The combination of roasted almonds, sweet milk chocolate chips, bitter cacao nibs and a sprinkling of smoky salt makes these cookies totally irresistible!
roasted almond, chocolate chip, cacao nib cookies with smoked sea salt

As it turns out, you can smoke anything.

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Although, you should be forewarned that if you try to smoke a cigarette while walking by me on the street (e- or otherwise), I will scream WHAT IS THAT DISGUSTING SMELL as loudly as is humanly possible.

Then I will fake cough, point at you emphatically, and proceed to scream some more about how you’re breathing cancer air on me.

And if you think I’m exaggerating, let’s walk down York Avenue together and you’ll just see how hyperbolic I can be.

Or, you can ask the.boy, who has been subjected to many such theatrical performances.

Let’s just say that if there were an Oscar awarded for Best Street Screaming. I would be a shoe-in.

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You don’t even want to know what I do to people I catch smoking in Central Park, where it is ILLEGAL.

(Though if you think it involves running to find the nearest police officer or park ranger, dragging them over to the offending individual, and then standing there until they write them a ticket…there is a high probability that you are right.)

(Good guess.)

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Obviously, I’m talking about smoking food, though.

I was first introduced to the wonders of the smoked food world by one Miss Hazel Sy of the blog Tasty Pursuits. We were baking for a fundraiser together when all of a sudden she ran outside with her cupcakes and started SMOKING THEM.

Not the lighting them on fire way, but the infuse them with flaming hickory wood flavor kind of way.

AKA the only kind of way I’ll tolerate.

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It was only after that first smoky-sweet bite that I realized that things other than pork and salmon could be smoked! And with fabulous results.

I started off with smoked cheeses, which are a bit of an easy sell. Because, CHEESE.

But smokiness in my sweet treats didn’t come too easily to me.

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Until these cookies. Which are a sweet salty lovers’ dream.

Mixed into these are roasted almonds, milk chocolate chips, and cacao nibs with a pinch of smoked sea salt sprinkled on top for good luck. Or good memories.

Or happy taste buds.

Or all of the above.

I was very sad to part with any of them, but I managed to save a few to send to my friend Cheralee for The Leftovers Club this month! I hope they got to her okay and that she devours them as fast as I did.

Roasted Almond, Chocolate Chip, and Cocoa Nib Cookies with Smoked Sea Salt
 
The combination of roasted almonds, sweet milk chocolate chips, bitter cacao nibs and a sprinkling of smoky salt makes these cookies totally irresistible!
Yield: 45 cookies
Ingredients
  • 2 cups plus 3 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 9 oz unsalted butter, softened
  • 1¾ cups dark brown sugar
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups large milk chocolate chips
  • 1 cup roasted almonds, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup cocoa nibs
  • smoked sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
  1. Sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. Set aside.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and the vanilla. Add half of the flour to the batter and mix until just combined. Add all of the egg mixture, mixing until combined, and then the remaining flour. Mix until combined, about a minute.
  4. Add the chocolate chips to the mixture, 1 cup at a time, mixing for 30 seconds after each addition. Add the almonds and cocoa nibs, mixing until combined. Transfer the batter to a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour.
  5. Heat oven to 350F.
  6. Using a 1½ tbsp cookie scoop, scoop the dough into heaping scoops onto parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving about 1-inch between each cookie. Sprinkle with the smoked salt. Bake for 10 minutes and then let the cookies cool on the pans for 10 minutes before removing to a rack to cool completely.
Notes
Recipe very lightly adapted from Sweet
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 cookie

For more sweet and salty cookies, check out these:

salt-n-pepper cookies from Eats Well With Others

Salt-n-Pepper Cookies

chocolate butter pecan sandwich cookies

Chocolate Butter Pecan Sandwich Cookies

white chocolate buttered popcorn cookies

White Chocolate Buttered Popcorn Cookies

From Around the Web:

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chunk Cookies from Foodie with Family

White Chocolate Toffee Brown Butter Cookies from Baker By Nature

Pretzel Shortbread Cookies from My Name is Yeh

Black Sesame Macarons from The Tart Tart

Cookie Butter and Salted Caramel Cookie Sandwiches from Keep It Sweet Desserts
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75 Responses to Roasted Almond, Chocolate Chip, and Cacao Nib Cookies with Smoked Sea Salt

  1. Kathryn says:

    I love using a sprinkle of smoked sea salt in cookies – it adds such a unique flavour. These cookies sound perfect!

