If you are a chocolate devotee, nothing will satisfy your sweet tooth quite like the Best Ever Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies Recipe. These irresistible cookies have shiny, crackled tops that give way to wonderfully rich and fudgy interiors, offering the perfect balance of sweet and salty in every single bite. Made with minimal fuss and coming together in under 40 minutes without any chill time needed, this recipe is a true game-changer for your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re craving something cozy for an afternoon treat or looking to impress friends at your next gathering, these brownie cookies will quickly become your go-to indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating these decadent treats. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect fudgy texture, deep chocolate flavor, and that signature crackled top you’ll fall head over heels for.
- 2/3 cup (94 g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender.
- 2 Tbsp (12 g) Dutch process unsweetened cocoa, sifted: Adds intense chocolate richness and a beautiful dark color.
- 1 tsp (4 g) baking powder: Helps give the cookies a subtle lift without sacrificing fudginess.
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) salt: Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
- 8 ounces (226 g) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped (66-70% recommended): The star ingredient for that deep, melty chocolate goodness.
- 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, cubed: Adds richness and smooth texture to the cookies.
- 2 large eggs (100 g), at room temperature: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together perfectly.
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar: Gives sweetness and contributes to the crackled top.
- 1/2 cup (92 g) light brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel notes and keeps the cookies chewy.
- 1 tsp (4 g) vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor, creating a warm, inviting aroma.
- 1/2 cup (85 g) semisweet chocolate chips: For extra pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
- Flaky salt, for topping: The perfect finishing touch that lifts and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Best Ever Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This little prep step makes cleanup a breeze and guarantees your cookies will slide off effortlessly once baked.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This dry blend is the foundation that gives the cookies their rich chocolate color and just the right amount of lift without compromising their fudgy texture.
Step 3: Melt Chocolate and Butter
Place the chopped semisweet chocolate and cubed butter in a heat-proof bowl over a saucepan with simmering water to create a double boiler. Stir gently and slowly melt until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Allow the mixture to cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.
Step 4: Whisk Eggs and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract using a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whisk on medium speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and has doubled in volume — this step creates a light texture that contrasts delightfully with the fudgy centers.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly add the melted chocolate-butter mixture into the egg mixture, beating for 1 minute. Then, add the dry ingredient mixture and mix on low speed just until combined—overmixing can toughen the cookies, so a gentle hand here keeps them tender and fudgy.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips for extra bursts of melty chocolate in every bite. The dough will resemble a gooey brownie batter, which is exactly what you want for these sumptuous cookies.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a medium cookie scoop lightly sprayed with nonstick spray, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Aim to space cookies about 2 inches apart, placing 10 cookies per baking sheet for optimal room to spread. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through to ensure even browning. Look for shiny, crackled tops—they signal that fudgy perfection is just a bite away.
Step 8: Add Finishing Touches and Cool
Once the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle them generously with flaky salt. This finishing touch elevates the flavors by introducing a delightful salty contrast to the rich chocolate. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The magic of these cookies is best experienced slightly warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Best Ever Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Best Ever Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies Recipe even more special, consider topping them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. A sprinkle of extra flaky sea salt right before serving adds a sophisticated crunch that instantly impresses.
Side Dishes
Pairing these brownies with a cold glass of milk is a classic combo that never disappoints. For a grown-up twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast the intense chocolate flavor and add a creamy texture dimension.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your brownie cookies beautifully on a wooden board with fresh berries and mint leaves for a stunning dessert platter. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies with chocolate ganache or peanut butter for a decadent cookie sandwich everyone will rave about. The options to showcase your Best Ever Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies Recipe are truly endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your baking session (though it’s hard to imagine!), store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay deliciously fudgy and tender for 1 to 2 days, perfect for snacking or sharing.
Freezing
To save these treats for later, freeze any leftover brownie cookies by placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment paper between layers. They maintain their fudgy charm for up to two weeks in the freezer—a wonderful way to have dessert on hand anytime.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies again, simply let them thaw at room temperature. For that freshly baked warm feeling, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. The warmth brings back that gooey texture, making each bite feel freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! While semisweet chocolate with 66-70% cocoa is recommended for the perfect balance, feel free to use dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference. Keep in mind that milk chocolate will make the cookies sweeter and less intense, while dark chocolate will deepen the fudgy richness.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling required! One of the best things about this Best Ever Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies Recipe is how quickly it comes together. The dough spreads perfectly in the oven without any wait time, saving you prep hassle and delivering fresh cookies fast.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, ideally one designed for baking. Make sure to sift the cocoa and baking powder as usual, and keep an eye on baking times, as gluten-free flours can sometimes bake differently.
Why do the cookies have crackled tops?
The characteristic shiny, crackled tops come from the balance of sugar, eggs, and high-quality melted chocolate. Whisking the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy creates a delicate meringue-like layer on top that cracks beautifully as the cookies bake.
How fudgy are these cookies compared to regular brownies?
These brownie cookies offer the ultimate fudgy texture right in a cookie form. They are denser and gooier than typical cookies but easy to handle without the messiness of a brownie bar. If you love fudgy brownies but want an easy-to-share cookie, this recipe is perfect.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something special about the Best Ever Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies Recipe that hits every sweet spot—from the crackled, glossy tops to the melty chocolate centers finished with just a pinch of flaky salt. I can’t recommend this recipe enough for anyone craving a fast, fuss-free, yet incredibly indulgent chocolate treat. Give it a try, and prepare to have your new favorite dessert in your recipe box for good!
Print
Best Ever Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies Recipe
The best salted brownie cookies with shiny, crackled tops and rich, fudgy centers. Perfectly fudgy and tender, these chocolate lover’s treats come together quickly with no chill time needed, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2/3 cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp (12 g) Dutch process unsweetened cocoa, sifted
- 1 tsp (4 g) baking powder
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) salt
Chocolate & Butter
- 8 ounces (226 g) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped (recommended: 66-70% chocolate)
- 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, cubed
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (100 g), at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (92 g) light brown sugar
- 1 tsp (4 g) vanilla extract
Mix-ins & Topping
- 1/2 cup (85 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- flaky salt, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over gently simmering water, slowly melt the finely chopped semisweet chocolate and cubed unsalted butter. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the eggs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk on medium speed for 5 minutes until the mixture is pale and has doubled in volume.
- Incorporate Melted Chocolate: Reduce the mixer speed to low and beat in the melted chocolate mixture for 1 minute to blend fully.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed for about 20 seconds until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips into the dough, which should resemble a gooey brownie batter.
- Form Cookies: Using a medium cookie scoop lightly coated with nonstick spray, scoop the dough over the prepared baking sheets. Invert the scoop to release cookies spaced about 2 inches apart, fitting 10 cookies per sheet.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through baking, until the tops are shiny and crackly.
- Finish and Cool: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle flaky salt on top of each cookie. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Cookies are best enjoyed fresh when they are the most fudgy and tender.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Use Dutch process cocoa for a deeper chocolate flavor and better texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American