Irresistibly Soft Butterscotch Cookies Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Sweet butterscotch cookies dance with nostalgic charm, promising pure comfort in every golden bite.

Childhood memories swirl around rich caramel notes and buttery crumbles waiting to melt on your tongue.

Soft edges and crisp centers create a sensational texture that beckons immediate indulgence.

Brown sugar whispers warmth into each delicate morsel, infusing depth and complexity.

Unexpected hints of vanilla complement the deep butterscotch essence, making these cookies irresistibly unique.

Baking these treats fills kitchens with an inviting aroma that draws everyone closer.

You won’t be able to resist sampling these delectable morsels straight from the cooling rack.

Butterscotch Cookies FAQs

• What are butterscotch chips made of?

Butterscotch chips are typically created from a combination of brown sugar, butter, and other ingredients like corn syrup, palm oil, and vanilla flavoring, providing a rich, caramel-like taste to the cookies.

• Can I substitute butterscotch chips with another type of baking chip?

Yes, you can use alternatives like caramel chips, toffee bits, or even chocolate chips if you want a different flavor profile while maintaining similar texture and baking characteristics.

• Why do I need to chill the cookie dough before baking?

Chilling the dough helps prevent cookies from spreading too quickly during baking, ensures a more uniform shape, and allows the flavors to develop more deeply, resulting in a better texture and taste.

• How do I know when butterscotch cookies are perfectly baked?

The cookies are done when the edges turn lightly golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet, creating a soft and chewy texture.

What Makes Butterscotch Cookies Popular

• Simple, straightforward recipe perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. No complicated techniques required, making it accessible to anyone craving a sweet treat.
• Preparation takes less than 30 minutes of active cooking time. From mixing ingredients to pulling warm cookies from the oven, this recipe delivers fast satisfaction without demanding hours in the kitchen.
• Butterscotch chips bring a nostalgic, rich flavor that appeals to all ages. Kids and adults will adore these soft, chewy cookies that evoke memories of homemade goodness and warm family gatherings.
• Dough can be prepared in advance and chilled, allowing flexible baking schedules. Prepare the mixture ahead of time, then bake fresh cookies whenever cravings strike or unexpected guests arrive.

Butterscotch Cookies Ingredient Breakdown

• Butter: Rich, creamy foundation for cookie texture and flavor. Softened at room temperature for best results.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create soft, chewy cookie texture. Dark brown sugar adds deeper caramel notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Structural backbone of the cookie. Standard wheat flour works best.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help cookies rise and create light, tender crumb. Fresh leavening agents crucial for good results.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness. Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex background flavor. Pure extract recommended over imitation.
• Butterscotch Chips: Star flavor ingredient, providing signature sweet and caramel-like taste. High-quality chips recommended.

Instructions to Prepare Butterscotch Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F (177C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to create a non-stick paradise.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar

Beat these ingredients until they become a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that looks absolutely dreamy.

Step 3: Introduce Liquid Magic

• Eggs (one at a time)
• Vanilla extract

Blend until everything becomes a harmonious mixture.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients together, then gradually incorporate them into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined- don’t overwork the dough!

Step 5: Sprinkle Butterscotch Goodness

Tenderly fold butterscotch chips throughout the dough, ensuring an even distribution of sweet treasures.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and let it relax in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Delights

Using a cookie scoop, create perfectly rounded dough balls. Place them on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a beautiful golden color and centers look slightly underdone.

Step 9: Cool and Celebrate

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. Your butterscotch cookie adventure is complete!

Pro Tips for Making Butterscotch Cookies

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to achieve the ideal light and fluffy texture without melting.
• Prevent Overmixing Dough: Mix dry ingredients just until combined to keep cookies tender and prevent tough, dense results.
• Maximize Butterscotch Flavor: Use high-quality butterscotch chips and consider toasting them briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their rich, caramel-like taste.
• Chill for Better Texture: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent cookies from spreading too thin and to develop deeper, more complex flavors.
• Store Like a Pro: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing a slice of bread inside to maintain softness and prevent drying.

How to Store and Reheat Butterscotch Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Pack cookies in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, keeping them flat. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or restore crispness by placing them in a 300F oven for 3-5 minutes before serving.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to regain their soft texture.

Best Pairings with Butterscotch Cookies

• Pair with a rich, velvety chai latte that complements the butterscotch's warm, caramel-like sweetness. The spicy undertones of chai create a delightful contrast with the cookie's buttery richness.
• Enjoy alongside a cold glass of whole milk or a creamy Irish cream liqueur. These smooth beverages highlight the cookie's sweet, decadent flavor profile and provide a luxurious drinking experience.
• Serve with vanilla bean ice cream for an ultimate dessert combination. The cool, creamy texture of the ice cream perfectly balances the warm, crisp edges of the butterscotch cookies, creating a heavenly treat that melts in your mouth.
• Complement with a handful of toasted pecans or almonds. The nuts' subtle crunch and earthy flavor enhance the butterscotch's caramel notes, adding depth and complexity to each delightful bite.

Butterscotch Cookies Variation Ideas

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the texture remains soft and chewy while accommodating those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and choose vegan butterscotch chips to create a plant-based version of these classic cookies.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Swap granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the rich butterscotch flavor profile.
• Nutty Enhancement: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to add extra crunch and depth, transforming the classic recipe into a more textured and complex cookie experience.

Butterscotch Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Nostalgic butterscotch cookies melt hearts with their rich, buttery charm, promising a delightful journey through sweet memories. Bakers can savor these irresistible treats that bring comfort and joy to any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (313 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (340 grams) butterscotch chips
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Sugars:

• 1 cup (200 grams) packed brown sugar
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by lining baking sheets with parchment paper and heating the oven to 350F (177C), ensuring an ideal baking environment.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy texture, approximately 2-3 minutes of vigorous mixing.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, blending thoroughly after each addition, then introduce vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
4. Separately, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt through a whisking motion, creating a uniform dry ingredient blend.
5. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
6. Fold butterscotch chips into the dough, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
7. Refrigerate the dough for a minimum of 30 minutes to prevent excessive spreading and enhance flavor development.
8. Using a cookie scoop, form rounded dough balls and place them strategically on prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately 2 inches of separation between each cookie.
9. Transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges and slightly underbaked centers.
10. Remove from oven and allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture.

Notes

• Ensure butter is genuinely softened at room temperature for optimal cookie texture, avoiding melted or cold butter that can drastically change cookie consistency.
• Refrigerating dough helps develop deeper butterscotch flavor and prevents cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
• Experiment with different chip variations like adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra complexity and crunch in the cookies.
• Use high-quality brown sugar with rich molasses content to enhance the authentic butterscotch flavor profile and create more depth in the cookie’s taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 105 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 34 mg