Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt
Chewy, golden-brown cookies packed with dark chocolate chips and a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and savory. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 34 minutes layers softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, softened unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy (3 minutes with an electric mixer).
- Step 2: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract until combined, then mix in 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt until just incorporated (do not overmix).
- Step 3: Fold in 2 cups chocolate chips by hand until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 4: Scoop dough into 1.5-inch balls (about 2 tbsp each) and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Sprinkle each with 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt.
- Step 5: Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden brown but centers are still soft, rotating sheets halfway through. Let cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt take to make?
Total time is about 34 minutes (20 min prep + 14 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
