Butterscotch cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness and a hint of buttery richness. With their chewy texture and warm, caramel-like flavor, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and speed—ready in under 30 minutes—allowing you to satisfy your sweet tooth without a long wait. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or paired with a glass of milk, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
To make approximately 24 delicious butterscotch cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional), such as pecans or walnuts
Optional Garnish:
- Sea salt for sprinkling
- Additional butterscotch chips for decoration
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheets
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a lighter cookie.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Fold in Butterscotch Chips
Gently fold in the butterscotch chips and chopped nuts (if using) 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 sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for the cookies to spread while baking.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
Step 9: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and enhances their chewy texture.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooled, serve your butterscotch cookies as is, or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a delightful contrast to the sweetness. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee.
Serving Suggestions
- With Milk: Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to create ice cream sandwiches with your favorite flavor.
- Coffee or Tea: Serve alongside a warm beverage for a cozy treat.
- Dessert Platter: Add to a dessert platter with other cookies and treats for a delightful variety.
Nutritional Information
Butterscotch cookies provide a comforting treat that can be enjoyed in moderation. Each cookie contains:
- Calories: Approximately 150-180 calories
- Fat: 7-9 grams (depending on added nuts)
- Carbohydrates: 22-25 grams
- Sugar: 10-12 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
These cookies are a source of quick energy due to their sugar content, but they also contain some beneficial fats from the butter and nuts (if included). Enjoying them as an occasional treat can fit into a balanced diet.
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Unsalted butter is recommended for the best taste.
2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free butterscotch cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
4. What can I substitute for butterscotch chips?
If you don’t have butterscotch chips, you can use chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile.
5. How do I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator or freeze them.
Conclusion
This butterscotch cookie recipe is not only easy to follow but also delivers on flavor and texture, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies in your home, and savor each chewy, buttery bite!