Ah, the humble chocolate chip cookie. It’s a classic, isn’t it? I remember the first time I baked a batch with my grandmother in her cozy kitchen. The aroma of melting chocolate and vanilla filled the air, and there was always a comforting warmth that made everything feel just right. Today, I want to share my take on this beloved treat—Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Twist of Sea Salt. This recipe will elevate your baking game and bring smiles to your family’s faces, just like it does mine.
Why You’ll Love This Cookie Recipe
- Deliciously Balanced Flavors: The rich, sweet chocolate pairs perfectly with the hint of sea salt, creating an irresistible flavor profile. The sea salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate, giving each bite a complex, layered taste that lingers on your palate. This contrast not only makes the flavors pop but also adds a gourmet touch to a familiar favorite.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have the perfect balance of softness and chewiness, making them an instant hit for any cookie lover. The combination of sugars and butter ensures that they remain soft in the center while having a slight crispness around the edges. Achieving this texture is all about the right balance of ingredients and baking time.
- Quick and Easy: You’ll have these delightful cookies ready in under an hour, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or a spontaneous baking session. With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, these cookies are a breeze to whip up. There’s no need for chilling the dough, so you can satisfy your cookie craving almost instantly.
- Family-Friendly Baking: This is a fantastic recipe to make with kids. They’ll love shaping the dough balls and sneaking a few chocolate chips. It’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories while teaching them valuable baking skills. Involving kids in the kitchen not only builds their confidence but also fosters a love for cooking and creativity.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, these cookies always fit the bill. Their homemade charm makes them suitable for everything from holiday parties to simple weekday treats. They’re also great for gifting—just wrap them in a pretty package, and you’ve got a heartfelt homemade present.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time. This step is crucial as it ensures the sugar and butter are fully integrated, creating a smooth base. The mixture should be light and fluffy, ensuring that air is incorporated for a tender crumb.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Mixing the dry ingredients separately first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, preventing any overly dense cookies.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie. The sprinkle of sea salt adds that special twist, highlighting the chocolate’s sweetness. For an extra touch, try using flaky sea salt for a more pronounced texture and flavor burst.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks. This cooling period helps the cookies set, making them easier to transfer. The residual heat will continue to cook the center slightly, ensuring perfect doneness.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheets: Essential for even baking. Using parchment paper or silicone baking mats can help prevent sticking and promote even browning. Opt for light-colored sheets to avoid overly browning the bottoms.
- Parchment paper: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets. It also helps the cookies bake evenly by providing a slight insulation layer.
- Mixing bowls: One large for the wet ingredients and one medium for the dry ingredients. Having separate bowls ensures thorough mixing without overworking the dough.
- Electric mixer: While a hand mixer is sufficient, a stand mixer can make the creaming process quicker and more efficient. The consistency of the butter and sugar mixture is key to the cookies’ texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success. Baking is a science, and precision ensures consistent results.
- Wire cooling racks: Allow cookies to cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy. Elevating cookies ensures air circulates around them, preserving their texture.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich flavor and helps achieve that perfect cookie texture. It allows for control of the salt content in the recipe. Butter’s fat content contributes to the cookies’ moistness and flavor.
- Granulated and Brown Sugar: The combination of these sugars gives the cookies their soft and chewy texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor, enhancing the chewiness. The molasses in brown sugar also contributes to the cookies’ depth of flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookie dough and complements the chocolate beautifully. It rounds out the sweetness and adds depth. A good quality vanilla extract can make a noticeable difference in the overall flavor profile.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and giving the cookies structure. They also contribute to the cookies’ rich flavor and soft texture. The protein in eggs helps give the cookies their shape and stability.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing the necessary structure. It balances the liquid ingredients, ensuring the cookies hold their shape. Sifting the flour can help prevent lumps and ensure even distribution.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents help the cookies rise and create a soft texture. They ensure the cookies are light and not too dense. The combination of both provides a balanced rise and spread.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: The star of the show, adding bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite. Semisweet is perfect as it offers a balanced sweetness that isn’t overwhelming. Consider using a mix of chocolate chunks and chips for varying textures.
- Sea Salt: A touch of sea salt brings out the sweetness of the chocolate and adds a sophisticated twist. It creates a delightful contrast, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Sea salt’s larger crystals offer a pleasant crunch and burst of flavor.
What to Serve With These Cookies
These cookies are perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate your dessert experience, try serving them with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing: The cold creaminess of the ice cream complements the warm, gooey cookies, creating a delightful contrast. Consider making homemade ice cream for a truly special treat.
- A glass of cold milk for dunking: Milk is the classic companion, softening the cookies slightly and enhancing their flavor. For a twist, try almond or oat milk for a different flavor profile.
- Fresh berries for a refreshing contrast: Berries add a fresh, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the rich, sweet cookies. Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries all offer a lovely complement.
For more delightful dessert ideas, check out our Easy Brownie Recipe and No-Bake Cheesecake. These pair wonderfully together for an indulgent dessert spread, offering a variety of textures and flavors that will please any crowd.
Storage & Leftover Tips
To keep your cookies fresh and chewy:
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help maintain moisture. The bread absorbs excess air moisture, keeping the cookies soft.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Consider labeling the container with the date for easy tracking. Freezing the cookies individually first prevents them from sticking together.
- Reheat frozen cookies in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to bring back their fresh-baked taste. This method revives the cookies’ texture, making them taste as if they were just baked. You can also microwave them briefly, but be cautious of overheating.
And there you have it! A batch of Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Twist of Sea Salt that will fill your home with warmth and joy. I hope you enjoy making these cookies as much as I do. Happy baking!
Air Fryer Maitake
Enjoy a quick and delicious batch of crispy maitake mushrooms, perfect as a healthy snack or side dish!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the maitake mushrooms, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss until the mushrooms are evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned maitake mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Check for desired crispiness; if needed, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.5mg
Notes
For extra crispiness, lightly spray the mushrooms with cooking spray before air frying. These make a delightful side or snack that pairs well with a variety of dips.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!