Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies

If you’ve ever craved a cookie that perfectly balances rich, bittersweet chocolate with a subtle salty crunch, then these Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies are about to become your new obsession. With the luscious depth of cocoa and the unexpected brightness of flaky sea salt, each bite is a little moment of magic. What makes these cookies truly special is the olive oil, which adds a tender crumb and a nuanced flavor that elevates this classic treat into something elegant and unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but special, each playing a vital role in creating cookies that are moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured. From the earthy olive oil to the bittersweet dark chocolate chunks, every component contributes to the magic of these cookies.

• Flour (1 ¾ cup): The foundation of your cookie dough, providing structure and that perfect chewy bite.
• Cocoa powder (½ cup): Adds rich chocolate flavor and a dark, inviting color that sets the mood for decadence.
• Baking soda (½ tsp): Helps cookies rise just enough to stay soft but not cakey.
• Olive oil (½ cup): A surprising twist that keeps the cookies tender with a subtle fruity note.
• Brown sugar (¾ cup): Brings moistness and a gentle caramel undertone to balance the dark chocolate.
• White sugar (¼ cup): Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with a slight crisp edge.
• Egg (1): Binds everything together with just the right richness.
• Dark chocolate chunks (1 cup): The star ingredient that melts into sinfully gooey pockets of flavor.
• Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top after baking for that unforgettable salty crunch that transforms each bite.

How to Make Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by beating together the olive oil, brown sugar, white sugar, and the egg. This step ensures everything is nicely combined, which gives the dough a smooth, silky texture that will bake into soft, tender cookies. The olive oil here really shines by adding moisture and a subtle depth you don’t get with butter.

Step 2: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Next, gently mix in the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Go slow here — you want even distribution without overmixing, so your cookies stay light and chewy instead of dense.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Chunks

Fold in those generous chunks of dark chocolate. These little pockets of melted chocolate will be the heart of your cookies, bringing warmth and richness with every bite.

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

Spooon out the dough onto a lined baking sheet, giving each cookie plenty of space to spread just a bit. Bake at 350°F for 9 minutes — just enough time to set the edges while keeping the centers irresistibly soft.

Step 5: Sprinkle with Flaky Sea Salt

Right after pulling your cookies from the oven, sprinkle them generously with flaky sea salt. This finishing touch elevates the simply stunning combo of deep chocolate and sweet dough to a whole new level of indulgence.

How to Serve Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra flakes of sea salt can add visual appeal and a burst of flavor just before serving. For a fun twist, try drizzling melted white chocolate on top, which adds a pretty contrast while balancing the richness of the dark chocolate.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, a robust cup of coffee, or even a rich hot chocolate. If you’re feeling fancy, try serving alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—this combo is a classic for a reason, blending warm and cold in perfect harmony.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking the cookies into a rustic tower tied with twine for a charming gift or party centerpiece. Another great idea is to sandwich a bit of cream cheese frosting or nut butter between two cookies for an indulgent cookie sandwich that will wow friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy their luscious flavor.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch in advance, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven for that fresh-baked treat sensation.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This will re-melt the chocolate chunks slightly and awaken the aroma of cocoa and sea salt—pure cookie bliss!

FAQs

Can I substitute butter for olive oil in this recipe?

Absolutely! While olive oil lends a unique flavor and tenderness, using melted butter will give you a richer, more classic cookie taste and slightly different texture. Both are delicious, so feel free to experiment!

What type of dark chocolate works best?

Choose a quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content. This will give you a bold chocolate flavor that balances nicely with the sea salt without being overly bitter.

Why do I need to add sea salt after baking?

Adding flaky sea salt immediately after baking allows it to stay crunchy and maintains its bright burst of flavor. Salt added before baking can dissolve and lose that distinct texture and punch.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum or a similar binder. Just keep the measurements the same and enjoy a gluten-free version of these decadent cookies.

How thick should I scoop the cookie dough?

For best results, scoop cookie dough balls about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons each. This size ensures a nice balance of crispy edges with a chewy, tender center.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to treat yourself or impress your friends with something truly special, don’t hesitate to bake these Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies. They’re a harmonious blend of rich, melting chocolate and the perfect pinch of salt wrapped in a tender, olive oil-infused base. Your taste buds will thank you for every bite, and once you try these cookies, they’re sure to become a new favorite recipe in your kitchen!