Are you craving that warm, gooey, perfectly sweet and salty sensation only a homemade chocolate chip cookie can deliver? Then look no further! This recipe will guide you through making the best chocolate chip cookies with sea salt – a classic elevated to perfection. It's easier than you think, making it a fantastic addition to your easy recipes collection. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these delicious dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Butter and Sugars
Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture. Use an electric mixer for best results; it makes the process much quicker and less strenuous.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Resist the urge to overmix here too; it can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
For the best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin and gives the flavors a chance to meld.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
Step 7: Add Sea Salt
Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them – oven temperatures vary!
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a tender crumb.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is highly recommended for thicker, chewier cookies.
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the cookies!
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
- White Chocolate Cravings: Substitute white chocolate chips for semi-sweet.
- Spiced Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Double Chocolate Chunk: Use both semi-sweet and dark chocolate chunks.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These delicious chocolate chip cookies with sea salt are perfect for any occasion – a quick dinner dessert, a delightful treat with a cup of coffee, or a sweet gift for friends and family. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and savor every bite! This quick dinner idea is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection of healthy meals.