If you’re searching for a truly special twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, allow me to introduce the Lavender & Sea Salt Chocolate Chunk Cookies. These beauties are soft, chewy, and bursting with fragrant lavender and pools of melty chocolate, finished with just the right kiss of crunchy sea salt. Each bite is an enchanting experience—earthy floral notes mingle with chocolate richness, all balanced by flakes of sea salt that make these cookies impossible to resist. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to a new baking adventure, Lavender & Sea Salt Chocolate Chunk Cookies are bound to steal the show.

Lavender & Sea Salt Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these ingredients are kitchen staples, but together they create a cookie that’s completely unique. Each element plays its own role in shaping the flavor, aroma, and texture of these Lavender & Sea Salt Chocolate Chunk Cookies, making every bite unforgettable.

Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter makes the base rich, tender and flavorful—don’t substitute with cold, as it won’t cream properly.
Light Brown Sugar: Brings a lovely caramel note and keeps the cookies chewy in the center.
Granulated Sugar: Balances out the richness and helps create those golden, crisp cookie edges.
Egg: Holds everything together while also giving the cookies structure and a bit of puffiness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavors of chocolate and lavender, lending cozy undertones.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives your cookies body and that classic soft bite.
Cornstarch: Secret weapon for pillowy, tender cookies; it prevents toughness.
Baking Soda: The leavening agent here, so your cookies rise perfectly and bake evenly.
Salt: A necessary contrast to sweet and floral flavors—don’t skip it!
Dried Lavender Buds: The signature flair—be sure to use culinary or food-grade lavender for safety and flavor.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks: Luscious pockets of melted chocolate are just unbeatable—chips will work, but chunks melt dreamily.
Coarse Sea Salt: For the essential finish: a light sprinkle right out of the oven adds sparkle, crunch, and an elegant savory pop.

How to Make Lavender & Sea Salt Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Grab your largest mixing bowl and beat the unsalted butter together with both sugars using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Give it about two minutes on medium speed until you see the mixture get light and fluffy—this step is essential for that dreamy cookie texture.

Step 2: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Add your egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until fully combined, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl, so everything is perfectly blended. This gives your dough its signature flavor and silky texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Lavender

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and those beautiful dried lavender buds. Slowly mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Switch to low speed until a soft dough forms—don’t overmix or your cookies will lose their tenderness.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chunks

Add the chocolate chunks (or chips, if you prefer) to your dough and give everything a gentle mix just until the chocolate is evenly dispersed. The fewer stirs, the better for melty pockets of chocolate in the final cookies!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the cookie dough with foil or plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least an hour, but up to two days. Chilling is truly worth the wait—it helps the flavors meld and gives you perfectly thick, bakery-style cookies.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Take your cookie dough out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, get your oven preheated to 350 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a snap.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and set them on your baking sheet with a bit of breathing room (about two inches apart). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges look golden and set, but the centers are still soft—don’t overbake!

Step 8: Sea Salt Finishing Touch

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle them generously with coarse sea salt. This magical touch brings out the chocolate flavor and highlights the lavender beautifully.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Let the cookies cool on the sheet for five minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set up, so they don’t fall apart on the rack and stay beautifully chewy in the middle.

How to Serve Lavender & Sea Salt Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Garnishes

For an eye-catching finish, scatter a few extra lavender buds or some mini chocolate pieces on top just before serving. You can even add a second tiny pinch of sea salt for an upscale bakery vibe. A little drizzle of melted chocolate never hurt, either!

Side Dishes

Pairing these cookies with complementary sides makes your presentation feel like a true occasion. A cold glass of milk, a mug of creamy hot chocolate, or a floral herbal tea really lets the unique flavors in your Lavender & Sea Salt Chocolate Chunk Cookies shine. If you love cheese, try a mild goat cheese for a sophisticated sweet-and-savory plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming gift, stack the cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a sprig of dried lavender. For a party, pile them high on a rustic platter lined with parchment and scatter edible flowers around the edge. If feeling fancy, make miniature versions and serve them on a pastel cake stand for afternoon tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any remaining Lavender & Sea Salt Chocolate Chunk Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delightful for three to four days—just be sure they’ve cooled completely before sealing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

Both the cookie dough and the baked cookies freeze beautifully. For dough, roll into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to three months. Baked cookies can be frozen as well; separate layers with wax paper and use within a month for best flavor.

Reheating

Warm up leftover cookies in a 300-degree oven for just a few minutes—or even pop one in the microwave for ten seconds. This revives the melty chocolate magic and makes them taste like they’re fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

It’s best to stick with food-grade dried lavender buds, as they’re concentrated and reliable for baking. Fresh lavender has a different moisture content and can make the flavor too pungent or even soapy—dried gives you that aromatic pop without overpowering the cookie.

What chocolate works best for these cookies?

Semi-sweet chocolate chunks bring the perfect balance of sweetness and depth, but you’re welcome to use dark chocolate if you prefer a more intense bite. If you only have chips on hand, they still work—the important part is generously studding each cookie!

Do I really need to chill the dough?

Chilling is crucial for thick, chewy cookies and for letting the lavender flavor infuse the dough. If you skip this step, the cookies may spread too much and bake up thinner. Patience is key!

How do I stop the cookies from overbaking?

Keep a close eye: you want the edges set and golden, but the centers should look a little soft when you pull them out. They’ll firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. If in doubt, take them out a minute early; slightly underbaked is always better than dry.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. No other changes are needed, and you’ll still get fabulous Lavender & Sea Salt Chocolate Chunk Cookies everyone can love.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your baking routine with something aromatic, chocolatey, and a bit unexpected, these Lavender & Sea Salt Chocolate Chunk Cookies will not disappoint. Whip up a batch and share with friends—or just treat yourself to a little floral happiness with every bite!