Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Using an electric mixer, combine the butter, sugars, and vanilla followed by the applesauce.
Mix in the sea salt, baking soda, and one cup of flour. Mix on low.
Add the remaining flour and mix on low until just combined.
Stir in the chocolate chips and a handful of butterscotch chips if you wish.
Using a cookie scoop, place the dough onto cookie sheets. Sprinkle tops of the cookies with a pinch of sea salt.
Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.