In a medium bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix together and set aside.
2 ½ cups All-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon Baking soda, 1 teaspoon Salt
Using a large bowl with a mixer, beat the melted butter (make sure it is cooled to room temperature before using to avoid spreading), brown sugar, and sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 2 minutes. It will become pale in color.
1 cup Unsalted butter, ¾ cup Brown sugar, ¾ cup White granulated sugar
Add the vanilla and apple sauce. Mix on medium until combined. Add in the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
2 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract, ½ cup Unsweetened applesauce
Take off the mixer and scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula. Then, add in the chocolate chips and mix until combined.
1 ¼ cup Dark chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. While the oven preheats, let the dough rest for 10 minutes. This helps to prevent spread.
Use a large cookie scoop (3 tablespoon or 2oz), and scoop 6 cookie dough balls per cookie sheet.
Bake 1 sheet at a time. Bake 12-14 minutes until the edges are golden and middle is slightly underdone.
Top with extra chocolate chips and flakey seat salt. Let the cookies sit on the hot pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.