Salted chocolate chip cookies blend the cherished flavor of classic chocolate chip cookies with a delightful hint of sea salt. This unique treat combines the rich sweetness of chocolate and the creaminess of butter, creating a balance that delights your taste buds with every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to impress.
Why We Love This Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
There’s an undeniable magic that happens when you mix the somewhat bittersweet chocolate with a touch of salt. This recipe elevates the ordinary chocolate chip cookie by adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, which enhances the sweetness and brings all the flavors together. They’re soft in the middle, slightly crispy on the edges, and ooze with gooey chocolate chips. Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes everyone feel right at home. They’re perfect for sharing or for indulging in all by yourself!
Ingredients for Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
Here’s what you will need to create these delicious salted chocolate chip cookies:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups (about 18 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping if desired)
- Flaky sea salt
How to Make Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies Directions
Making these salted chocolate chip cookies is straightforward and enjoyable. You’ll love how simple it is to create these delectable treats!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
- Prepare the dry ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and table salt. This combination provides the necessary lift and base flavor for your cookies.
- Cream the butter and sugars. In a larger bowl, combine the softened salted butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to cream them together until smooth and creamy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla. Crack in the two large eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes another minute or so.
- Incorporate the dry mixture. Gradually add the flour mixture you prepared earlier to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. This will ensure your cookies remain tender.
- Fold in the chocolate chips. Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough. The more chocolate, the better!
- Prepare for baking. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop generous amounts of dough onto the prepared sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading as they bake.
- Top with more chocolate. For a tempting finish, press a few extra chocolate chips into the tops of each dough ball before baking.
- Bake your cookies. Place the sheets in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You want them to be lightly browned on the edges while still soft and slightly gooey in the center.
- Add the finishing salt. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top while they are still warm. This gives each cookie that little extra zing!
- Cool down. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This step helps them firm up but keeps their chewy texture.
How to Serve Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving these salted chocolate chip cookies can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. The best way is to present them warm right out of the oven alongside a glass of cold milk. The contrast of warm cookies and chilled milk is unbeatable! You may also arrange them on a decorative platter for special occasions, adding a few fresh berries or even some scoops of ice cream on the side.
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider making a cookie bar where guests can create their own dessert by adding toppings such as crushed nuts, sprinkles, or extra chocolate syrup. These cookies are also delightful as a thoughtful gift, wrapped in clear cellophane or placed in a decorative tin. No matter how you choose to serve them, they are sure to be a hit!
Expert Tips: Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Use quality ingredients. The flavor of your cookies will be significantly influenced by the ingredients you use. Opt for high-quality chocolate chips and pure vanilla extract for the best results.
- Room temperature butter is key. Ensuring your butter is properly softened (not melted) allows for better incorporation with the sugars, resulting in a perfect texture.
- Scoop uniformly. To ensure even baking, use an ice cream scoop or a cookie scoop. This will help each cookie to be the same size and shape, leading to uniform baking.
- Don’t overbake. Keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. They will continue to bake slightly as they cool, so it’s okay if they look a touch underbaked.
- Experiment with mixing. Feel free to mix different types of chocolate chips or add in ingredients like toffee bits or nuts if you want some variation in flavor and texture.
How to Store Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
Storing your salted chocolate chip cookies properly is crucial for maintaining their deliciousness. Once the cookies have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will generally stay fresh for about a week.
If you want to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Simply let the cookies cool, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. After they are frozen solid, you can transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. These frozen cookies can last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw them out at room temperature or heat them briefly in the microwave.
Variation of Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
While the classic salted chocolate chip cookie is delightful on its own, there are many fun variations you can try!
- Nutty Twist: Mix in 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for an added crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cookie.
- Double Chocolate: For chocolate lovers, replace 1 cup of flour with cocoa powder. You’ll create a rich chocolate base that works beautifully with the chocolate chips.
- Stuffed Cookies: Take it up a notch by stuffing the cookies with cream cheese or caramel. Just tuck a small dollop into the dough before sealing it and baking—it’ll create a delicious surprise!
- Seasonal Flavors: Depending on the time of year, consider adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) to create a plant-based version.
Adapt these ideas to suit your taste and create a new favorite that you can call your own!
Frequently Asked Questions About Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
What makes salted chocolate chip cookies different from regular chocolate chip cookies?
Salted chocolate chip cookies have a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top, which enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and adds a nice contrast to the flavors.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Absolutely! If using unsalted butter, consider adding a pinch more salt to the cookie dough to maintain flavor balance.
How can I make sure my cookies are soft and chewy?
Avoid overbaking the cookies and let them cool on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them maintain a soft center.
What can I do if my cookie dough is too dry?
If your dough seems dry, you can add a tablespoon of milk or an extra egg to moisten it. Mix until well combined but be careful not to overwork it.
Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
Yes! You can scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze it before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake as normal directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon table salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Chocolate Chips and Topping
- 3 cups (about 18 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips plus extra for topping if desired
- to taste Flaky sea salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and table salt.
- In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips carefully.
Baking
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper and drop generous amounts of dough onto the sheets, leaving space between each.
- Press a few extra chocolate chips into the tops of each dough ball before baking.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly browned on the edges but still soft in the center.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of warm cookies immediately after removing them from the oven.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
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