Name: Ultimate Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies in 40 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 34 min
Ingredients: 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Feel free to swap for gluten-free flour if needed.); ⅓ cup Dutch Process Cocoa Powder (Natural cocoa can work as a substitute in a pinch.); ½ cup Granulated Sugar (Using light brown sugar adds extra moisture and flavor.); ½ cup Light Brown Sugar (Dark brown sugar offers a more robust flavor if desired.); ½ cup Salted Butter (Unsalted butter can be used to control saltiness.); ½ cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips (Swap for milk chocolate if you prefer.); 2 large Eggs (Consider flax eggs for a vegan alternative.); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Use pure vanilla for the best flavor.); 1 tsp Flaky Sea Salt (Omit if you prefer a less salty cookie.)

In the heart of my kitchen, something magical is happening. As I whip up a batch of Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies, the rich aroma of melting chocolate fills the air, transporting me to my happiest culinary memories. These cookies are the perfect blend of brownie bliss and cookie comfort, featuring shiny, crinkled tops that promise pure indulgence. What makes them even more delightful is that you can have these warm, gooey treats ready in under 40 minutes—no chilling required! They strike the perfect balance between chewy and fudgy, making them a surefire crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Are you ready to dive into this chocolatey adventure and savor each sweet bite? Let’s get baking!

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Unique Blend of Flavors: The rich, chocolatey taste combined with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt creates a decadent experience that chocolate lovers crave.

Quick to Make: Ready in just 40 minutes without any chilling time, making them perfect for spontaneous baking cravings!

Fudgy Texture: Achieving a chewy, fudgy consistency enhances the joy of biting into these cookies—each one is a little piece of heaven.

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether you’re hosting friends or having a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress! Pair them with a scoop of ice cream for an elevated dessert experience.

For more delightful sweets, check out my Lemon Pistachio Cookies or the Gluten Free Cookies that everyone can enjoy!

Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies

All-Purpose Flour – Provides the ideal structure for these fudgy salted brownie cookies; feel free to swap for gluten-free flour if needed.
Dutch Process Cocoa Powder – Delivers a rich chocolate flavor and deep color; natural cocoa can work as a substitute in a pinch.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and contributes to a chewy texture; using light brown sugar adds extra moisture and flavor.
Light Brown Sugar – Enhances the cookies’ chewiness; dark brown sugar offers a more robust, caramel-like flavor if you want to try something different.
Salted Butter – Infuses the cookies with rich flavor; using unsalted butter can be a good choice if you want to control the saltiness.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Intensifies the chocolate experience in every bite; swap for milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter treat.
Eggs – Binds all ingredients together for the perfect fudgy cookie consistency; consider flax eggs for a vegan alternative.
Vanilla Extract – Adds depth and warmth to the cookies; make sure to use pure vanilla for the best flavor.
Flaky Sea Salt – A tantalizing finish that elevates the chocolate flavor; feel free to omit if you prefer a less salty option.

Enjoy the delightful experience of baking these fudgy salted brownie cookies, and watch as they bring smiles to everyone’s faces!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, take two baking sheets and prepare them with a light coating of nonstick spray or parchment paper. This ensures your Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies won’t stick, allowing for easy transfer once they come out of the oven.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of Dutch process cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the ingredients. You should see a nice, rich cocoa color throughout the mixture, signaling that your dry ingredients are ready to complement the chocolate goodness in the cookies.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a double boiler over simmering water, combine ½ cup of cubed salted butter and ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips. Stir gently until both are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly before moving on, ensuring it doesn’t cook the eggs in the next step.

Step 4: Beat the Eggs and Sugars
In a stand mixer bowl, add 2 large eggs, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of light brown sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 3–5 minutes, until it becomes pale and fluffy. This aeration will contribute to the cookies’ rich texture, setting the stage for that perfect fudgy center.

Step 5: Combine Melted Chocolate and Egg Mixture
Gradually pour the slightly cooled melted chocolate and butter mixture into the beaten eggs, mixing on low speed until just combined. The glossy chocolate should swirl into the egg mixture, creating an enticing, rich batter that enhances the flavors of your Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to overmix; you want a fudgy consistency. Once combined, fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips with a spatula, creating lovely pockets of gooey chocolate throughout your cookies.

Step 7: Portion the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, placing them about 2 inches apart. You should see the dough mounding slightly, promising that chewy texture. These cookies will spread while baking, so be sure to give them space!

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 12–14 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are shiny and crinkled, giving a tempting glimpse of that fudgy center. Just before they finish, prepare to sprinkle them with flaky sea salt for that irresistible touch!

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes. This step helps them set further before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely to enhance the fudgy texture; then they’re ready to be enjoyed—soft, chewy, and utterly delicious!

