If you’ve been searching for the perfect cozy treat to brighten your day, look no further than this beautiful Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a delightful marriage of rich butterscotch sweetness and classic chocolate chip goodness, all wrapped up in a soft, chewy texture with just the right hint of sea salt on top. Every bite feels like a warm hug, a little burst of flavor magic that’s bound to make anyone smile—whether you’re sharing with friends, family, or sneaking a few for yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, each playing a crucial role to make your Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe turn out just right. From the creamy butter that creates tenderness in every bite to the mix of sugars that balance sweetness and moisture, everything blends together to build that crave-worthy cookie texture and irresistible flavor.
- Unsalted butter, ½ cup: Softened is best; it ensures your cookies are tender and rich without overwhelming saltiness.
- Granulated sugar, ¼ cup: Adds a clean, crisp sweetness and helps create a slight crunch on the edges.
- Brown sugar, ½ cup: Packed with molasses, it brings chewiness and a deep caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with butterscotch.
- Large egg, 1: Acts as the binding agent, giving the cookie dough structure and a little lift.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups: The backbone ingredient that provides just enough structure without making cookies dry.
- Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: Helps cookies rise slightly and spread to the perfect size and shape.
- Salt, ½ teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and sharpens the overall flavor profile.
- Butterscotch chips, 1 cup: The star ingredient—these little pockets of buttery, sweet goodness melt into every bite.
- Chocolate chips, 1 cup: Classic, melty chocolate that complements butterscotch for a dreamy flavor combo.
- Sea salt sprinkles: Just a pinch on top adds contrast, heightening the sweet and salty experience.
- Optional: walnuts: Add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor if you’re feeling a bit adventurous.
How to Make Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F or 175°C. This ensures your oven will be at the perfect temperature to bake the cookies evenly with golden edges and a soft center. Gather all your ingredients so everything is ready to go—this little prep can make the whole process much smoother.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air, which helps create that perfect cookie texture—light, chewy, and absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract
Slowly add in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars. Mix just until everything is fully combined. The egg acts as a binder, while the vanilla extract lifts all the other flavors, giving your Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe a rich aroma that is simply mouthwatering.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed, giving your cookies consistent texture and flavor without any bitter spots or odd clumps.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as that can lead to tougher cookies. You want everything just blended for the perfect chewy tenderness.
Step 6: Fold in Butterscotch and Chocolate Chips (and Walnuts)
Now comes the fun part: folding in the butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, and walnuts if you’re using them. These chips are what make this Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe shine—they melt slightly during baking, creating soft pockets of sweet, gooey flavor that keep you coming back for more.
Step 7: Portion the Dough and Add Sea Salt
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a good 2 inches apart to give the cookies room to spread. Before baking, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on each cookie—this little touch provides a wonderful counterpoint to the sweetness and elevates the entire flavor experience.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are beautifully golden brown, and the centers look just set but still soft. This timing ensures the cookies are perfectly chewy on the inside with a tiny crisp on the outside—true cookie bliss!
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time allows them to firm up slightly without losing their soft texture, so you get that melt-in-your-mouth feel every time.
How to Serve Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt is all you need to garnish these cookies spectacularly, but you might also try a tiny drizzle of melted white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty presentation that catches the eye and teases the taste buds.
Side Dishes
Pair your Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. The creamy, smooth drinks balance the cookie’s sweetness and enhance their warm buttery notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these cookies alongside vanilla ice cream to create mini ice cream sandwiches or crumble them on top of your favorite desserts to add a sweet, crunchy layer. You could also gift them in a decorative tin for a homemade present full of love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week. Make sure to layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep their perfect texture intact.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper, and they’ll last for up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, or microwave for about 10 seconds for a soft, gooey texture that tastes like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butterscotch chips with something else?
Absolutely! If you don’t have butterscotch chips, you can use caramel bits or white chocolate chips for a different but equally lovely twist. Just keep in mind the flavor will vary slightly.
Are these cookies chewy or crunchy?
This Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is designed to be chewy with slightly crisp edges, striking a perfect balance that satisfies both texture lovers.
Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
To make them vegan, try using dairy-free butter and a flax or chia egg substitute. For gluten-free, swap the flour for a gluten-free blend. The texture may vary a bit but the flavor will still be delightful!
Why do we add baking soda?
Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise just enough while encouraging spread, resulting in that signature soft and tender texture.
What’s the purpose of the sea salt on top?
The sprinkle of sea salt provides a lovely contrast to the sweet butterscotch and chocolate chips, enhancing all the flavors and giving your cookies an extra pop of taste complexity.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe—it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm, comforting secret you can’t wait to share. Whether for a casual snack, a gift, or just because you deserve a little sweetness, these cookies hit all the right notes and deliver big smiles. So grab your ingredients, have fun baking, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cookie!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully rich and chewy Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies combining the sweet, buttery flavor of butterscotch with classic chocolate chips. These cookies are sprinkled with sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and salty, ideal for any cookie lover looking for a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-Ins
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Sea salt sprinkles, for topping
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, which helps to create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening and seasoning evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which could make the cookies tough.
- Fold in Chips and Nuts: Gently fold in the butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, and optional walnuts to ensure even distribution without breaking them up.
- Portion Dough: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Add Sea Salt: Lightly sprinkle sea salt on top of each dough mound to enhance the sweet flavors with a touch of savory contrast.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
Notes
- Use softened butter, not melted, to achieve a soft, chewy texture.
- Optional walnuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted for nut-free cookies.
- Sea salt sprinkles are crucial for balancing sweetness.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For larger cookies, increase baking time by a few minutes, watching closely to avoid overbaking.
