Salted Brownie Cookies
Salted Brownie Cookies are a delightful fusion of rich brownie and classic cookie. These cookies feature a shiny, crackly exterior complemented by gooey chocolate chips and a sprinkle of sea salt. Perfect for any occasion, these treats will impress friends and family alike, making them a must-try for chocolate lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and sea salt creates a rich taste that is both sweet and savory.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Treat: Great for parties, gatherings, or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit any occasion.
- Fudgy Texture: Enjoy the chewy, fudgy consistency that makes each bite indulgent.
- Make Ahead: These cookies last well in an airtight container, letting you prepare them ahead of time.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the delicious world of Salted Brownie Cookies, gather your tools! Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
- Cookie scoop or two spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: These make it easy to whip eggs and sugar until frothy, ensuring a light texture.
- Baking Sheets: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking without warping.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Prevent sticking and make clean-up effortless.
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)
- Sea Salt Flakes (for topping cookies – optional garnish)
How to Make Salted Brownie Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Adjust the oven rack to the 2nd 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 aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs, egg yolk, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together on medium-high speed until fully combined and frothy.
Step 4: Melt Chocolate Mixture
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with unsalted butter until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in unsweetened cocoa powder and espresso powder.
Step 5: Combine 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. Alternatively, fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula. The batter will be thinner but scoopable.
Step 7: Scoop Cookie Dough
Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon-size cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop 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 at 350ºF for 8-10 minutes or until shiny with crackly tops.
Step 9: Optional Topping
After removing from oven, top with additional chocolate chips if desired. To shape into perfect rounds, use a round cookie cutter immediately after baking while still soft.
Step 10: Cool Cookies
Let cookies cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. They are best enjoyed warm!
Step 11: Store Cookies
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days for maximum freshness.
How to Serve Salted Brownie Cookies
Salted Brownie Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or indulging on your own, these cookies can be paired with other items for an enhanced experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing, the cold milk balances the rich chocolate flavor of the cookies perfectly.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Take two cookies and fill them with your favorite ice cream for a decadent dessert that’s perfect for warm days.
Coffee or Espresso
- Enjoy a cookie alongside a hot cup of coffee or espresso. The bitter notes complement the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
Fresh Berries
- Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a fruity contrast to the chocolate richness.
Whipped Cream
- Top your cookies with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy texture that pairs well with the fudgy center.
Nut Butter Spread
- Spread some almond or peanut butter on top for an added layer of flavor and richness.
How to Perfect Salted Brownie Cookies
To ensure your Salted Brownie Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture in the cookies.
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Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies instead of chewy goodness.
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Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps improve texture and prevents spreading during baking.
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Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on them as they bake. Remove them from the oven once they have shiny tops; they will continue to firm up while cooling.
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Use Quality Chocolate: The flavor of your cookies heavily relies on the quality of chocolate used. Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for best results.
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Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to try different toppings like crushed nuts or sea salt caramel drizzle for added flavor dimensions.
Best Side Dishes for Salted Brownie Cookies
Pairing side dishes with Salted Brownie Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the rich brownie flavor and adds creaminess.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the brownies while adding a pop of color to your plate.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over your brownies for an extra indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Caramel Sauce: Add a touch of caramel sauce on top for a sweet and salty combination that’s irresistible.
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Coffee Cake: Pairing these brownies with a slice of coffee cake creates a delightful contrast in flavors and textures, making it perfect for brunch!
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Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide a creamy contrast to the dense brownie cookie texture, creating harmony on your dessert platter.
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Nutty Granola: Serve alongside crunchy nutty granola for added texture and an interesting blend of flavors that works well together.
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Chocolate Mousse: For an upscale twist, serve with velvety chocolate mousse that enhances all those deep chocolate flavors in your brownie cookies!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Salted Brownie Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs can affect the batter’s texture. Always use room temperature eggs for a smoother mix.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
- Baking at an incorrect temperature: Oven temperatures can vary. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your cookies bake perfectly.
- Neglecting to cool properly: Moving cookies too soon can cause them to break. Let them sit on the baking sheet first before transferring.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep cookies in a single layer to prevent sticking.
Freezing Salted Brownie Cookies
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Salted Brownie Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally for about 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Salted Brownie Cookies that can help clarify any doubts.
Can I substitute ingredients in Salted Brownie Cookies?
Yes, you can use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil or milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet ones based on your preference.
How do I store Salted Brownie Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Can I add nuts to my Salted Brownie Cookies?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a delightful crunch and flavor.
Why are my Salted Brownie Cookies flat?
Flat cookies may be due to melted butter or not enough flour. Make sure you measure accurately and don’t over-melt the butter.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly at room temperature, they last up to 2 days; frozen, they can last for about three months.
Final Thoughts
Salted Brownie Cookies are a perfect blend of fudgy brownies and chewy cookies, making them a delightful treat any time of day. Feel free to customize your batch with different chocolate types or nuts. Try making these irresistible cookies today!
Salted Brownie Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Salted Brownie Cookies are a delectable treat that beautifully marries the dense, fudgy texture of brownies with the classic charm of cookies. With a shiny, crackly exterior and gooey chocolate chips, these cookies are further elevated by a sprinkle of sea salt, creating an irresistible combination of sweet and savory. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress chocolate lovers of all ages. Their easy-to-follow recipe makes them suitable for bakers of any skill level, allowing you to create a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 2 Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- Sea Salt Flakes (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Beat eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until frothy using a mixer.
- Melt chocolate chips and butter in a saucepan; mix in cocoa powder.
- Combine the melted mixture with wet ingredients until just blended.
- Gradually add dry ingredients until combined; scoop onto prepared sheets.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for 8-10 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
