Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsThe LivelySea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Inspired by The Lively
Time45m
Serves2

2 Warm Cookies

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Cookie Dough

Method

  1. 1

    Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

  2. 2

    Allow the unsalted butter to come to room temperature so it's soft but not greasy (about 20–30 minutes if refrigerated). In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and light brown sugar until smooth, creamy and slightly lighter in color, about 1–2 minutes by hand or 30–60 seconds with a mixer on medium speed.

  3. 3

    Add the large egg yolk and the vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars. Mix until fully incorporated and the mixture is glossy, about 20–30 seconds.

  4. 4

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt until evenly combined.

  5. 5

    Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and fold with a spatula until just combined — do not overmix. Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) so they are evenly distributed. The dough will be slightly sticky but hold together.

Shaping, Baking & Finishing

  1. 6

    Portion cookies

    Divide the dough into two equal portions (about 2 large rounded tablespoons or use a 2–2.5 inch scoop). Roll each portion gently between your palms into a loose ball; do not compact too much — a slightly rough surface yields a better texture.

  2. 7

    Arrange on sheet

    Place the two dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between them. Slightly flatten each ball to about 1/2 inch thickness so they spread evenly.

  3. 8

    Bake

    Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 9–12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still soft. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even color if your oven runs hot.

  4. 9

    Rest and sprinkle salt

    Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately sprinkle each warm cookie with a pinch (~1/8 tsp) of flaky sea salt while they are still hot so the salt adheres. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to finish cooking and set.

  5. 10

    Serve

    Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack or serve warm on a plate. They are intended to be enjoyed warm — soft centers with a crisp edge and a bright pop of sea salt.

More from The Lively