  2. Sune Moolman says:

    Oh my, this looks great. I think I should bake one giant cookie, then I won’t feel obliged to share with anyone!

  3. Smoked salt is SUCH an amazing ingredient! It works so well with almonds & chocolate – I love sprinkling a bit of homemade chocolate almond butter cups!

  4. Krista says:

    Oh Joanne, you make me laugh! AND remind me of my sis-in-law who, while waiting to go through a toll booth saw the driver ahead of her throw trash out the window. She promptly got out, picked up the trash, opened the drivers door and threw it right back in again. You guys rock. 🙂

  5. Smoked sea salt on cookies..I could get behind this movement! Sounds like an awesome flavor combo all around with these different ingredients!! 🙂

  6. You know I love smoked sea salt:-) This cookie combination sounds amazing!

  7. Shaina says:

    LOL I am the same way with smokers on the street. Ugh, I HATE it!

    But smoking desserts, now THAT is a different story. Genius!

  8. I officially love you 20X more for your smoking outrage!! I WISH I could be that bold….but instead I just say mean things in my head. There are SO MANY smokers in Montreal!!! I hate it. OH! Love these cookies…you’ve totally inspired me to bake with cocoa nibs 🙂

  9. Beth says:

    You really must walk with my youngest daughter sometime. She’d be a shoo-in for Best Supporting Street Screamer, and between the two of you, you’d clean up the streets in no time.

    Also? Love these cookies.

  10. Sues says:

    These cookies sound sooo unique and fabulous. Smoked cookies, smoked cupcakes; what will they think of next?! 🙂

  11. mmmm..smoked sea salt..these cookies sound and look fantastic!

  12. Jennifer says:

    So much good stuff going on in these! Pinned!

  13. Now I wish I had taken part in this month’s leftovers club abd had been paired with YOU! These sound genius! – and totally delicious!

  14. Yummy cookies Joanne 😉 I can’t wait to bake a batch of cookies now ^^

  15. SallyBR says:

    Methinks you need a stovetop smoker…. well, maybe that’s not going to work in an apartment, I don’t know… I should use mine more often…

    Great cookies, love the use of smoked salt…

  16. Faye says:

    Whoa, you just combined some of my most favorite things! Lucky for me, I have all of these ingredients in my pantry right now!

  17. Amazing! You have a lucky partner this month!!

  18. You make the most flawless and beautiful cookies! They look absolutely amazing and I love the flavor combo!

  19. Yes, a million times! You had me at cocoa nibs and then I totally lost it at smoked salt. I NEED these… like, now!

  20. Erica says:

    Ha ha, I am the same way around smokers…they drive me NUTS!

    This sounds like a great combo.

  21. Dang. These look ridiculously good. I’m so intrigued by the idea of a smoky cookie. It sounds wonderfully sweet and savory. I also detest smoking, but generally don’t make a scene, unless I see someone smoking that’s pregnant. That may be one of the things that makes me most angry in the world. Yesterday I was driving and passed a pregnant lady who was smoking. I almost turned the car around just so I could scold her.

  22. Sooooo we have this grill cookbook and there are all kinds of crazy smoked recipes for cookies and cakes and things. If I can win one battle with the mosquitoes I will totally be trying one of them. The best part about THESE COOKIES is that I can make them in my climate controlled mosquito-free kitchen! And also they look delicious. Obviously.

  23. Pam says:

    I am a mama bear when people are smoking near my children… I have a feeling you are going to be too!!! 😉

    The cookies look mouthwatering good. I know I couldn’t eat just one!

  24. Is it weird that I sort of like the smell of cigarette smoke? I mean, obviously I don’t want a huge amount in my face – I do the little waving my hand in front of my face thing when that happens – but I actually don’t mind a little whiff. My freshman dorm in college was right in front of this bench-thingy that everyone called the ashtray because it’s where all the smokers went, so when I smell cigarette smoke it reminds me of undergrad!

    Anyhoo, these cookies sound SO GOOD.

  25. These cookies are full of all good things! In fact, I think they would last a shockingly short time in my house. Keep up the good work with the street yelling (I might be guilty of similar behavior)!

