10 Irresistible Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies to Bake Now
My friend Emily recently shared her obsession with salted chocolate chip cookies. She’d been experimenting with different recipes, trying to find the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
Let’s start with the basics. These cookies are the perfect combination of chewy and crispy, with a generous sprinkle of sea salt on top. You’ll need butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, and of course, chocolate chips. Cream the butter and sugars, add the eggs and vanilla, then mix in the dry ingredients. Fold in the chocolate chips, scoop onto a baking sheet, and sprinkle with sea salt before baking.
The key to achieving the perfect texture is to slightly underbake the cookies. Take them out of the oven when the edges are golden but the centers still look a bit soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool, resulting in a deliciously chewy cookie with crisp edges.
2. Brown Butter Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
Take your cookies to the next level by browning the butter first. This simple step adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor that complements the chocolate and salt beautifully. Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Let it cool before using it in your cookie dough.
The rest of the recipe remains similar to the classic version, but you might need to chill the dough for an hour before baking to prevent spreading. The result is a rich, complex cookie with layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for your secret ingredient.
3. Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Cookies
For the chocolate lovers out there, these cookies are a dream come true. Use high-quality dark chocolate chips or chunks for an intense chocolate flavor. The bitterness of the dark chocolate pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cookie dough and the flaky sea salt on top.
To make these cookies extra special, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough. It won’t make the cookies taste like coffee, but it will enhance the chocolate flavor and give them a deeper, more complex taste. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra sea salt on top before baking for that perfect sweet-salty balance.
4. Salted Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Who says you can’t have it all? These cookies combine the best of both worlds: chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies, with a delightful salty twist. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture, and consider toasting them lightly before adding them to the dough for extra flavor.
The oats give these cookies a wonderful chewiness and a slightly nutty taste. You can also add some chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking brings all the flavors together beautifully.
5. Gluten-Free Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
Everyone deserves to enjoy a good cookie, regardless of dietary restrictions. These gluten-free cookies are so delicious, you won’t even miss the wheat flour. Use a blend of almond flour and a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix for the best texture. Xanthan gum helps bind the ingredients together and prevents the cookies from crumbling.
The almond flour adds a lovely nutty flavor that complements the chocolate and salt perfectly. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, as gluten-free flours can behave differently. Keep an eye on them and take them out when the edges are golden brown.
6. Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Sometimes, you want cookies but don’t have the patience to scoop and shape individual ones. Enter cookie bars: all the flavor of your favorite cookies in an easy-to-make, easy-to-serve format. Press the dough into a lined baking pan, sprinkle with sea salt, and bake until golden brown.
These bars are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or anytime you need to feed a crowd. You can easily customize them by adding nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate chips. Don’t forget to let them cool completely before cutting for the cleanest slices.
7. Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
Yes, you can make delicious salted chocolate chip cookies without any animal products! Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) instead of regular eggs. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips, and you’re good to go.
These vegan cookies are just as chewy and flavorful as their traditional counterparts. The coconut oil adds a subtle tropical note that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and salt. Be sure to chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading, as vegan doughs can be a bit softer.
8. Whole Wheat Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
For a slightly healthier twist on the classic, try using whole wheat flour. It adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber to your cookies. You can use all whole wheat flour or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose for a lighter texture.
These cookies have a deeper color and a more robust flavor than those made with just white flour. The whole wheat complements the chocolate and salt beautifully, creating a cookie that’s both satisfying and a little bit virtuous. Add some chopped nuts for extra crunch and nutrition.
9. Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches
Take your cookie game to the next level by turning them into sandwiches. Make your favorite salted chocolate chip cookie recipe, but make the cookies a bit smaller than usual. Once they’re cooled, sandwich them together with a filling of your choice.
Cream cheese frosting, peanut butter, or chocolate ganache all make delicious fillings. For an extra salty-sweet kick, try a salted caramel filling. These cookie sandwiches are perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to indulge in a truly decadent treat.
Sometimes, the best part of making cookies is sneaking bites of the raw dough. These no-bake cookie dough bites let you enjoy that experience safely, without any raw eggs. Use heat-treated flour to eliminate any risk from raw flour, and leave out the leavening agents since you won’t be baking these.
Roll the dough into small balls, then roll them in a mixture of sugar and sea salt for that perfect salty-sweet coating. These bites are perfect for satisfying your cookie cravings on hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven, or for a quick and easy treat anytime.
From classic recipes to innovative twists, these salted chocolate chip cookie variations offer something for everyone.
