If you’re searching for the ultimate cookie that perfectly balances rich sweetness with a hint of savory, look no further than these White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies with Sea Salt. With their soft, chewy centers and crispy edges, these cookies are elevated by the luxurious flavors of white chocolate and the delightful crunch of macadamia nuts. Topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, each bite is a blissful experience that will leave you craving more. Let’s dive into why you need to make these cookies today!
Top Reasons to Make White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies with Sea Salt

- Irresistible Flavor Combination: The creamy sweetness of white chocolate pairs beautifully with the buttery richness of macadamia nuts and the contrasting sea salt.
- Perfect Texture: These cookies strike the ideal balance between chewy and crunchy, making them hard to resist.
- Quick and Easy: With a simple ingredient list and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual gathering or a special celebration, these cookies are sure to impress.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup good quality butter (1.5 sticks)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts (preferably sea salt dry roasted)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes
Setup & Equipment
- Baking Sheet: A rimmed baking sheet is ideal for even baking.
- Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large bowl for mixing the wet ingredients and a separate bowl for the dry ones.
- Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer will save you time and effort when creaming the butter and sugars.
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon: For evenly sized cookies, a cookie scoop is perfect.
How to Prepare White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies with Sea Salt

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside as you’ll combine it with the wet ingredients shortly.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the good quality butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Add the large egg, large egg yolk, pure vanilla extract, and pure almond extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.
Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate Chips and Macadamia Nuts
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 8: Sprinkle with Sea Salt
Before baking, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt flakes over each cookie dough ball. This adds a delightful touch of flavor and contrast.
Step 9: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps

- Chocolate Variations: Swap out white chocolate chips for dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Nuts: Instead of macadamia nuts, try using chopped pecans or walnuts for a twist.
- Flavors: Add dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity contrast, especially around the holidays.
- Spices: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up the flavors during colder months.
Things That Go Wrong
- Cookies Spread Too Much: This could be due to melted butter or not chilling the dough. Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Cookies Are Dry: Overbaking can lead to dry cookies. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when they’re just set.
- Too Salty: If you’re not a fan of salt, feel free to reduce the amount of sea salt flakes sprinkled on top.
- Uneven Baking: Make sure your oven is properly preheated, and if you’re baking multiple trays, rotate them halfway through baking for even results.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
Once your White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies with Sea Salt are fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To rewarm, simply microwave for a few seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a couple of minutes until warmed through. This will bring back their delightful softness!
Popular Questions
Can I use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour provides the best texture for these cookies, you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum for proper structure.
What can I substitute for macadamia nuts?
If you don’t have macadamia nuts, feel free to use any other nut you prefer, such as pecans or walnuts. You can also omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version!
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and still slightly soft in the center. They will continue to cook a bit after being removed from the oven.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just allow it to come to room temperature before scooping and baking.
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The perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and a touch of saltiness makes these White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies with Sea Salt a must-bake recipe. Whether you’re preparing for a gathering or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies will not disappoint. Enjoy every bite!

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies with Sea Salt
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup good quality butter (1.5 sticks)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts (preferably sea salt dry roasted)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes
Instructions
Instructions:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the good quality butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the large egg, large egg yolk, pure vanilla extract, and pure almond extract to the creamed mixture and beat until well combined.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Step 6: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts until evenly distributed.
- Step 7: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Step 8: Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt flakes over each cookie dough ball before baking.
- Step 9: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft.
- Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Notes
- For best results, ensure your butter is softened but not melted.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you find your cookies spread too much.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
