Vegan Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies Recipe | Easy & Delicious

Craving a Decadent Treat That’s Actually Vegan?

Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp cookie, the dark chocolate melting on your tongue, a hint of sea salt enhancing every glorious bite. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, dream no more! These Vegan Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies are not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. Prepare to impress yourself (and everyone else) with this simple yet utterly satisfying recipe.

Why You’ll Love It

• These cookies are intensely chocolatey, thanks to the rich dark chocolate.
• They boast a perfect balance of sweet and salty, making them incredibly addictive.
• The slightly crisp edges and chewy center provide a delightful textural contrast.
• They’re quick and easy to whip up, perfect for when you need a treat in a hurry.
• These cookies are naturally vegan and easily adaptable to other dietary needs.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

Unlike many vegan cookies that might compromise on flavor or texture, this recipe uses a specific blend of ingredients to achieve that classic, indulgent cookie experience – but completely plant-based! The combination of quality dark chocolate and flaky sea salt creates an extraordinary flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Plus, we’re using a touch of cornstarch to give them that super tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior. No dry or crumbly cookies here!

Ingredient List

• 1 cup (225g) vegan butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce (or other egg replacer)
• 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 ½ cups (250g) vegan dark chocolate chips or chunks
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with a mixer, or slightly longer if mixing by hand.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and applesauce until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the vegan dark chocolate chips or chunks.
7. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Sprinkle each cookie generously with flaky sea salt.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to add some extra pizzazz? Here are some tasty options:

• Add nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch.
• Espresso powder: Mix 1 teaspoon of espresso powder into the dry ingredients for a mocha flavor.
• Dried fruit: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a burst of sweetness and chewiness.

Expert Tips

• Use good-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor – the higher the cocoa content, the richer the cookie.
• Don’t overmix the dough once you’ve added the dry ingredients; this will help keep the cookies tender.
• Make sure your vegan butter is softened to room temperature to ensure even mixing.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch – it’s what gives these cookies their extra soft interior.
• Press a few extra chocolate chips or chunks onto the tops of the dough before baking for a more impressive look.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use a different type of sugar? While brown and white sugars yield the best results for texture, you can experiment with coconut or cane sugar for a slightly different outcome.
• Can I substitute the all-purpose flour? Yes, you can use a gluten-free blend that substitutes 1:1 for all-purpose flour.
• How should I store these cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze it for future use.
• Can I use regular chocolate chips if I am not vegan? Absolutely! You can use regular dark chocolate chips instead of vegan if desired.

Variations and Customization Options

Get creative and try these variations:

• Mint Chocolate: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and use mint chocolate chips for a minty treat.
• Orange Chocolate: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest and a few drops of orange extract for a citrusy twist.
• White Chocolate: Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

These Vegan Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies are wonderful on their own, paired with a glass of cold plant-based milk or a warm cup of coffee. They also make a fantastic addition to dessert platters and are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Conclusion

These Vegan Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies are a testament to the fact that vegan treats can be just as indulgent and satisfying as their non-vegan counterparts. They’re easy to make, utterly delicious, and sure to become a new favorite. So, go ahead, treat yourself and share the joy! Don’t forget to snap some photos of your beautiful cookies and share them with us. Happy baking!

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake
• Flourless Almond Cake
• Gluten-Free Carrot Cake
• Apple Fritter Bread

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