I’m so excited to share these Salted Brownie Cookies with you today. Can you imagine the perfect marriage of fudgy brownies and chewy cookies? That’s exactly what we’ve got here. The crackly tops give way to tender centers, while that hint of sea salt takes the chocolate experience to a whole new level. They’re surprisingly simple to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Ready to discover the sweet-salty magic that’ll have everyone asking for your secret?
Why You’ll Love these Salted Brownie Cookies
Three irresistible qualities make these salted brownie cookies an absolute must-try in your kitchen.
First, that perfect crackly top—just like brownies—revealing a fudgy, tender center that practically melts in your mouth. Heaven.
Second, the balance of flavors is spot-on. The sea salt flakes cut through the rich chocolate, creating this sweet-salty combo that keeps you reaching for “just one more.”
Finally, they’re surprisingly simple to make. No fancy equipment needed, just basic ingredients transformed into something magical.
Who knew brownie-cookie hybrids could be so achievable at home?
What Ingredients are in Salted Brownie Cookies?
These decadent cookies combine the best elements of brownies and cookies into one irresistible treat, with just the right balance of sweet chocolate and savory salt.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- Sea salt flakes (optional, but highly recommended)
The quality of your chocolate will really shine through in these cookies, so if you’re feeling fancy, splurge on good chocolate chips—and don’t skip the sea salt flakes, which transform these from ordinary chocolate cookies into something truly special.
How to Make these Salted Brownie Cookies
These fudgy, decadent cookies are shockingly simple to make, even for those of us who sometimes struggle to boil water correctly. The process creates that perfect crackly top we all crave in brownies, but in a convenient cookie form. Ready to plunge in?
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon of espresso powder (if using).
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 1/2 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir frequently until smooth and completely melted, then set aside to cool slightly—we don’t want scrambled eggs in our cookies!
Step 3: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat 2 large eggs, 1 egg yolk, and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then beat until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, stirring constantly until fully incorporated.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold gently until just combined—overmixing is the enemy of tender cookies.
Step 5: Add More Chocolate
Fold in the remaining 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
The dough will be quite thick and fudgy, similar to a brownie batter but slightly firmer.
Step 6: Scoop and Sprinkle
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Sprinkle each cookie with sea salt flakes—this isn’t just pretty, it’s what makes these cookies truly extraordinary.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the tops are crackly and the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone.
Remember, they’ll continue cooking a bit after you take them out, so don’t wait until they look completely done.
Step 8: Cool Slightly Before Devouring
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
They’re best enjoyed warm, when the chocolate chips are still melty and the contrast between chocolate and salt is at its most magnificent.
For even more consistently perfect results, consider using a KitchenAid Professional stand mixer to thoroughly combine your ingredients without overworking the dough.
What to Serve with Salted Brownie Cookies
These indulgent cookies deserve some worthy companions. For the ultimate dessert experience, try them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream while they’re still warm—the contrast of hot and cold is mind-blowing.
A tall glass of cold milk provides that classic cookie pairing, or elevate things with an espresso for a sophisticated afternoon treat.
For a dessert board, add fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream (maybe spike it with a touch of bourbon?).
If you’re feeling particularly decadent, drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over the top—because sometimes too much is just enough.
These cookies make perfect afternoon pick-me-ups or after-dinner treats when you want to impress without much effort.
Salted Brownie Cookies Substitutions and Variations
• Sweet Upgrades: Press a caramel-filled chocolate square into each cookie halfway through baking.
Or try a peanut butter swirl (1-2 tbsp) into the batter for that classic combo.
• Finishing Touches: Besides sea salt, try a sprinkle of turbinado sugar for crunch or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snow-capped effect.
Leftovers and Storage for these Salted Brownie Cookies
These brownie cookies stay wonderfully fresh when stored properly.
Here’s how to keep that perfect chewy-crisp texture:
- Counter Storage: Place in an airtight container at room temperature with parchment paper between layers. They’ll remain delicious for 3-4 days.
- Freezer Option: These cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag.
- Refresh Method: To revive slightly stale cookies, pop them in the microwave for 8-10 seconds—just enough to warm the chocolate chips slightly without melting them completely.
While delicious right out of the oven, many bakers swear these cookies actually improve after 24 hours as the flavors meld and deepen.
The brownie-like interior becomes even more fudgy overnight.
Final Thoughts
These Salted Brownie Cookies truly represent the best of both worlds—chewy brownie centers with crisp cookie edges, all elevated by that perfect sprinkle of sea salt.
The rich chocolate intensity, punctuated by melty chocolate chips and the optional hint of espresso, creates something far more special than an ordinary cookie.
They’re perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, weekend baking projects, or whenever you need a chocolate fix that goes beyond the ordinary.
There’s something undeniably comforting about the contrast between deep chocolate and delicate salt flakes, reminiscent of that perfect sweet-salty balance we all crave in our most satisfying treats.