If you have a soft spot for classic cookies that deliver on both comfort and a touch of gourmet flair, this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe is going to be your next obsession. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s perfectly chewy, rich with melty chocolate chunks, and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to brighten every bite. It’s that magical combination of sweet and salty, crisp edges and tender centers, that makes this cookie truly unforgettable and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is the secret to perfect cookies, and what’s wonderful about this recipe is how simple yet essential each one is. From the creamy butter that ensures chewiness, to the brown sugar that adds moisture and depth, every ingredient has a starring role in flavor and texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich fat needed for tender, chewy cookies while allowing full control over salt levels.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that perfect golden color on the edges.
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Packs in moisture and a subtle caramel note which keeps the cookies soft.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors beautifully with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough together and add additional moisture for chewiness.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure builder, flour gives just enough bite without toughening the crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and strengthens flavor complexity.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate: The irresistible melty pockets of chocolate that make every bite a treat.
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling: A final flourish that takes these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.
How to Make Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature while your dough comes together. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key for creating an airy texture that leads to cookies with a tender chew.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition so they integrate fully with the sugar and butter. Follow with the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a lovely fragrant sweetness.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Ensuring these are mixed well before adding to the wet ingredients helps the dough come together evenly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients, carefully mixing just until incorporated. Overmixing here can develop gluten and make cookies tough, so a gentle hand is best.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate to surround the dough with irresistible melty chunks. This step makes sure every cookie has a delicious chocolate hit.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them on your lined baking sheet, ensuring there’s enough space between each to allow spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden while the centers remain soft, promising that quintessential chewy texture.
Step 8: Add Sea Salt and Cool
Right after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie. This little finishing touch highlights the chocolate and elevates the overall flavor. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. They’re best enjoyed warm for that gooey, dreamy chocolate experience.
How to Serve Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra flaky sea salt right before serving adds a delightful contrast and enhances the complex sweetness of the cookie. For a fun twist, consider topping with mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra decadence.
Side Dishes
Pair these warm cookies with a cold glass of milk or a creamy vanilla ice cream scoop for an indulgent dessert experience. A cup of robust coffee or hot cocoa also complements the chewy texture and chocolatey richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching treat, sandwich two cookies around a scoop of ice cream or spread a layer of nut butter between them. You can also serve these cookies on a platter with fresh berries and mint leaves for a lovely contrast or package them in decorative boxes for thoughtful homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewiness. They generally stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for a simple snack anytime.
Freezing
This Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe freezes wonderfully. You can freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze baked cookies by layering them with parchment paper in a sealed container. Frozen cookies can last for up to three months without loss of flavor or texture.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked softness, warm cookies slightly in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven for 5 minutes. This melts the chocolate just enough and refreshes the chewy texture, making each bite taste straight from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but you’ll want to omit or reduce the added salt in the recipe, since salted butter will add extra saltiness that can change the intended balance with the sea salt topping.
What’s the key to making these cookies chewy?
The combination of brown sugar, the right amount of butter, and careful baking time to retain softness in the center all contribute to that perfect chewy texture.
Can I substitute chocolate chips with another type of chocolate?
Absolutely! Chopped dark or milk chocolate works great and gives the cookies a more rustic, melty chocolate vibe.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
This recipe works well without chilling, but if you want thicker cookies, refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes can help slow spreading while baking.
Is flaky sea salt necessary?
Yes, flaky sea salt provides that mild crunch and delicate burst of saltiness that regular table salt can’t replicate, making the sweet and salty contrast truly shine.
Final Thoughts
Making these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen adventures that rewards you with irresistible treats every time. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookies hit all the right notes—gooey chocolate, tender chew, and that spark of salt that elevates everything. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your favorites for many cookie cravings ahead!
Print
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These chewy chocolate chip cookies with a hint of flaky sea salt offer the perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors, featuring a soft center with golden edges for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Topping
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate them fully, then add the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate into the dough to maintain the mixture’s light texture.
- Shape the Dough: Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them on the prepared baking sheet with enough space to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden, but the centers remain soft for a chewy texture.
- Add Sea Salt: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over each cookie to enhance the chocolate flavor with a subtle salty contrast.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the cookies warm for the best gooey chocolate experience.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; remove them once edges are golden but centers are still slightly undercooked.
- Using flaky sea salt as a finishing touch intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds a pleasant crunch.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, bake the cookie dough balls on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time.
