld mixer for about 4 minutes until pale and fluffy. Gradually pour in the melted chocolate mixture while mixing.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to combine evenly.
- Incorporate dry into wet: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, folding gently to form a soft, sticky batter.
- Scoop onto baking trays: Quickly spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter onto baking sheets lined with parchment or non-stick mats, spacing each 2 to 3 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the tops develop a crackly texture. For larger cookies, use 2 tablespoons per scoop and adjust spacing accordingly.
- Garnish with sea salt flakes: Optional – sprinkle sea salt flakes on the cookies while still warm for an enhanced flavor contrast.
- Cool on wire rack: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes to firm up, then transfer carefully to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Using room temperature eggs and butter helps achieve better emulsion and texture.
- Sifting the dry ingredients ensures no lumps and an even distribution of baking powder and cocoa.
- Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven; watch closely for the crackly tops as an indicator.
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Using good-quality dark chocolate will greatly enhance flavor.
- Adjust sea salt flakes according to taste; they provide a nice balance to the sweetness.