  26. Joanne, I love this recipe because i love the combination of sweet and salt. These cookies must tasty so good 😉

  27. Johanna says:

    Girl, I am with you. I do an especially dramatic performance when running and some fool blows smoke my way. But why this really cracked me up is because it totally reminded me of my grandmother. She lived in Spain when I was growing up, and would always carry around a Spanish fan in her purse. When another diner would have the gall to smoke next to her at a restaurant (definitely not illegal in Europe in the early 90’s, just gross!), she would very indiscreetly fan the smoke directly back toward their table while sputtering about their lack of civility. I loved it.

    When it comes to food smoking though, I’m hooked! We have a smoker in our back yard and frequently do meat… but I’ve yet to try baked goods! Curious how the smoked cupcake worked! I’ve actually been meaning to try smoking some beer grains!

  28. cheri says:

    Hi Joanne, love everything about these, very interesting method. I’ve smoked salmon but never baked goods, will be trying my hand at this.

  29. Eileen says:

    These cookies sound so good! I haven’t ever smoked anything at home yet, but it looks like it’s going to have to go on the list of things to try eventually…and in the meantime, smoked salt will do the trick. 🙂

  30. chloe says:

    these sound so good! especially the smokey-ness. But I am with you 100% on the smoking cigarettes thing – YUCK + NO!

  31. Leah Davis says:

    Salty and sweet is totally my jam. Love the almonds in these cookies too. I hate smoke as well – there are a few restaurants here in Atlanta where the bar is smoky and it ends up drifting onto your clothes if you eat there. Not good.

  32. Tahnycooks says:

    I love these cookies! Flavor burst in every bite! Another reason to never smoke is that they loose some of their taste sensation!!! WHY WOULD YOU EVER WANT TO DO THAT!? I want to taste FULL flavor of all food!

  33. Julia says:

    I would love to bear witness to one of your theatrical performances, or, even better: participate in one. Let’s go spout our opinions about smokers publicly and then eat some of these cookies. Deal? Deal!

  34. Monica says:

    Sounds like an awesome combination…and they look so good! I’m wishing I had some smoked sea salt right now…

  35. Kate says:

    I like smoked foods, but draw the line at cheese. No need to ruin perfectly good cheese.

  36. Corina says:

    I’ve never had smoked salt but these sound amazing! I love smoked fish and smoked cheese but otherwise I havent been very adventurous with eating smoked foods.

  37. I never heard of smoked sea salt – now I want it more than ever!
    I agree with you totally, whole hardheartedly on the smoking issue. Where i work people congregate and smoke after lunch but it’s near an area where people walk for exercise. To no avail I have tried to get the Big Boss to ban smoking or at least make them do it in a specific area. NO dice yet. I need you down here!

    Great cookies!! I want….

  38. Oh, I am SO with you on not being able to stand smelling some moron’s smoke. SUPER irritating and not to mention very rude! And these cookies..wowzers you had me at sweet ‘n ‘salty. These have my name written ALL over them. Gorgeous photos as always and pinned!

  39. I love smoked salt and cacao nibs, though I’ve never thought to put it in cookies before! I’m sure Cheralee is going to love these!

  40. Deena Kakaya says:

    Love the nutty and salty elements in this one Joanne. X

  41. My girls and I are very overly…emphatic? dramatic?…when someone is smoking near us as well. It has really been an issue on the beach…who needs a cigarette on the beach (or anywhere, but esp in the hot sun!)?! And it’s not an f’n ash tray!! AND my son has asthma! Ugh…smoking should be banned in ALL public places! *end rant* Cookies look amazing btw. Love some roasted nuts 🙂

  42. Claudia says:

    Street screamers and fake coughers unite! But these fabulous cookies and an iced coffee would surely make everything better.

  43. LOVING the idea of using SMOKED salt on the cookies — genius!

  44. Smoked anything is my favorite! And cookies. And chocolate. And almonds. Oh gosh, I want these1

  45. Hotly Spiced says:

    I’m looking forward to witnessing some of your theatrics! I love the look of your cookies. I’ve never smoked anything and will be sure not to when I’m in Central Park. Incidentally, a few years ago Carl and I went to Tahiti. It’s an island paradise except for the smoke. They smoke EVERYWHERE including in the airport terminal where we had our midnight flight was delayed by five hours and we sat in that terminal with smoke so thick I could barely see a foot in front of me. It was the worst night of my life xx

  46. Cheralee says:

    Do you know what is ridiculous? I told you I was travelling, but then I went to NYC. Literally, I could have just swapped you in person. The cookies aren’t here yet, but I wanted you to know that your goodies went out today. I used smoked gouda – great minds, methinks? 😉 I can’t wait for my cookies!

