Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate treat, you have to try this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between rich, gooey chocolate chips and a satisfyingly chewy texture, all elevated by that tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt that brings out every flavor. Each bite is a comforting hug of buttery sweetness with just a hint of saltiness that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging yourself, this recipe never fails to impress and deliver those classic cookie vibes with a delightful twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe uses simple pantry staples that come together to create an unforgettable flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the creamy butter that adds richness to the dark chocolate chips that melt into pockets of pure joy.

• Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened for that creamy base that makes cookies tender and rich.
• Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup, to add sweetness and help with the chewy texture.
• Packed brown sugar: 3/4 cup, for a deep, caramel-like flavor and moisture.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• Large eggs: 2, which provide structure and moisture to bind everything perfectly.
• All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups, the backbone of your cookies giving them shape and chewiness.
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon, allowing the dough to rise just enough for a soft interior.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, enhancing all the sweet flavors.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate: 2 cups, for loads of melty, chocolate goodness.
• Flaky sea salt: for sprinkling on top, providing that signature salty punch that makes these cookies unforgettable.

How to Make Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper—this keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a snap.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This process incorporates air into your dough, which contributes to that coveted chewy softness.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure everything combines smoothly. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which enhances every element’s flavor and gives just a whisper of warmth.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning throughout the dough, so every cookie is perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—you want to avoid overmixing here since that can make your cookies tough instead of chewy.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate. This is where the magic happens; the chocolate pieces melt slightly as the cookies bake, creating those melty, gooey pockets everyone loves.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto your prepared baking sheet. Be sure to leave enough space between each cookie because they will spread as they bake.

Step 8: Bake and Add Sea Salt

Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden color but the centers are still soft. The moment they come out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie. This little finishing touch pulls all the flavors together and makes the sweetness pop.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. For the best experience, enjoy these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe warm—when the chocolate is melty and irresistible.

How to Serve Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe

Garnishes

A simple pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking is all you need to bring these cookies to life, but you can also drizzle melted dark chocolate or a light dusting of cocoa powder for a special touch. Fresh chopped nuts sprinkled on top before baking can add an exciting crunch.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, whether you prefer dairy or almond milk. They’re also fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cup of rich, freshly brewed coffee for that perfect sweet-salty snack time.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe stacked on a rustic wooden board surrounded by extra sea salt flakes and chocolate chunks. For parties, place individual cookies in festive cupcake liners or sandwich two cookies around a scoop of ice cream to create cookie sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to a week, making them perfect for a sweet snack any time you want.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking for up to three months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked softness and warm melty chocolate.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While it’s best to use unsalted butter to control the salt level, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand—just reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.

What if I don’t have flaky sea salt? Can I use regular salt?

Flaky sea salt offers a light crunch and bursts of flavor, but if you only have regular salt, use it sparingly so it doesn’t overwhelm the cookies. Kosher salt can be a good substitute for flaky sea salt.

How do I make my cookies extra chewy?

Using a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar, as in this recipe, helps create a chewy texture. Slightly underbaking and letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet also locks in that chewiness.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with other mix-ins?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile—try chopped nuts, white chocolate chunks, or dried fruit for your own unique twist on chewy chocolate chip cookies with sea salt.

Why is the sea salt important in this recipe?

The sea salt enhances the sweetness and richness of the chocolate and butter, creating a complex flavor profile that elevates these cookies above ordinary chocolate chip treats.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the chewy texture married with melty chocolate and that sprinkling of flaky sea salt in these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe. They are comfort food at its finest and perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to dive in and bake a batch—you’ll find yourself reaching for them long after the first cookie is gone!

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