There’s something undeniably comforting about a freshly baked cookie, and when it comes to chocolate chip cookies, the classic recipe never fails to deliver. But what if we elevate that classic flavor with the richness of salted butter? This Salted Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe brings a delightful balance of sweet and savory, resulting in cookies that are crispy on the edges and chewy in the center.
Imagine biting into a warm cookie, the gooey chocolate melting in your mouth, while that hint of salt enhances every bite. If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable cookie experience, let’s dive into this recipe!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe

– The perfect blend of sweet and salty, thanks to the salted butter.
– A chewy texture that keeps you coming back for seconds.
– Coarsely chopped chocolate pieces that create a melty, mouthwatering experience.
– The option to add your favorite toasted nuts for an extra crunch.
Ingredient Breakdown
- 4 ounces (115g) salted butter: Room temperature butter is crucial for the perfect texture and flavor.
- 2/3 cup (110g) packed dark or light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor.
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar: Balances the richness of brown sugar for sweetness.
- 1 large egg: At room temperature, it helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 1/3 cup (180g) all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie, gives structure.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt or kosher salt: For that irresistible salty finish.
- 1 1/3 cups (200g) coarsely chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate: The star of the show, providing melty goodness.
- 1 cup toasted nuts, coarsely chopped (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
Gear Up: What to Grab
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients easily.
- Electric mixer: Optional, but makes creaming the butter and sugars easier.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy surface for your cookies to bake on.
- Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cookie scoop or spoon: For evenly portioning the dough.
Salted Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie: How It’s Done

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature salted butter, dark or light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, cream the mixture until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the large egg and the vanilla extract until well combined. This step adds moisture and flavor to your cookie dough.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and flaky sea salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate and Nuts
Gently fold in the coarsely chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate and toasted nuts, if using. The chunks of chocolate should be evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful Salted Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies warm or at room temperature!
Seasonal Twists

- Fall: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and swap out chocolate for butterscotch chips.
- Winter: Incorporate crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch.
- Spring: Mix in chopped dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist.
- Summer: Stir in toasted coconut flakes for a tropical flavor.
Testing Timeline
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
Make Ahead Like a Pro
If you want to get a head start on your cookie baking, you can prepare the dough in advance. Simply scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a resealable plastic bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw them—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
Popular Questions
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter! Just add a pinch of salt to the dough to achieve that sweet and salty balance.
What type of chocolate is best for these cookies?
Bittersweet or semisweet chocolate works best, as it provides a nice balance of sweetness with a rich chocolate flavor.
Can I substitute any of the sugars in this recipe?
While brown sugar and granulated sugar create the best texture and flavor, you can substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative, but it may slightly change the texture.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage!
Reader Favorites
- Best Chocolate Chip Cookies by Sally’s Baking Addiction
- Chocolate Chip Cookies by Pinch of Yum
- 1-Bowl Chocolate Chip Cookies by Minimalist Baker
That’s a Wrap
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself after a long day, these Salted Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect choice. Their rich flavor, delightful texture, and the combination of sweet and salty will surely satisfy your cookie cravings. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready for the ultimate cookie experience! Happy baking!

Salted Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Ingredients
- 4 ounces salted butter room temperature
- 2/3 cup dark or light brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt or kosher salt
- 1 1/3 cups bittersweet or semisweet chocolate coarsely chopped
- 1 cup toasted nuts coarsely chopped, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the room temperature salted butter, dark or light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and flaky sea salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the coarsely chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate and toasted nuts, if using.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze dough balls for up to three months.
- Add a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter to keep the sweet and salty balance.
- Try seasonal variations like cinnamon in fall or peppermint in winter for festive twists.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough to keep cookies chewy.