  47. Ooh, I have smoked salt! Have thus far only been using it in savoury things but I trust your instincts and definitely trust those pictures, these cookies look amazing.

  48. It a good thing I don’t smoke, just in case if I pass you a street someday. I would hate to have you screaming at me. I didn’t know that there was such a thing as smoked sea salt. Wow, I learn something new every day. I love your cookies, they look great.

  49. Zainab says:

    Urghh I almost got into a fight with a very pregnant lady who was smoking in front of the NO SMOKING sign in front of the hospital. So so frustrating. I’ll take smoked cookies anytime though 😉

  50. Lynna says:

    Hahah. Oscar for screaming. >__<

    I want a big batch of these cookies, please!! I need to get my hands on some cocoa nibs! Those stuff are amazing. And SMOKED sea salt? Total win.

  51. I’m glad it isn’t just me who shoots evil looks and pointed coughs at people smoking on the street. There are way more smokers in London than in Australia, and I am trying to let every.single.one.of.them know that I am unimpressed with their smoke!

    Smoked sea salt chocolate chip cookies, on the other hand? Smoking hot.

  52. WOW. I had no idea you could smoke things other than something savory. I bet these cookies are to-die-for!

  53. Johanna GGG says:

    wow – I am with you on smoking – no to tobacco – yes to smoky vegetarian food – I need these biscuits – already bookmarked

  54. sandra says:

    chocolate chips AND cacao nibs??Oh my! How do these vary in flavor??

  55. These look positively delicious. And I’m totally with you on hyperbolic reactions to smokers.

  56. Lovely! I love the idea of smoked sea salt in a cookie. Yum.

  57. Yes smoking is absolutely repulsive, I could not agree more. These cookies on the other hand, look absolutely irresistible!

  58. YES! Emphatically YES! Smoked sea salt is one of my major weaknesses, woman. I will be making a batch of these babies stat! And yeah, isn’t it funny how cigarette smoking is disgusting, and food smoking is heavenly? 😉

  59. Megan says:

    Ha ha. I do the fake coughing too. Can’t stand cigarette smoking. The cookies sound awesome!

  60. I love and support your hatred of smoking cigarettes! lol

    I have smoked sea salt and was wondering what to do with it….these cookies are THE PERFECT thing! Now I need so cocoa nibs!

  61. I’m also not shy about my disgust for smoking. So much so, that I’ve even heard my kids mutter disdain in public when some with a cigarette walks by. No cookies for them!

  62. I’m with you on the smoking! I do love smoked cheeses though, but have never tried anything smoked in a baked good – I can definitely see how this would work!

  63. grace says:

    you had me at sea salt, joanne–what a treat! and for the record, stale cigarette smoke is one of my least favorite smells EVER.

  64. Reeni says:

    Smoking sweets is new to me too but I love the idea! Your cookies sound and look amazing! I love sweet and salty and now I will have to add smokey to the list.

  65. ~Bea~ says:

    I was so happy to see this recipe because I just got cacao nibs last week and had no idea what to do with them plus I am in love with different salts!! You totally won me over on this one! I am looking forward to next month too!

  66. Kelly says:

    Eeks I’m not a fan of cigarette smoking but smoked foods is where its at for me! These cookies look incredible! Love the sweet and salty combo!

  67. Laura says:

    OK you are killing me. I hobble around my house doing very little. These sound amazing. YUM

  68. Laura says:

    I just re-read my comment and it makes no sense lol. I mean I need more energy so I can make these ASAP!

  69. Susan says:

    Ohhh, I have got to find some of that smoked sea salt! What a delicious addition they would be to chocolate chippers. That’s the only kind of smoke I can deal with too 🙂

  70. I’m with you, smoking is gross unless you are talking about food ;-). Love these cookies! I best the roasted almond goes great with the smoked sea salt.

  71. That’s MY kind of smoked dish! And I’m with ya on smokers – whenever I walk through someone’s cloud-o-smoke, I’m shocked because I can’t believe that smoking cigarettes is still actually a THING.

  72. […] without the calories. Food bloggers have gone cacao nib-wild, putting them into everything from cookies and smoothies, bliss balls and granola and even in salad. I threw a packet into my shopping […]

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