Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Cream together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs one at a time and then mix in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.

Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.

Scoop rounded dough balls onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart and sprinkle with sea salt if desired.

Bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

Allow to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.