If you have a soft spot for cookies that melt in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweetness and a touch of sophistication, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe. These treats are all about that wonderful chewy texture, the deep flavor of rich chocolate, and the surprising pop of flaky sea salt that elevates each bite from ordinary to unforgettable. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug wrapped in chocolate and a sprinkle of magic, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a quiet afternoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe just right means using a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role. From creamy butter to rich brown sugar and that sprinkle of sea salt, every element brings something special to the party.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This adds moistness and richness, making the cookies tender and chewy.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps cookies spread evenly while baking.
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor that enhances chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the soft, luscious texture.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and body to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies flavors.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate: For those irresistible pockets of melty, chocolaty goodness.
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling: A final touch that adds a delightful contrast and sophistication.
How to Make Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when your cookie dough is ready, the oven is hot and waiting, so your cookies bake evenly and perfectly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a soft, chewy texture rather than a dense one.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow this with the vanilla extract, which adds that classic, irresistible aroma and flavor we all love in homemade cookies.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning, so every bite of your cookie is balanced and just right.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle and stop as soon as everything is blended.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. This is the stage where your kitchen starts smelling absolutely divine, and you can almost taste the melty chocolate in every bite.
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Using a tablespoon or small scoop, portion out roughly 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Place them spaced evenly on your prepared baking sheet to give them room to spread without joining together.
Step 8: Bake and Add Sea Salt
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching carefully for golden edges and a soft center that’s still slightly underbaked — this is the key to perfect chewiness. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. This contrast of sweet and salty is what makes this recipe truly stand out.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes so they firm up a bit, then transfer them to a wire rack. For the ultimate experience, enjoy them warm to savor that gooey, chocolate-filled goodness melting in your mouth.
How to Serve Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe

Garnishes
Adding a tiny extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving can heighten the flavor. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar or serve with a drizzle of melted chocolate for a more decadent touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a cold glass of milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. They also pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert upgrade.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of sea salt and chocolate chunks for an inviting dessert platter. You could even sandwich two cookies with your favorite frosting or ice cream in between for an indulgent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their chewy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough balls before baking for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well; just thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm your leftover cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to bring back that freshly baked softness and gooey chocolate.
FAQs
What makes these cookies chewy?
The combination of brown sugar, softened butter, and careful baking time creates that desirable chewy texture. Avoiding overbaking ensures they stay soft in the center.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, but feel free to use chopped dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips to customize the flavor.
Why add sea salt on top?
The flaky sea salt adds a burst of contrasting flavor that enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and rounds out the overall taste for a more complex, gourmet cookie.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour, but results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure to check the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately for best results.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Using chilled dough and not over-creaming the butter and sugars helps control spreading. Also, make sure your baking soda is fresh and not expired for proper leavening.
Final Thoughts
This Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe is the perfect companion for anyone seeking a blend of classic comfort and a little unexpected twist. Whether it’s a rainy day, a family gathering, or just a craving that needs satisfying, these cookies never fail to deliver joy in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience the magic of chewy chocolate and salty sparkle together.
Print
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These chewy chocolate chip cookies with sea salt are the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Soft and gooey on the inside with golden edges, these classic treats are enhanced by a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, making each bite irresistibly flavorful and indulgent.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Finishing Touch
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate air for fluffiness, then add the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate to distribute the chocolate through the dough without breaking it apart.
- Shape the Dough: Scoop out approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them spaced apart onto the prepared baking sheet to allow even spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain soft, ensuring a chewy texture.
- Add Sea Salt: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over each cookie to enhance the flavor contrast.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm for the best gooey chocolate experience.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for proper creaming with the sugars.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to maintain a tender texture.
- If you prefer less saltiness, reduce or omit the flaky sea salt topping.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For an extra gooey texture, slightly underbake the cookies by 1-2 minutes.