Name: Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 34 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups Old-Fashioned Oats; 3 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1.5 teaspoons Baking Soda; 1.5 teaspoons Baking Powder; 1 teaspoon Sea Salt; 1.25 cups Unsalted Butter (room temperature); 1.5 cups Light Brown Sugar (packed); 1 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 large Large Eggs; 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract; 2.5 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks or Chips

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

I’ll never forget the first time I baked Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies. It was a rainy afternoon, and the smell of melting chocolate and warm cookies filled my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. I remember sitting with my friends, indulging in these gooey treats, each bite bursting with rich chocolate and a hint of salt that made them utterly irresistible. Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe, and it has become a staple in my home, a go-to whenever I want to treat myself or friends. The key to these cookies is balancing the sweetness of the chocolate with a sprinkle of sea salt, creating a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for more.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
34 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
14 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
210 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Frying Pan, Whisk, Baking Sheet, Food Processor, Oven

Why This Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies Is a Winner

Rich Flavor Combination

What sets Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies apart is the perfect blend of flavors. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chunks and a sprinkle of sea salt creates a delightful contrast that tantalizes your taste buds. It’s this balance that makes each cookie so memorable.

Texture Perfection

These cookies are not just delicious; they’re also about texture. The outer layer is crisp, while the inside remains chewy and soft, providing a delightful mouthfeel that you won’t be able to resist. You’ll love the way they melt in your mouth!

Easy to Make

One of the best parts about this recipe is how simple it is. You don’t need any complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. With just a few basic pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in no time, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a cozy night in, a gathering with friends, or a sweet treat for your family, Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies fit every occasion. They make for fantastic gifts, and everyone appreciates a homemade cookie.

Customizable

This recipe is also incredibly versatile! You can customize the types of chocolate used or add nuts for an extra crunch. Feel free to make them your own, and they’ll still taste amazing!

Impressive Presentation

Finally, the presentation of these cookies is simply stunning. The sprinkle of salt on top not only enhances the flavor but also gives a beautiful contrast against the rich chocolate, making them look bakery-worthy!

Ingredients Required for Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies

When creating Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies, the ingredients come together in a beautiful harmony. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect cookie. The key players are the chocolate chunks, which provide a rich flavor, and the sea salt, which enhances the sweetness and adds depth. Together, these ingredients create a treat that is both satisfying and indulgent.

Old-Fashioned Oats: 1 ½ cups – These give a hearty texture and help keep the cookies chewy.
All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups – The base of the cookies, providing structure.

Baking Soda: 1 ½ teaspoons – Helps the cookies to rise and become fluffy.
Baking Powder: 1 ½ teaspoons – Works alongside baking soda for that perfect cookie texture.
Sea Salt: 1 teaspoon – A pinch to enhance flavor and balance the sweetness.

Unsalted Butter: 1 ¼ cups (2 ½ sticks), room temperature – Necessary for richness and moisture.
Light Brown Sugar: 1 ½ cups, packed – Adds sweetness and moisture, giving the cookies a chewy bite.
Granulated Sugar: 1 cup – Sweetness and a bit of crispness to the cookie exterior.

Large Eggs: 2 – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
Pure Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons – Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks or Chips: 2 ½ cups – The star of the show, providing pockets of melted chocolate.

Cooking Instructions for Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Making Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with heavenly aromas. Follow these steps to create your own batch of delicious cookies. You’ll find that the method is straightforward and enjoyable!

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is an essential step, as starting with a properly heated oven ensures that your cookies bake evenly. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Using a food processor, pulse the old-fashioned oats until they reach a coarse flour texture. This step enhances the cookie’s texture, adding a lovely chewiness.
In a large bowl, whisk together the processed oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt. Combine these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the leavening agents, which will help the cookies rise appropriately.
In a separate bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter on medium speed for about one minute until creamy. This helps to aerate the butter, making your cookies light and fluffy.

Add in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, continuing to mix on medium speed for 5-6 minutes. The mixture should become light and fluffy, which means it’s ready for the next ingredient.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the large eggs, mixing until fully combined. Then, gently fold in the pure vanilla extract and beat on medium speed for an additional minute. This adds richness and flavor to your cookies.
Gradually add in the dry ingredient mixture, continuing to mix on low speed until fully incorporated. You want to avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Once the dry ingredients are mixed in, increase the speed to medium for 1-2 minutes. This helps to develop the cookie dough’s texture further. Use a wooden spoon to stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Use a medium cookie scoop (about 1 ½ tablespoons) to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven due to residual heat.

