Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of that perfect balance between rich, melty chocolate and a delightful hint of salty contrast, this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These cookies boast a wonderfully soft and chewy texture that will make every bite feel like a warm hug, while the sprinkling of flaky sea salt elevates the classic chocolate chip cookie to a whole new level of deliciousness. Trust me, once you try these, they’re going to be your go-to cookie for every occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or impressing guests with homemade treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect cookie. From butter to flour, each one adds to the texture, flavor, and irresistible aroma that makes these cookies stand out.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and moisture, essential for that chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with cookie spread and crisp edges.
• Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Offers moisture and a subtle caramel note that deepens flavor and chewiness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind ingredients together and contribute to softness.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides structure to the dough, balancing tenderness and chewiness.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Acts as a leavening agent, helping cookies rise slightly and achieve the right texture.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (2 cups): The star ingredient delivering gooey, melty chocolate pockets in every bite.
• Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling): Adds a sophisticated salty crunch that makes each cookie unforgettable.

How to Make Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent temperature for even baking. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper; this simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter along with the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies that soft yet chewy texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow with the vanilla extract. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor that bind everything together beautifully.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This even distribution of leavening and salt prevents uneven spots in your cookie dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing here; it can toughen your cookies, and we’re going for chewy perfection.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate

Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. Be generous – those chocolate pockets are what dreams are made of! Folding instead of stirring helps maintain the dough’s lightness.

Step 7: Scoop onto the Baking Sheet

Use about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough for each cookie and space them comfortably on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Giving them room to spread naturally creates those classic cookie shapes with soft centers and golden edges.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re aiming for golden edges with centers still looking soft. This underbake is key to keeping that coveted chewy texture once cooled.

Step 9: Sprinkle Flaky Sea Salt Immediately

Right after pulling the cookies from the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each one. The heat helps the salt adhere and melts it slightly, creating a perfect salty contrast to the rich, sweet chocolate.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy Warm

Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling. For the best gooey chocolate experience, enjoy these cookies while they’re still warm, savoring the melty flavors and chewy bite.

How to Serve Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling flaky sea salt on these cookies adds more than flavor; it gives a pleasing texture and a beautiful finishing touch. You might consider adding a few extra chocolate chunks on top before baking for an even more chocolatey presentation. A light drizzle of melted caramel could also be a decadent way to serve.

Side Dishes

These Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe treats pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of rich coffee or tea. If you want to get fancy, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a homemade cookie sandwich. For brunch or dessert spreads, fresh fruit like berries can offer a lovely fresh counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn your cookies into irresistible gifts. Stack them and tie with rustic twine for a charming gift box. You can also sandwich a dollop of whipped cream or peanut butter between two cookies for a new twist. For a party, serve them on a wooden board with small bowls of extra sea salt and chocolate chips for guests to customize their cookies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Adding a slice of bread or a folded paper towel inside the container helps maintain their chewy texture by keeping moisture balanced.

Freezing

You can freeze cookie dough balls or baked cookies to enjoy later. For dough, scoop onto a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To freeze baked cookies, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap before placing in a sealed container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Rewarm your cookies in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave briefly for 10-15 seconds to revive their softness and melty chocolate without drying them out. This quick step will bring back that fresh-baked essence perfectly.

FAQs

What makes these cookies chewy instead of crispy?

The combination of brown sugar, which adds moisture, and the precise bake time (just until golden edges with a soft center) creates that perfect chewy texture. Avoiding overmixing the dough also helps keep them tender.

Can I substitute dark chocolate for semi-sweet chips?

Absolutely! Using chopped dark chocolate adds a richer, slightly more bitter contrast to the sweetness of the dough, which pairs beautifully with the sea salt topping.

Is it necessary to use flaky sea salt? Can I use regular table salt?

Flaky sea salt adds a delicate crunch and noticeable bursts of saltiness on top of your cookies. Regular table salt is much finer and will dissolve, lacking the texture and flavor pop that makes this recipe special.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, doubling this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe works wonderfully. Just make sure not to overcrowd your baking sheets and adjust baking time slightly if needed.

How can I tell when my cookies are done baking?

Look for edges that have turned a lovely golden brown while the center still looks soft and slightly underbaked. This will ensure your cookies remain chewy after cooling.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so comforting and indulgent about fresh, chewy chocolate chip cookies sprinkled with a touch of sea salt, and this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe captures that magic to perfection. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies promise to delight every time. So grab your ingredients, get that oven warm, and prepare to taste a cookie experience that’s nothing short of irresistible!

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