Byron Bay Chocolate Chip Cookies
Byron Bay Chocolate Chip Cookies are irresistibly soft, chewy, and rich with buttery flavor and generous pockets of melted premium chocolate. This recipe balances moisture and texture perfectly, capturing the laid-back coastal spirit of Byron Bay with every bite. Ideal for both seasoned bakers and beginners, these cookies offer bakery-quality results with simple, high-quality ingredients and essential baking techniques.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) high-quality unsalted butter, softened (not melted)
- 1 cup (220g) dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated white sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling on top)
Chocolate
- 1 1/2 cups (255g) quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips or chunks
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: Start by beating the softened butter with both the dark brown sugar and granulated white sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aerates the dough and creates the foundation for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract to infuse a warm and comforting aroma that is essential to the cookie’s flavor profile.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Gently fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients to maintain a soft dough and avoid developing gluten that could toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in the quality chocolate chips or chunks, distributing them evenly to ensure every bite contains a gooey chocolate surprise.
- Chill the Dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling solidifies the fats and enhances flavor development while helping achieve the signature soft and chewy texture.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top if desired. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use softened (not melted) butter to trap air and create a light texture.
- Do not skip chilling the dough; it enhances flavor and improves texture.
- Measure flour by spooning and leveling to avoid dry, crumbly results.
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before baking for intensified sweet-savory balance.
- Choose quality chocolate for better melt, taste, and overall cookie richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Byron Bay, chocolate chip cookies, soft cookies, chewy cookies, buttery cookies, coastal cookies, bakery style cookies