Introduction
There’s something deeply comforting about a warm chocolate chip cookie fresh from the oven. These Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with crisp golden edges, soft and chewy centers, and pockets of melted chocolate in every bite. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top sharpens the flavors and makes each cookie taste rich, buttery, and irresistibly indulgent. This is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips or chunks
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Total Time: About 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth and fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Lightly sprinkle the tops with flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set and golden brown while the centers still look slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For thicker, bakery-style cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. If you prefer extra gooey centers, pull the cookies from the oven while they still look slightly underbaked in the middle. Using a mix of chocolate chips and chunks adds texture and creates beautiful pools of melted chocolate.
Cooking Techniques
Creaming the butter and sugars properly is key to achieving the right texture. This step incorporates air into the dough, resulting in cookies that are soft yet structured. Baking at the correct temperature ensures the cookies spread evenly and develop that signature golden edge without drying out.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added fine sea salt slightly to avoid overly salty cookies.
How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Scoop the dough into portions and freeze. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt are simple, classic, and endlessly satisfying. With their chewy centers, crisp edges, and that final touch of flaky salt, they deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Whether enjoyed warm with a glass of milk or shared at a gathering, this recipe is sure to become a trusted favorite in your kitchen.