If you have a soft spot for classic cookies that deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures, you are going to adore this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe. Imagine biting into a cookie that is tender and chewy on the inside, boasting rich pockets of semi-sweet chocolate, while a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top elevates every bite with a subtle contrast. It’s the kind of cookie that feels homemade yet bakes up like it belongs in a bakery window. Whether you’re making these for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, this recipe promises a deliciously indulgent and satisfying experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe is in its simplicity. Each carefully chosen ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s adding moisture, flavor, or that perfect texture that keeps you coming back for more.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies, creating that sturdy yet tender base.
- Baking soda: A key leavening agent that helps your cookies rise just right with a light, fluffy crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness of the chocolate and butter.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and slightly cooled to ensure a luscious, chewy crumb and rich flavor.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and depth of flavor with its molasses undertones, crucial for chewiness.
- Granulated sugar: Helps to create those slightly crisp edges that contrast beautifully with the chewy center.
- Egg and egg yolk: Both combine to enrich the dough, adding tenderness and a chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and aroma for that classic cookie flavor you love.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient, offering melty pockets of chocolate bliss in every bite.
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top just before cooling, it provides a bright pop of finish that takes these cookies to the next level.
How to Make Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, get your oven warmed up to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This sets the stage perfectly to prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning so every cookie comes out perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter along with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This step is essential to achieve that signature chewy texture. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, whisking again until fully combined and silky.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender. Then gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 5: Scoop Dough and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough into 2-tablespoon mounds and place them 2 to 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for the edges to set while the centers remain a bit soft and slightly underbaked. This is the secret to achieving that amazing chewy texture.
Step 6: Add Sea Salt and Cool
As soon as you pull the cookies from the oven, sprinkle a light dusting of flaky sea salt on top. This contrast between sweet and salty is what makes this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe truly extraordinary. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe
Garnishes
While the flaky sea salt on top already adds a gourmet touch, consider adding a tiny drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts to give an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with classic favorites like a cold glass of milk or a cup of rich coffee. For something a little different, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an irresistible dessert combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling festive? Stack these chewy gems on a pretty platter and sprinkle additional sea salt flakes over the top right before serving to keep the flavor fresh and vibrant. Wrapping a few cookies in parchment tied with twine makes a charming homemade gift, perfect for sharing the joy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their chewy goodness for up to a week, making them a wonderful treat to enjoy anytime.
Freezing
The dough for this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe freezes beautifully. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time for sublime fresh-baked cookies whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To bring cookies back to life, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or warm gently in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This will soften the chocolate inside and revive their irresistible chewiness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
For the best chewy texture and flavor, stick with unsalted butter. Margarine or oils can alter both the texture and richness of the cookies, so while substitutions are possible, they won’t give you quite the same result.
Why is my dough too runny or spreading too much?
If your dough feels too soft or your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough firm up and results in thicker, chewier cookies that hold their shape better.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bars to customize your cookies.
Is the sea salt necessary?
While you can omit it, the flaky sea salt creates a wonderful balance of salty and sweet. It brightens the flavor and adds a lovely texture contrast that really sets this recipe apart.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for set edges with centers that look slightly soft and underbaked. The cookies will continue to cook a little as they cool, which keeps them chewy rather than hardening.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about batches of warm, chewy chocolate chip cookies kissed with just the right amount of sea salt, and this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just because, I promise these cookies will quickly become your go-to favorite. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself baking a double batch just to keep some secretly all to yourself!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt offer the perfect balance of soft, gooey centers and slightly crisp edges. Enhanced by a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top, these cookies deliver a delightful sweet-savory contrast that elevates the classic chocolate chip cookie experience. Perfect for baking lovers looking for a homemade treat that mimics bakery-quality results with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix-ins and Topping
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until fully combined to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Blend wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter along with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy, which helps to achieve a chewy texture.
- Add eggs and flavor: Whisk in the whole egg, the additional egg yolk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Portion the dough: Scoop the dough into roughly 2-tablespoon portions and space them 2 to 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading while baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain slightly underbaked for maximum chewiness.
- Finish and cool: Remove the cookies from the oven, and immediately sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra chewy cookies, avoid overbaking the dough as residual heat will complete cooking after removal from the oven.
- Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent spreading and deepen the flavor complexity.