What to Serve with Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies

Indulging in these fudgy delights opens the door to a world of delicious pairings that elevate your dessert experience.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the rich chocolate flavor, its creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the chewy brownie cookies.
Fresh Berries: Bright, juicy raspberries or strawberries add a refreshing touch that balances the sweetness of the cookies. Their tartness creates a delightful explosion of flavors with every bite.
Coffee: A warm cup of freshly brewed coffee enhances the chocolate notes while providing a comforting aroma to your dessert spread. It makes for the perfect afternoon treat.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that makes each bite feel indulgent. Plus, it’s wonderfully adaptable with a hint of vanilla or cocoa.
Sheet Cake: Serve alongside a moist chocolate sheet cake for a delightful chocolate overload! The contrast in textures offers a unique twist to your dessert table.
Nutty Pairings: Walnuts or sliced almonds introduce a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor that complement the fudginess of the cookies. Try serving them mixed with your cookies for an elevated treat!
Mint Tea: A soothing cup of mint tea refreshes the palate and provides a soothing finish after indulging in chocolatey goodness. The mint’s coolness enhances your experience without overwhelming it.
Toasted Coconut Flakes: A sprinkle of toasted coconut on top takes it to the next level! Its sweetness and chewiness pairs perfectly with the brownie cookies, creating a tropical twist on this classic dessert.

How to Store and Freeze Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 7 days. This keeps them soft and chewy, ready to enjoy anytime!

Fridge: If you prefer chilled cookies, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, but be aware that this may affect their fudginess.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked cookie dough portions in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and they’ll last for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen with a couple of extra minutes added to the baking time.

Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, microwave them for 10–15 seconds. This revives their gooey texture and makes them feel freshly baked again!

Make Ahead Options

These Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies are perfect for meal prep, saving you time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain their fudgy texture, make sure to cover the dough tightly to prevent air exposure. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto your baking sheets and allow for an extra minute or two of baking time. This way, you’ll still enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies without the hassle of starting from scratch on a busy day!

Expert Tips for Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies

Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature before whisking to achieve optimal volume and a lighter texture in your cookies.
Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine the ingredients, especially in the final mixing stages, to keep the dough fudgy. Overmixing can lead to cakey cookies.
Weigh Your Ingredients: Utilizing a kitchen scale ensures accurate measurements, particularly with flour, leading to consistently perfect fudgy salted brownie cookies every time.
Cool Baking Sheets: Allow your baking sheets to cool between batches. This prevents the dough from spreading too much, ensuring those lovely thick centers remain intact.
Immediate Salt Sprinkle: Sprinkle flaky sea salt just before the cookies come out of the oven for that crunchy finish that perfectly balances the sweetness.

Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies Variations

Get ready to unleash your creativity in the kitchen with these delightful twists on classic brownie cookies!

Espresso Boost: Add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter for a luscious depth of flavor that resonates with coffee lovers. The rich aroma enhances the chocolate even further, making every bite a little piece of heaven.
Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast to the fudgy interior. The combination of chocolate and nuts provides a satisfying texture, balancing sweetness with a delightful crunch.
Dark Chocolate Delight: Swap out semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet bite. This variation brings an intense chocolate flavor that gourmet cookie enthusiasts will adore.
Mint Chocolate Twist: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter for a fresh, minty flavor. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for an extra festive touch during the holidays!
Coconut Craze: Incorporate ½ cup of shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical flair and chewy texture. This delicious twist adds a delightful surprise that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper for a surprising heat that complements the sweetness. It’s a daring yet delicious way to elevate your cookie experience!
Chocolate Chip Selections: Experiment with different chocolate chip varieties, such as butterscotch or white chocolate. Each option brings a unique flavor profile and delightful gooeyness that’ll keep everyone guessing.

For even more sweet creations, you might want to flip through my Meringue Pie Cookies or the delightful Cotton Candy Cookies that are sure to spark joy!

Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best cocoa powder for my cookies?
Absolutely! For the richest flavor, I recommend using Dutch process cocoa powder, as it gives a deeper chocolate taste and color. If Dutch process isn’t available, natural cocoa powder will work just fine, though the flavor might be slightly less intense.

What’s the best way to store my Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies?
For optimal freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. This keeps them delightfully soft and chewy. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to 2 weeks or freezing the unbaked dough.

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Fudgy Salted Brownie Cookies dough, scoop the portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once firm, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place them straight from the freezer into the preheated oven, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

What should I do if my cookies come out cakey instead of fudgy?
Very important! Cakey cookies often result from overmixing the dough or adding too much flour. To avoid this, mix the ingredients just until combined and use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour. If your cookies do come out cakey, don’t worry! They might just need a little more chocolate drizzled on top for added richness!

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Of course! For those with dietary restrictions, you can make these cookies vegan by substituting the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg), and using dairy-free chocolate chips. Always check labels for potential allergens, especially if serving to guests with allergies.

How do I achieve the perfect shiny, crackled tops?
To create those enticing shiny, crackled tops, make sure to beat the eggs and sugars well until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy—this aeration is crucial. Additionally, sprinkling flaky sea salt just before you take the cookies out of the oven adds a beautiful finish, amplifying their visual appeal and flavor!