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and place the pan on a cooling rack. Before they cool completely, sprinkle each cookie with a bit of sea salt for that signature flavor. Let them cool on the rack until they are set but still warm enough to enjoy!

Things Worth Knowing

Use room temperature butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough, leading to a fluffier texture.

Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until combined.
Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This can help prevent spreading.
Watch the baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked.

Making Adjustments

As you embark on your baking journey with Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies, remember that adjustments can be made to cater to your preferences! Here are several tips to consider:

Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them fresh and chewy.
Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations: Try mixing in nuts or different types of chocolate to customize your cookies. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Serving: These cookies are perfect on their own or paired with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Batch size: Feel free to double the recipe if you’re planning for a party. Just remember to adjust your baking sheets accordingly!

Best Served With

Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies are fantastic on their own but can be enjoyed even more with some delightful pairings. Here are some ideas to elevate your cookie experience:

Milk: A classic pairing, a cold glass of milk complements the rich chocolate flavor perfectly.
Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee pairs beautifully, bringing out the chocolate’s richness.

Fruit: Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
Storage: If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment.
Occasions: These cookies are perfect for parties, holidays, or simply as a sweet surprise for loved ones.

FAQ

The main difference between Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies and regular chocolate chip cookies lies in the addition of sea salt. This sprinkle of salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and adds a savory kick that makes each bite more exciting. The texture also tends to be slightly different, often resulting in a chewier cookie with a crisp edge.

Absolutely! You can customize your Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies by using different types of chocolate. Try dark chocolate for a more intense flavor, or white chocolate for a sweeter twist. You can also mix chocolates to create a unique flavor profile, making these cookies truly your own.

To maintain the freshness of your Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long! If you want to keep some for later, you can freeze them as well. Just make sure they’re in a freezer-safe container.

Yes! You can prepare the dough for Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies ahead of time. Once you’ve mixed the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. The dough can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake them straight from the fridge.

Conclusion

Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies are truly a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with a hint of sea salt. This perfect balance of sweet and salty, chewy and crispy, makes them an all-time favorite. I encourage you to try making these cookies for yourself, whether to share with friends or enjoy solo. They’re sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your kitchen.

Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies

The ultimate comfort food, Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookies combine the rich flavor of chocolate with a delightful hint of salt. Perfectly chewy and crispy, these cookies are an easy weeknight treat that everyone will love. Make them tonight for a sweet indulgence!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 14

Total Time 34

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

Wooden Spoon
Mixing Bowl
Frying Pan
Whisk
Baking Sheet
Food Processor
Oven

Ingredients

1.5 cups Old-Fashioned Oats
3 cups All-Purpose Flour
1.5 teaspoons Baking Soda
1.5 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Sea Salt
1.25 cups Unsalted Butter room temperature
1.5 cups Light Brown Sugar packed
1 cup Granulated Sugar
2 large Large Eggs
2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
2.5 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks or Chips

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is an essential step, as starting with a properly heated oven ensures that your cookies bake evenly. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Using a food processor, pulse the old-fashioned oats until they reach a coarse flour texture. This step enhances the cookie's texture, adding a lovely chewiness.

In a large bowl, whisk together the processed oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt. Combine these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the leavening agents, which will help the cookies rise appropriately.
In a separate bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter on medium speed for about one minute until creamy. This helps to aerate the butter, making your cookies light and fluffy.
Add in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, continuing to mix on medium speed for 5-6 minutes. The mixture should become light and fluffy, which means it’s ready for the next ingredient.

Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the large eggs, mixing until fully combined. Then, gently fold in the pure vanilla extract and beat on medium speed for an additional minute. This adds richness and flavor to your cookies.
Gradually add in the dry ingredient mixture, continuing to mix on low speed until fully incorporated. You want to avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Once the dry ingredients are mixed in, increase the speed to medium for 1-2 minutes. This helps to develop the cookie dough’s texture further. Use a wooden spoon to stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Use a medium cookie scoop (about 1 ½ tablespoons) to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven due to residual heat.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and place the pan on a cooling rack. Before they cool completely, sprinkle each cookie with a bit of sea salt for that signature flavor. Let them cool on the rack until they are set but still warm enough to enjoy!