If you are a chocolate lover craving that perfect blend of chewy and fudgy textures with an irresistible shiny crackly top, then this Chewy Chocolate Brownie Cookies with Crinkly Tops and Sea Salt Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These cookies capture everything wonderful about a classic brownie but in a delightful cookie form, accented with just the right touch of flaky sea salt to elevate every bite. Whether you want a quick sweet treat for yourself or a stunning dessert to share, these brownies-in-cookie-form deliver with gooey centers, rich dark chocolate flavor, and a spectacular texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with thick, dark brown chocolate batter that has a glossy and smooth texture swirling towards the center. Above the bowl, there is a white plate scattered with chunks of dark chocolate, and next to it is a small white bowl filled with white granules, likely sugar or salt. A light beige cloth is partially visible on a white marbled surface beneath the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chewy Chocolate Brownie Cookies with Crinkly Tops and Sea Salt Recipe is wonderfully simple because each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of rich flavor, chewiness, and beautiful texture. From the butter that adds richness to the cocoa powder that intensifies the chocolate notes, everything here is essential.

Unsalted butter (6 tbsp/84 g): Adds a creamy richness and helps melt the chocolate smoothly.
Chopped dark chocolate (8 oz/227 g, 60% cocoa): This provides the deep chocolate flavor and fudgy texture.
All-purpose flour (1/2 cup/63 g): Gives structure to the cookies without making them cakey.
Dutch process cocoa powder (1/4 cup/20 g): Boosts the chocolate intensity with a smooth, deep taste.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the chocolate flavors.
Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise slightly, contributing to the crinkly tops.
White granulated sugar (1/2 cup/100 g): Provides sweetness and, when beaten with eggs, creates those shiny tops.
Light brown sugar (1/4 cup + 2 tbsp/83 g): Adds moisture and a caramel-like depth to the flavor.
Eggs (2, room temperature): The key to helping the cookie tops crack beautifully and hold everything together.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the chocolate with a warm aromatic undertone.
Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for that perfect salty crunch to contrast the sweetness.

How to Make Chewy Chocolate Brownie Cookies with Crinkly Tops and Sea Salt Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet (about 15 x 21 inches) with parchment paper. Using one large sheet helps ensure all your cookies achieve those signature shiny tops since they bake evenly together. If necessary, two standard sheets can work but keep an eye on baking times.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate

Gently melt the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter with the chopped dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts. Stir frequently until completely smooth. Set aside to cool slightly; this luscious blend is the flavor foundation of our chewy brownie cookies.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

In a medium bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until well combined. This mixture will provide the needed structure and chocolate punch without overwhelming the softness.

Step 4: Beat Sugars, Eggs, and Vanilla

Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat together the white granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla for at least seven minutes. This step is crucial—it aerates the eggs and helps create the beautiful, crinkly tops on your cookies. Your batter will become lighter and thicker as you go.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the sugar and egg mixture and gently stir to combine. Next, fold in the dry ingredients just until you no longer see streaks of flour. The dough will be very soft and fudgy.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Immediately scoop the dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheet using a tablespoon-sized scoop, spacing them about 1 1/2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Don’t stress about perfectly round scoops—the batter’s soft texture means the final shape will be rustic and charming. Work quickly to keep the glossy tops intact and bake for 11 to 12 minutes until the tops crack slightly.

Step 7: Shape and Cool

While still warm, you can gently press around each cookie with a circular cookie cutter if you want cleaner edges. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. A final flourish of flaky sea salt crowns these beauties before serving.

How to Serve Chewy Chocolate Brownie Cookies with Crinkly Tops and Sea Salt Recipe

There are about twelve round chocolate cookies with a cracked shiny surface arranged closely on a light brown parchment paper. Each cookie has a dark brown color with textured cracks and is sprinkled with coarse white salt flakes on top. On the right side, there is a small white bowl with a flower petal shape filled with white flaky salt. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt is all you need to finish these cookies, but feel free to get creative. A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or even a scattering of chopped nuts can add texture and look stunning.

Side Dishes

These brownie cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast the chewy richness. For a beverage, a cold glass of milk or a bold cup of coffee complements the deep chocolate flavor beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a wooden board alongside fresh berries and mint leaves for a rustic dessert spread. Wrapped individually in parchment and tied with twine, they also make charming, edible gifts for friends and family. Their crinkly tops add instant visual appeal no matter how you serve them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Chewy Chocolate Brownie Cookies with Crinkly Tops and Sea Salt Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly chewy for up to four days, making them an easy go-to sweet treat anytime.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When stored properly, they maintain their texture and flavor for up to three months.

Reheating

Warm the cookies briefly in a microwave or oven to revive their soft, gooey charm. About 10 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes at 300°F in the oven works perfectly to bring back that fresh-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

While dark chocolate gives a deeper flavor and rich fudgy texture, you can substitute milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, milder taste. Just keep in mind that milk chocolate has more sugar, so the cookies may be less intense and slightly less chewy.

Why is it important to beat the eggs and sugar for 7 minutes?

This step aerates the mixture, creating tiny air bubbles that expand during baking, ultimately forming those signature crinkly, shiny tops that make these cookies special. It’s the key to texture and visual appeal!

What does the flaky sea salt add to the cookies?

The flaky sea salt adds a pop of contrasting saltiness that highlights the chocolate’s sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. It also adds a delightful crunchy texture with every bite.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder for structure. The texture might vary slightly but they will still be delicious.

Can I skip the shaping with the cookie cutter after baking?

Absolutely! The shaping is optional and just for appearance. If you prefer a more rustic look, you can leave the cookies as they bake naturally. They will still taste incredible.

Final Thoughts

These Chewy Chocolate Brownie Cookies with Crinkly Tops and Sea Salt Recipe are a true celebration of everything wonderful about chocolate baked treats. Rich, chewy, fudgy, with gorgeous crackly tops and a sprinkle of sea salt—they feel special yet come together quickly and simply. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do because they might just become your new favorite cookie for chocolate moments ahead.