Fudgy Double Chocolate Chip Cookies with Salt
If you’re craving a dessert that’s irresistibly rich, gooey, and perfectly balanced with a touch of saltiness, this is your go-to recipe. The Fudgy Double Chocolate Chip Cookies with Salt bring together intense chocolate flavor, a chewy texture, and a hint of sea salt that elevates every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or surprising friends, these cookies deliver indulgence with simple ingredients and easy steps that anyone can follow.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate fudginess: These cookies boast a moist, dense center that melts in your mouth rather than a cakey crumb.
- Double the chocolate: Using both cocoa powder and chocolate chips guarantees intense chocolate flavor with delightful texture.
- Perfect salt balance: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
- Simple ingredients: From pantry staples to minimal extras, you won’t need any fancy components.
- Quick and approachable: From mixing to baking, the process is straightforward for beginners and pros alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a vital role, delivering flavor, texture, and structure to create these delicious cookies. The beauty lies in their simplicity, yet each component enhances the experience dramatically.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture, giving cookies that soft, tender feel.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to a slightly crisp edge.
- Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and helps maintain the chewy texture throughout.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour: Builds the cookie structure, balancing chewiness without making it cakey.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
- Baking soda: Provides just enough lift for softness while keeping the fudgy center intact.
- Salt: Not only in the dough but a final sprinkle on top, it sharpens and intensifies all flavors.
- Chocolate chips: Adds bursts of melting chocolate throughout every bite.
Variations for Fudgy Double Chocolate Chip Cookies with Salt
Feeling adventurous? Customizing this recipe is a breeze and a great way to cater to your taste buds or dietary needs. Here are some easy ideas to try:
- Nutty twist: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor contrast.
- Vegan adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs for an egg-free version.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to bring warmth and complexity.
- White chocolate swap: Replace semi-sweet chips with white chocolate for a creamier, sweeter variation.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour without losing texture.
How to Make Fudgy Double Chocolate Chip Cookies with Salt
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by measuring all ingredients accurately. Make sure the butter is softened but not melted, and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key for texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a smooth and glossy batter base that will hold the dry ingredients well.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly throughout the dough.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can toughen the cookies.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold chocolate chips into the dough ensuring an even spread of chocolate in every cookie.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to place dough mounds evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are set but centers still appear slightly soft. Allow cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Making Fudgy Double Chocolate Chip Cookies with Salt
- Chill the dough: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and deepen flavors.
- Measure flour properly: Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level for accuracy to avoid dry, crumbly cookies.
- Don’t overbake: Cookies will continue to set after removal from the oven—target soft centers for perfect fudginess.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder: It significantly affects the depth of chocolate flavor and color.
- Flaky sea salt finish: Always add it on top just before baking for the best contrast and texture.
How to Serve Fudgy Double Chocolate Chip Cookies with Salt
Garnishes
Enhance presentation and flavor by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate combined with extra sea salt flakes.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside tall glasses of cold milk, warm coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat perfect for sharing or savoring solo.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cookies with parchment paper layers in decorative tins for gifting, or sandwich two cookies with your favorite chocolate spread or marshmallow fluff for unique cookie sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep cookies fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Adding a slice of bread helps maintain moisture.
Freezing
Dough can be frozen in scooped balls for up to 3 months—bake directly from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm cookies briefly in the microwave or oven for a few seconds to revive that gooey, just-baked softness whenever you crave them.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate offers a richer, slightly more bitter contrast to the sweet dough, which many chocolate lovers enjoy.
What’s the role of salt in this cookie recipe?
Salt intensifies the chocolate flavor while providing a subtle savory contrast that balances the sweetness beautifully.
How do I keep the cookies fudgy and not cakey?
Use the correct ratio of fats and sugars, avoid overmixing the dough, and watch your baking time carefully to maintain that dense, fudgy texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a good quality gluten-free blend designed for baking cookies.
Why should I refrigerate the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough firms it up, reducing cookie spread during baking and enhancing flavor development for a richer taste.
Final Thoughts
Once you try these Fudgy Double Chocolate Chip Cookies with Salt, they’ll quickly become a favorite go-to for anytime chocolate craving strikes. Their lush texture, rich chocolate punch, and delicate salt finish come together in a spectacular treat that’s simple enough to whip up anytime yet special enough to impress. So grab your ingredients, dive into the process, and get ready to enjoy these divine cookies fresh from your oven!
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PrintFudgy Double Chocolate Chip Cookies with Salt
Fudgy Double Chocolate Chip Cookies with Salt are irresistibly rich and gooey, combining deep chocolate flavor from both cocoa powder and chocolate chips with a perfect chewy texture and a hint of flaky sea salt that enhances every bite. Simple to make with shelf-stable ingredients, these cookies deliver decadent indulgence suitable for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be adapted to Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by measuring all ingredients accurately. Make sure the butter is softened but not melted. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key for texture.
- Add the Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a smooth and glossy batter base that will hold the dry ingredients well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly throughout the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold chocolate chips into the dough ensuring an even spread of chocolate in every cookie.
- Scoop and Bake: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to place dough mounds evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are set but centers still appear slightly soft. Allow cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and deepen flavors.
- Measure flour properly using a kitchen scale or spoon and level method to avoid dry, crumbly cookies.
- Do not overbake; cookies will continue to set after removal from the oven—aim for soft centers for perfect fudginess.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best depth of chocolate flavor and color.
- Always add flaky sea salt on top just before baking for the best contrast and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: double chocolate cookies, fudgy cookies, chocolate chip cookies, salty chocolate cookies, easy chocolate cookies
