Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic recipe that combines the familiar sweetness of chocolate chip cookies with a touch of savory salt. This perfect blend creates a flavor profile that is not only rich and indulgent but also uniquely satisfying. Each bite offers a balance of sweetness with an unexpected hint of saltiness that elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.
Why We Love This Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
There’s something undeniably special about Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies. They are a treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a friendly get-together, or simply a cozy night in with a glass of milk. The combination of warm, gooey chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt turns an everyday dessert into a gourmet experience. Additionally, making these cookies can be a fun and rewarding process, inviting you to take part in something that not only satisfies your cravings but also warms your heart and home.
Ingredients about Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
To whip up a batch of these delectable cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 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
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preparing your oven early will ensure that it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk or sift together the flour, baking soda, and table salt. This step is essential to blend the dry ingredients uniformly and should not be skipped.
- In a larger bowl, use an electric hand mixer or a paddle attachment on a stand mixer to cream together the softened salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are completely combined. This usually takes about two to three minutes.
- Next, add in the two large eggs and the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture again until it becomes light and fluffy. You’ll want to ensure the eggs are evenly incorporated to create a homogenous dough.
- Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix here, as you want your cookies to remain tender.
- Once the flour is mixed in, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently. If you desire more chocolatey goodness, now is your time to add in some extra chocolate chips for topping. The dough will be quite thick, which is perfect for creating those beautifully chewy cookies.
- Now it’s time to drop the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. You can use a cookie scoop for this, ensuring uniform size. Place them on parchment paper or silicone-lined baking sheets for easy removal later on.
- Take the time to press some extra chocolate chips into the tops of each dough ball, if you’d like. This will provide a beautiful finish to your cookies.
- Pop your baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for lightly browned edges while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked.
- As soon as they’re out of the oven, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie while they’re still warm. This enhances the flavor and gives them a gourmet touch.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Serve Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. These cookies shine bright on their own, but pairing them with a cold glass of milk is a classic choice that never fails. For a dessert spread, consider arranging them on a beautiful platter with other treats like brownies or brownies with nuts.
You could also serve these cookies warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent sundae-inspired dessert. Drizzling some chocolate sauce or caramel over the top can add an extra layer of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the saltiness.
If you are having a gathering, create a DIY ice cream sandwich station with these cookies and various ice cream flavors, letting your guests get creative with their combinations. The options are limitless when it comes to this delightful treat.
Expert Tips: Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Choosing Your Butter: Using salted butter in this recipe is key. It adds that necessary hint of salt, enhancing the overall flavor. If you only have unsalted butter, you might want to increase the table salt in the recipe slightly.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This helps to create a smooth, creamy batter.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour mixture, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to cookies that are tough instead of soft and chewy.
- Cooling Time Matters: Allow your cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes. This helps them maintain their structure as they continue to bake slightly from residual heat.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add other mix-ins like nuts, crushed pretzels, or even dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
How to Store Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
To keep your Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last about a week, though you will likely eat them much sooner! If you want to extend their shelf life, you can also freeze the cookies.
To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After they are fully frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Variation of Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
While the classic salted chocolate chip cookie is unbeatable, there are plenty of delightful variations to try.
- Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Double Chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the flour mixture to turn your cookie into a chocolate lover’s dream.
- Oatmeal Salted Cookies: Mix old-fashioned oats into the dough for added fiber and texture.
- Stuffed Cookies: Try stuffing each cookie with a piece of chocolate or a caramel cube before baking for a gooey center.
- Different Chocolate Types: Use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Flavored Extracts: Experiment with flavored extracts such as almond or hazelnut to change up the overall taste sensation.
FAQ
How can I make my Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies chewier?
To achieve a chewier texture, replace some of the granulated sugar with more brown sugar. You can also try chilling the dough before baking, which can help improve chewiness.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor. Each will bring a unique twist to your salted cookies.
Why should I sprinkle salt on top of the cookies?
The sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances the flavor of the cookies, balancing the sweetness and highlighting the chocolate’s richness.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly browned edges with soft centers. They’ll continue to cook slightly after you take them out of the oven, so don’t overbake.
Can I freeze my cookie dough?
Yes! You can scoop the cookie dough into balls and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, simply let them thaw for a bit before baking as usual, or bake them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two 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 salted butter, softened at room temperature (2 sticks)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Chocolate Components
- 3 cups 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 or sift together the flour, baking soda, and table salt.
- In a larger bowl, cream together the softened salted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently. If desired, add extra chocolate chips for topping.
Baking
- Drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, using a cookie scoop for uniform size.
- Press extra chocolate chips into the tops of each dough ball.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned on the edges but soft in the center.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of each cookie while still warm.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
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