Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt

Introduction

There’s something utterly comforting about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. The moment I pull these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt from the oven, my family comes running, lured by the delicious aroma. They can’t resist the allure of warm, gooey chocolate and that perfect hint of flaky sea salt. Every bite is a delightful balance of sweetness and a savory touch, making these cookies a favorite in our home. Whether it’s a casual afternoon treat or a special dessert, these cookies never fail to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cream the Butter and Sugars

2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla

3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow this with the vanilla extract and mix well.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the chewy texture of the cookies.

Fold in the Chocolate Chips

6. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Shape the Dough

7. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for spreading.

Bake

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the center is still soft. This is key to achieving that chewy consistency.

Add Sea Salt

9. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top of each cookie.

Cool and Serve

10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm for the best gooey chocolate experience!

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

How to Serve

• Warm: Serve cookies warm for a melty chocolate experience.
• With Milk: Pair with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
• As a Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.
• With Coffee: Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Pack for Lunch: Include in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.

Additional Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
2. Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
3. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out.
4. Mix Chocolate Varieties: Try using a mix of chocolate chips (dark, milk, and white) for added flavor.
5. Experiment with Nuts: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.

Recipe Variations

• Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add chopped nuts for a delightful crunch.
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace half of the flour with rolled oats for a chewy twist.
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: Substitute 1 cup of pumpkin puree for half the butter for a seasonal variation.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing flavor.
• Double Chocolate Cookies: Replace 1/2 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate cookie.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with fresh fruit on the side for a balanced snack.
• Use as a base for an ice cream sandwich, filling it with your favorite ice cream.
• Present them in a decorative tin or box as a homemade gift for friends and family.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Place baked cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To Reheat: Simply microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

• Yes, but the texture may vary slightly.

1. How do I know when the cookies are done?

• They should be golden around the edges and soft in the center.

1. Can I substitute chocolate chips with something else?

• Absolutely! Try using white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even dried fruit.

1. Why did my cookies turn out flat?

• This could be due to using melted butter or overmixing the dough.

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

• Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use.

1. What if I don’t have baking soda?

• You can substitute it with baking powder, but use three times the amount.

1. Can I add more chocolate chips?

• Feel free to add more for an extra chocolatey cookie!

1. Is it necessary to chill the dough?

• Chilling the dough is optional but helps to prevent spreading and achieve thicker cookies.

1. What’s the best way to store cookies?

• Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness.

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   • Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly.

Conclusion

These Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt are more than just a treat; they are a beloved classic that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. With their perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, they are sure to satisfy cookie lovers of all ages. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as a sweet snack throughout the week, this recipe is one that you will want to return to time and again. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the delightful baking begin!

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