Chocolate Chip Sea Salt

The first time I added sea salt to chocolate chip cookies, it was completely by accident I had grabbed the wrong salt container from the pantry. That happy mistake transformed what would have been ordinary cookies into something bakery worthy and completely addictive.

I brought a batch to a neighborhood gathering last summer and watched people go quiet after their first bite. My friend Sarah actually texted me the next morning asking for the recipe saying her husband had dreams about those cookies.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: The foundation that gives these cookies their structure and chewy texture
• Baking soda: Essential for spreading and creating those beautiful cracks on top
• Fine sea salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness throughout the dough
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature so it creams perfectly with the sugars
• Granulated and brown sugar: The combination creates crisp edges and chewy centers
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs emulsify better and create a tender cookie
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla adds depth and warmth to the background flavor
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Classic chocolate that balances sweetness perfectly
• Flaky sea salt: The finishing touch that makes these cookies absolutely unforgettable

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Set it to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup

Mix the dry ingredients:

Whisk flour baking soda and fine sea salt in a medium bowl until well combined

Cream the butter and sugars:

Beat butter with both sugars for about 2 minutes until light fluffy and almost doubled in volume

Add the wet ingredients:

Drop in eggs one at a time beating well after each then stir in the vanilla

Combine everything:

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients just until you no longer see white streaks

Fold in the chocolate:

Gently incorporate the chocolate chips being careful not to overwork the dough

Scoop and space:

Drop tablespoon sized mounds onto baking sheets leaving 2 inches between each

Add the magic topping:

Sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt adjusting amount based on your taste preference

Bake to perfection:

Bake 10 to 12 minutes until edges are golden but centers still look slightly underdone

Cool completely:

Let them rest 5 minutes on the baking sheet then move to a wire rack

Save

My daughter now requests these for every school bake sale and honestly I cannot blame her. There is something about that first bite when the salt hits your tongue followed by rich chocolate that just works.

Getting The Perfect Texture

I have learned that slightly underbaking these cookies is the secret to that irresistible chewy center. They continue cooking on the hot baking sheet so trust the process and remove them while centers still look soft.

Customization Options

Dark chocolate chunks work beautifully if you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor. I have also mixed milk and dark chocolate chips together which creates this wonderful complexity that people cannot quite put their finger on.

Storage And Sharing

These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to five days though in my house they disappear much faster. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.

• Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm then transfer to a bag
• Bake frozen dough balls for 12 to 14 minutes adding a minute or two
• These make excellent gifts wrapped in parchment paper and tied with twine

Save

There is nothing quite like a warm chocolate chip cookie with that hint of sea salt on top. I hope these become your new go to recipe for every celebration and random Tuesday craving.

Recipe FAQs

→ What does sea salt add to these cookies?

Flaky sea salt provides a subtle contrast that enhances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor profile.

→ Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, dark or chopped chocolate can be substituted to intensify the chocolate notes.

→ How do I achieve chewy cookies?

Underbake the cookies slightly and allow them to finish setting on the baking tray after removing from the oven.

→ What temperature is best for baking these cookies?

The ideal baking temperature is 350°F (175°C) to get golden edges with soft centers.

→ Are these suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, all ingredients used align with a vegetarian diet.