Description
Thick, chewy, and studded with massive chocolate chunks, these bakery-style cookies feature crisp edges, a gooey center, and a touch of flaky sea salt for the perfect sweet-savory balance.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 12–14 oz (340-400g) high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped into chunks
- Flaky sea salt (like Maldon), for topping
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on medium speed until just combined. Scrape down the bowl sides, then add vanilla extract and mix briefly.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients on low speed, mixing just until flour disappears.
- Remove bowl from mixer and gently fold in chopped chocolate chunks using a silicone spatula, reserving a handful for topping.
- Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (ideally 24 hours) to chill.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into balls (about 3 tablespoons each) and place on sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Press reserved chocolate chunks onto tops.
- Bake one sheet at a time for 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway through, until edges are golden but centers look soft.
- Immediately sprinkle flaky sea salt onto hot cookies. Let cool on pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chilling the dough is crucial for thick, chewy cookies and preventing excessive spreading. Use softened butter, not melted. Underbake slightly for a soft center. Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 110
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: bakery cookies, chocolate chunk cookies, soft cookies, sea salt cookies, homemade cookies, chocolate chip cookies, dessert recipe