Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats, and set aside.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine 8 ounces chocolate with the butter. Using the microwave or a double boiler, melt them together until the mixture is smooth. (If using the microwave, do this at 50% power in 30 second intervals, stirring the mixture in between each burst of heat.) Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt.

Step 4

Using a stand or hand mixer, blend the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes. Scrape in the melted chocolate and blend until the mixture is uniform. Add the flour mixture and blend again. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips, chunks, or pieces by hand.

Step 5

At this point, the dough will most likely be a bit thin. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes on the counter or in the fridge, to allow the melted chocolate to cool further and give shape to the dough. When the dough is stiff enough to hold a rounded shape, it’s ready.

Step 6

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets, leaving 2-3 inches in between. Bake on a middle rack for 10-12 minutes, until the tops are shiny and crackly, but the cookies are still soft in the center. Remove from the oven.

Step 7

Press a few extra chocolate chips into the tops of the cookies (this is optional & just for looks) and sprinkle right away with additional sea salt. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy!