Salted Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Everybody’s got their favorite chocolate chip cookies, and I’m not sharing these just because they’re salted. In fact, I tend to only share classic recipes like this when I feel like there’s a component that will really differentiate the cookies from the classic version. In the case of these salted dark chocolate chunk cookies, while the bit of fleur de del (sea salt) on the top of the cookies gives it a nice crunch and salty contrast, it’s really the chopped dark chocolate that makes these cookies worth putting aside your own personal favorite recipe to try these.
Maybe this is obvious to everyone else, but I just never really thought about using a chocolate bar in my chocolate chip cookies. When it comes to chocolate chip cookies, I’ve always used semisweet chocolate chips or chunks, or on the rare occasion that I’m out of the semisweet chips, I’ve used milk chocolate chips that I had on hand. Using a chopped up bar of dark chocolate in this cookie dough batter takes these classic cookies to a whole new level of chocolate-y goodness. I guess I never really paid attention to the fact that chocolate chips usually have so much cocoa butter in them and much less of the actual cacoa part. I’ve always just reached for the bag of chocolate chips when I’m making classic chocolate chip cookies because, well, that’s what the cookies are called anyways, right? But the reason chocolate chips have so much cocoa butter in them is to help keep them from melting too much so that they can retain their shape in the finished cookie. Well, the difference here is that when you mix a quality chocolate bar into the cookie dough, one that is particularly decadent like a 72% cacao bar, you end up with something like these salted dark chocolate chunk cookies that are literally the definition of ooey and gooey. The highlight of these salted dark chocolate chunk cookies are the chocolate, so richness is key here; the more chocolate, the better. The salt on top is just a nice contrast to the decadence of the sugar base and chocolate filling, but I made two batches, one with salt and one without, and both of them were equally addictive. I promise you, these won’t last long!
Salted Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Chewy chocolate chip cookies made with chunks of chocolate for plenty of ooey, gooey goodness!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened or at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp table salt
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 oz of dark chocolate, such as Guittard 70% chocolate bars or Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Pound Plus Bars, chopped
- fleur de del to sprinkle on top, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Begin by creaming the butter and sugars until light and fluffy - about 3 minutes. Add in the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Pour in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix the dough just until the flour is incorporated and no longer visible. You should have a somewhat crumbly dough. Scrape the dough off the sides of the bowl before stirring in your chopped chocolate.
- Scoop out a couple heaping tablespoon size scoops of cookie dough into your palm. Round out the cookie dough balls and place them on your baking sheet. Sprinkle a smidgen of sea salt on the top (if using) of each cookie dough ball, very lightly pressing them into the tops if you need to (try to do this without flattening the actual cookie dough balls).
- Bake the cookies for about 13 minutes, just until the cookies begin to set and the edges golden. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes outside of the oven before enjoying. Store in an air-tight container or ziplock bag when cooled.
Notes
You can also mix in milk chocolate bars and semi-sweet chips if you're short on dark chocolate, but if you're going out shopping for the recipe, then I highly recommend going entirely with a quality, 70%-72% dark chocolate bar for ultimate richness and genuine chocolate flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 17 Serving Size: 1 ServingsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 212Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 135mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gProtein: 3g
I’m drooling over your cookies, Beeta! My goodness! This recipe has so many things I love about chocolate chip cookies… I started using cornstarch in much of my baking after I learned the science behind it. I love what it does to baked goods! The chunks of chocolate? Yes please!! I used to do the same thing with chocolate chips – they were my go to. But I didn’t ever think about how they hold their shape vs chocolate chunks. Now I know! No doubt the dark chocolate chunks win in my book too! Love these cookies, Beeta and love how you’ve captured their essence through your photography! Thank you for sharing. xx
This recipe saved my boyfriend and I from eating chocolate bars with 85% cocoa. We bought them in an attempt to have a healthier choice of sweets in the house and they turned out too bbitter. I love a good cookie recipe so this worked perfect. the cookies aren’t extremely sweet either. I do admitt that I only used brown sugar, and I added cinnamon, still worked. 11 minutes was perfect for gooier soft cookie, and 12 minutes was perfect for my preference with a slight crisp on the edges. These are the best cookies I’ve ever made, thanks Beeta!
Wendy, these look delectable! I am so happy that the recipe worked out for you. They’re my favorite cookies too, and I love that I could share them with you and your guy. I can imagine the all brown sugar and cinnamon version just made them all the more chewy and fragrant! Beautiful cookies, thank you for sharing your photo and for the sweet words! XO
what! i’m behind on the cornstarch trend as well! mmm yes can’t wait to try these.
Yes, Anna! Cornstarch is such a miracle in cookies! Hope you get a chance to try! XO
These looks beautiful! I love using chunks of chocolate instead of chocolate chips so there is a piece of gooey chocolate in every bite. Seriously stunning photography Beeta!
Thank you so much, Jess! I really appreciate it!! XO
Ah, you made me crave chocolate chip cookies, Beeta! Love the ooye-gooye chocolate in your cookies!
Thanks, Shinee! Melted chocolate is the best! 🙂 XO
I have not thought of using a chocolate bar for my chocolate chips in chocolate chip cookies! They probably taste better that way.
It’s so much better, Angelina! I had never thought of using it too, but once I did, I was sold 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! XO
oh. my. gosh. i’m drooling!