Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, beating until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Scoop Dough: Using a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Optional Topping: Sprinkle coarse sugar or salt on top of each cookie dough ball if desired.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 minutes, or until the cookies have puffed up and the edges are set.

Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.