When it comes to delightful treats, few experiences can rival biting into a perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie—soft, chewy, and with a decadent balance of sweetness accented by a sprinkle of salt.
One of my favorite moments is when a batch of cookies comes out of the oven and the warm, inviting aroma calls everyone to the kitchen. For me, there’s nothing quite like indulging in cookies with a tall glass of cold milk. Perfectly complementary, the milk enhances the chocolatey goodness and makes for an ultimate snack.
But today, we’re diving deeper into this heavenly realm of cookies: salted chocolate chip cookies. If you think you know cookies, get ready for an exciting twist on a classic.
What are Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Salted chocolate chip cookies take the traditional recipe and elevate it, creating a delightful contrast that enhances the flavor of chocolate. The addition of flaky sea salt not only provides an unexpected crunch but also complements the sweetness of the cookie, resulting in a rich, satisfying flavor profile.
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The Ingredients
Let’s get straight to the stars of the show. Here’s what you’ll need:
2¾ cups all-purpose flour, sifted – This is the base of our cookies, providing structure.
1 teaspoon baking soda, sifted – It helps the cookies rise and gives them that perfect texture.
¾ teaspoon fine sea salt – This enhances the cookie’s natural flavors.
1 teaspoon espresso powder – You’ll barely taste it, but it deepens the chocolate flavor.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – A hint of warmth that brightens the chocolate.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature – A crucial ingredient for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
½ cup granulated sugar – For sweetness and crispness.
1½ cups packed light brown sugar – It adds moisture and a rich, caramel flavor.
2 large eggs, at room temperature – These bind everything together.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – For that beautiful, warm flavor.
6–8 ounces 72% dark chocolate, roughly chopped – Quality chocolate makes all the difference.
3 tablespoons flaky sea salt for topping – The finishing touch.
How to Make Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
Making salted chocolate chip cookies is quite simple. Perfect for a baking afternoon, this recipe gives you the chance to create something truly delightful. Let’s dive into the steps!
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Begin by whisking together the flour, baking soda, sea salt, espresso powder, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. This ensures that every ingredient is evenly distributed and your cookies have the best chance of rising perfectly. Set this bowl aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates air pockets that help the cookies rise. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Once you’ve achieved a creamy consistency, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract. The batter should be velvety at this stage.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Carefully add the dry ingredients from step 1 into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. You should see no bits of flour.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate
Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate. This is the moment when your cookies begin to take on that incredible personality.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
This step is not optional! Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling firms up the butter and intensifies the flavors.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cookies don’t stick and helps them bake evenly.
Step 8: Portion the Dough
After chilling, scoop out about two tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave at least two inches of space between each cookie since they will spread while baking.
Step 9: Sprinkle with Flaky Salt
Before putting the cookies in the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. This adds a delightful crunch and enhances the overall flavor.
Step 10: Bake
Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown. The centers might look a bit underbaked; this is perfect! They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out.
Step 11: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. When they’re still warm, they’re soft and gooey—absolutely irresistible!
Notes
Here are some handy tips to ensure your salted chocolate chip cookies are a success:
Choose Quality Chocolate: Opt for a high-percentage dark chocolate. The better the chocolate, the better your cookies will taste.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This ensures everything mixes evenly.
Don’t Skip Chilling: This step is crucial for flavor and to prevent cookies from spreading too much.
Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, which can lead to too much flour.
Taste Along the Way: A little taste test never hurt anyone. Enjoy the cookie dough before baking (just make sure the eggs are safe)!
Storage Tips
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the unbaked dough. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready for warm cookies, just bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition Information
When it comes to nutrition, indulging in cookies should not feel like a guilty pleasure. Depending on your measuring and preparation, an average chocolate chip cookie has about:
Calories: 210
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g
This nutritional breakdown can help you enjoy your cookies mindfully. Moderation is key!
Serving Suggestions
Looking for ways to elevate your salted chocolate chip cookie experience? Here are some delicious suggestions:
With a Glass of Milk: A classic pairing, the smooth creaminess of cold milk contrasts beautifully with the warm, chewy cookies.
Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: Create a cookie sandwich by placing a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies! This combo is sure to impress.
Coffee Companion: Pair with your favorite brew for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up. The bitterness of coffee harmonizes with the sweet chocolate.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies before serving. It adds an extra luxurious touch.
Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with homemade or store-bought salted caramel for that additional layer of flavor. Each bite becomes a little piece of heaven.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies?
If you’re looking to swap out some ingredients, here are five substitutes to consider:
Almond Flour: For a gluten-free option, substitute part of the all-purpose flour with almond flour. Just remember, it may change the texture slightly.
Coconut Sugar: For a healthier sugar, consider coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. It has a lower glycemic index and adds a unique flavor.
Greek Yogurt: Replace some of the butter with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat alternative. This can keep the cookies moist while reducing calories.
Chopped Nuts: Add some texture by folding in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. This enhances flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
Different Chocolate: Use milk chocolate or white chocolate chunks instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter cookie. It’s all about your personal preference!
Conclusion
Salted chocolate chip cookies are far more than just a dessert; they are an experience. Each bite delivers a perfect blend of sweet and salty, all wrapped in a nostalgic childhood memory of baking. Whether served warm from the oven or enjoyed with a scoop of ice cream, these cookies have a way of bringing people together. They embody comfort and joy, making any gathering feel special.
Baking can transform your kitchen into a warm, welcoming space filled with irresistible scents. So, why not embrace this adventure and create some mouthwatering salted chocolate chip cookies for yourself? Happy baking!
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Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies – Easy Comfort Food Recipes
Description
Salted chocolate chip cookies take the traditional recipe and elevate it, creating a delightful contrast that enhances the flavor of chocolate. The addition of flaky sea salt not only provides an unexpected crunch but also complements the sweetness of the cookie, resulting in a rich, satisfying flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
-
Begin by whisking together the flour, baking soda, sea salt, espresso powder, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. This ensures that every ingredient is evenly distributed and your cookies have the best chance of rising perfectly. Set this bowl aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates air pockets that help the cookies rise. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
-
Once you’ve achieved a creamy consistency, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract. The batter should be velvety at this stage.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
-
Carefully add the dry ingredients from step 1 into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. You should see no bits of flour.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate
-
Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate. This is the moment when your cookies begin to take on that incredible personality.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
-
This step is not optional! Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling firms up the butter and intensifies the flavors.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
-
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cookies don’t stick and helps them bake evenly.
Step 8: Portion the Dough
-
After chilling, scoop out about two tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave at least two inches of space between each cookie since they will spread while baking.
Step 9: Sprinkle with Flaky Salt
-
Before putting the cookies in the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. This adds a delightful crunch and enhances the overall flavor.
Step 10: Bake
-
Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown. The centers might look a bit underbaked; this is perfect! They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out.
Step 11: Cool and Enjoy
-
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. When they’re still warm, they’re soft and gooey—absolutely irresistible!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 210kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Here are some handy tips to ensure your salted chocolate chip cookies are a success:
Choose Quality Chocolate: Opt for a high-percentage dark chocolate. The better the chocolate, the better your cookies will taste.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This ensures everything mixes evenly.
Don’t Skip Chilling: This step is crucial for flavor and to prevent cookies from spreading too much.
Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, which can lead to too much flour.
Taste Along the Way: A little taste test never hurt anyone. Enjoy the cookie dough before baking (just make sure the eggs are safe)!
