Salted Brownie Cookies
Salted Brownie Cookies are the ultimate dessert, combining the rich flavors of brownies with the delightful chewiness of cookies. These cookies have a shiny, crackly crust and are topped with semi-sweet chocolate chips and sprinkles of sea salt, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, these cookies will surely impress any chocolate lover!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: These Salted Brownie Cookies deliver rich chocolatey goodness in every bite.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm out of the oven or save some for later; they taste great either way!
- Perfect for Sharing: With 24 servings, they’re ideal for gathering with friends or family.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add nuts, extra chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel for variation.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having everything ready will make your cookie-making process enjoyable and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Small Saucepan
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon
- Baking Sheets
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Makes it easy to beat your ingredients together until frothy without much effort.
- Medium Mixing Bowl: Provides ample space to mix your dry ingredients without spilling.
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon: Helps you achieve uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 tsp Espresso Powder (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 Large Egg Yolk (room temperature)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter
Chocolate Components
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (plus some for topping cookies)
Garnish
- Sea Salt Flakes (for topping cookies)
How to Make Salted Brownie Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Adjust the oven rack to the second level mark (just above center) and preheat your oven to 350ºF. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the eggs, egg yolk, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until fully combined and frothy.
Step 4: Melt Chocolate Mixture
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsalted butter until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder and espresso powder until well mixed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Chocolate Mixtures
Carefully pour the melted chocolate mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 6: Add Dry Ingredients
Add in the whisked dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. You can also fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula if preferred. The batter will be thinner but still scoopable.
Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets
Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon-size cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop out cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets. Leave about 1 1/2 inches of space between each cookie.
Step 8: Sprinkle Sea Salt
Sprinkle sea salt flakes over each cookie before baking. Bake for 8–10 minutes at 350ºF until cookies have shiny, crackly tops.
Step 9: Add Extra Chocolate Chips
Once removed from the oven, top each cookie with additional chocolate chips if desired. To shape them perfectly round, use a round cookie cutter immediately after baking while they’re still soft.
Step 10: Cool Cookies
Let cookies cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool almost completely—best enjoyed warm! Use a spatula as they will be very soft.
Step 11: Store Cookies
For optimal freshness, store cookies in a sealed food container at room temperature for up to two days.
How to Serve Salted Brownie Cookies
Salted Brownie Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging at home, these cookies can be paired with different treats for an unforgettable experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair your Salted Brownie Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk. The creaminess of the milk complements the rich chocolate flavor perfectly.
As Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches. Choose your favorite flavor of ice cream and enjoy a decadent treat that combines textures and flavors.
Warm with Whipped Cream
- Serve your cookies warm, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. This adds extra richness and makes for an indulgent dessert.
Alongside Fresh Berries
- Fresh berries add a fruity contrast to the rich brownie cookies. Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries work wonderfully as a refreshing side.
With Coffee or Espresso
- Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or espresso. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the cookie for a delightful pairing.
Dipped in Hot Chocolate
- For extra indulgence, dip your Salted Brownie Cookies in hot chocolate. This creates a rich chocolate experience that is perfect for colder days.
How to Perfect Salted Brownie Cookies
To ensure your Salted Brownie Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies fudgy and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This enhances flavor and helps maintain shape.
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Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Bake until the tops are shiny and crackly. Don’t overbake; they should be soft in the center when you take them out.
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Sprinkle Sea Salt Generously: A good sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the flavor profile and gives that perfect sweet-salty balance.
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Store Properly: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container to retain their moisture and freshness for up to two days.
Best Side Dishes for Salted Brownie Cookies
While Salted Brownie Cookies are delicious on their own, serving them alongside other dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great side dish options:
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic combination; vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the rich brownie flavors.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over your cookies for an extra sweet touch.
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Peanut Butter Cup Dip: Serve with a creamy peanut butter dip; it’s a fun twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel adds sweetness and complexity to each bite.
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Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides freshness that contrasts well with rich brownies.
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Espresso Drinks: Pair with espresso or cappuccino for a sophisticated dessert experience.
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Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer creamy texture that complements the fudgy cookie nicely.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These add elegance and additional chocolate goodness to your dessert table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Salted Brownie Cookies, it’s easy to make simple mistakes that could affect the final result. Here are a few common pitfalls to steer clear of.
- Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and avoid beating too long.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cookies dry. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level technique for accurate measurement.
- Skipping the sea salt topping: The sprinkle of sea salt enhances flavor dramatically. Don’t skip this step for that perfect sweet-salty balance!
- Baking on an unprepared sheet: Baking sheets should be lined with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and helps achieve that crackly top.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- If you have leftovers, consider refrigerating them for extended freshness.
Freezing Salted Brownie Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They will remain fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Salted Brownie Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Salted Brownie Cookies.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, using dark chocolate will give your cookies a richer flavor. Just adjust the sweetness if needed.
How do I store leftover Salted Brownie Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
What can I add to customize Salted Brownie Cookies?
Feel free to add nuts, caramel pieces, or even different types of chocolate chips for variety!
Final Thoughts
Salted Brownie Cookies combine the best of brownies and cookies into one delightful treat. Their rich flavor and chewy texture make them irresistible! Plus, you can easily customize them with various mix-ins or toppings. Give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!
Salted Brownie Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with Salted Brownie Cookies, where the fudgy richness of brownies meets the delightful chewiness of cookies. These irresistible treats boast a shiny, crackly crust and are topped with semi-sweet chocolate chips and a sprinkle of sea salt, creating an exquisite balance of flavors. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights at home, these cookies promise to impress chocolate lovers everywhere. Easy to make and customizable with your favorite toppings, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Sea salt flakes for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- Beat eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla in a mixer until frothy.
- Melt chocolate chips and butter in a saucepan; stir in cocoa and espresso powder.
- Combine melted chocolate with egg mixture; mix well.
- Add dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
- Scoop dough onto prepared sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for 8–10 minutes until crackly.
- Cool slightly on sheets before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
