Salted Brownie Cookies

Salted Brownie Cookies are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts, delivering an irresistible chocolatey treat. With their shiny, crackly tops and a delightful sprinkle of sea salt flakes, these cookies are sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply indulging on a cozy night in, these decadent fudgy cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth like no other!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The rich chocolate flavor combined with a hint of sea salt creates an extraordinary taste experience.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal equipment, anyone can whip up these delicious cookies in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, party, or just a treat for yourself, these cookies fit right in.
• Fudgy Texture: These cookies have that soft and chewy texture that brownie lovers crave, making them truly special.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add extra chocolate chips or nuts to make them your own!

Tools and Preparation

To ensure your Salted Brownie Cookies turn out perfectly, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone mats
• Cookie scoop or spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These help achieve a light and airy batter by thoroughly mixing the ingredients.
• Mixing bowls: They allow you to combine wet and dry ingredients easily without mess.
• Baking sheets: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking for all your cookies.
• Cooling rack: This helps cool the cookies evenly, preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

Salted Brownie Cookies bring two desserts into one delicious chocolatey treat! With a shiny, crackly outside that’s topped with semi-sweet chocolate chips and sea salt flakes, these decadent fudgy cookies will satisfy any chocolate lovers sweet tooth!

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

Toppings

• 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (plus some for topping cookies)
• Sea Salt Flakes (for topping cookies)

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 them aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. 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:
1. Heat the semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsalted butter over medium heat until melted and smooth.
2. Remove from heat and whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder and espresso powder until combined.

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 using a spatula. The batter will be thinner but still scoopable.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a 1½ tablespoon-size cookie scoop or 2 spoons:
– Scoop out cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1½ inches between each cookie.

Step 8: Sprinkle Sea Salt

Sprinkle sea salt flakes over each cookie before baking.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350ºF until tops appear shiny and crackly.

Step 10: Add Extra Chocolate Chips

Once removed from the oven:
– Top with additional chocolate chips if desired while still warm. You can also use a round cookie cutter to shape them into perfect rounds if desired.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Let cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to cooling racks. Enjoy while warm!

These Salted Brownie Cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in sealed containers at room temperature for up to two days!

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 enjoying a quiet night in, consider these serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that complements the rich chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve the cookies warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness and a touch of gourmet flair.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries or raspberries provide a tart contrast that brightens up the dessert.

Enjoy with Coffee or Espresso

• The bitterness of coffee or espresso enhances the chocolate flavors, making it an ideal afternoon treat.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include these cookies on a platter alongside other desserts like brownies and cheesecake for variety.

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How to Perfect Salted Brownie Cookies

Achieving the perfect Salted Brownie Cookies is all about attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix just until combined to keep your cookies fudgy and prevent them from becoming tough.
• Scoop Dough Evenly – Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizes, ensuring even baking and presentation.
• Monitor Baking Time – Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking; they should have a shiny top.
• Let Them Cool Properly – Allow cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a rack; this helps them set without breaking.
• Experiment with Toppings – Try different toppings like nuts or flavored salts for unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Brownie Cookies

While Salted Brownie Cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with certain side dishes can create a more balanced dessert experience. Here are some great options.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness that complements the rich flavors of the cookies.
2. Chocolate Fondue – Dip strawberries or bananas into warm chocolate fondue for an interactive dessert experience.
3. Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites provide creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the fudginess of brownie cookies.
4. Mini Pies – Offer small fruit pies, like apple or cherry, for guests who enjoy both sweet and tart flavors together.
5. Whipped Cream – Serve alongside whipped cream for those who appreciate lightness next to rich chocolate desserts.
6. Nutty Trail Mix – Provide a crunchy trail mix as an alternative snack option that pairs well with sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Salted Brownie Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your treat. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs and butter can affect the texture of your cookies. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping directly from the bag for accuracy.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can make the cookies tough. Mix until just combined for that perfect fudgy texture.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature; always preheat properly and use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Baking Too Long: Cookies may look underbaked but will continue to set as they cool. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they have a shiny, crackly top.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Salted Brownie Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Salted Brownie Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Salted Brownie Cookies.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips based on your preference.

How do I make my cookies even fudgier?

To achieve extra fudginess, try adding an additional egg yolk or reducing the flour slightly in your recipe.

What makes Salted Brownie Cookies unique?

The combination of brownie texture with cookie form creates a chewy, fudge-like experience topped with flaky sea salt.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add great flavor and crunch. You can also include caramel bits or dried fruit!

Final Thoughts

These Salted Brownie Cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional desserts, combining the rich flavor of brownies with the convenience of cookies. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various toppings or mix-ins. Try out this recipe today and enjoy these heavenly treats warm from the oven!