Butterscotch Cookies

Butterscotch cookies are a sweet, chewy, and buttery delight perfect for any occasion. Their rich flavor comes from a mix of brown sugar and butter, with an added butterscotch punch from butterscotch chips. These cookies are easy to make and can be whipped up in no time. Whether you’re making them for a party or just want a treat at home, they are bound to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe is simple and doesn’t require any special equipment or complicated techniques.
• Rich butterscotch flavor: The combination of brown sugar, butter, and butterscotch chips gives these cookies a deep, caramel-like taste.
• Perfect texture: These cookies are soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges.
• Great for gifting or sharing: Butterscotch cookies make a wonderful gift or treat for gatherings, and everyone loves their sweet, buttery goodness.
• Customizable: You can easily add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to switch things up.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Butterscotch chips

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in butterscotch chips: Gently fold in the butterscotch chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Shape cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 24-30 cookies, depending on the size of the dough balls.
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Baking time: 10-12 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 30 minutes

Variations

• Add chocolate chips: Swap out some of the butterscotch chips for chocolate chips to create a fun twist with a mix of chocolate and butterscotch.
• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added for extra crunch and flavor.
• Sprinkle with sea salt: For a sweet and salty combination, sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.
• Use browned butter: For a deeper, nutty flavor, try browning the butter before creaming it with the sugars.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store your butterscotch cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the dough or baked cookies. To freeze the dough, shape it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen cookie dough can be baked straight from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Reheating: To reheat the cookies, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds to warm them up and soften them.

FAQs

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

To avoid cookies spreading too much, make sure your butter isn’t too soft, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt by half to avoid the cookies being too salty.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.

How can I make the cookies chewier?

For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them. The centers should look soft when you take them out of the oven, and they will firm up as they cool.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for extra flavor and texture.

How long can I store the cookie dough in the fridge?

You can store the cookie dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are golden, but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can substitute margarine for butter, but it may affect the flavor and texture of the cookies. Butter provides a richer taste and better texture.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more cookies. Just be sure to adjust your baking sheets and space accordingly.

Conclusion

Butterscotch cookies are a delicious and simple treat that everyone will love. Their sweet, buttery flavor and chewy texture make them a perfect dessert for any occasion. With easy-to-find ingredients and quick prep time, they are an excellent choice for busy days or last-minute gatherings. Try them out, and you’ll have a new favorite cookie recipe in no time!

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