Name: Butterscotch Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ⅓ cups (290 g) unbleached all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; ¾ cup (150 g) packed light brown sugar; ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 egg yolk, room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 ¼ cups (220 g) butterscotch chips; Sea salt, optional

Jump to Recipe·4 from 1 review

If you have a sweet tooth like me, you are going to fall head over heels for this Butterscotch Chip Cookies Recipe. Imagine soft, chewy cookies bursting with luscious golden butterscotch chips that melt delightfully with every bite. This recipe combines a touch of warm cinnamon and the perfect balance of brown and granulated sugars, creating an irresistible treat that will quickly become your go-to for cookie cravings. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply indulging yourself, these cookies deliver comfort and joy in every morsel.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine small white bowls arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center is a larger white bowl filled with white flour with a small mound on top. Surrounding it, starting from the top left moving clockwise, there is a small bowl with brown cinnamon powder, a bowl with two raw egg yolks, a bowl of white granulated sugar, a bowl with white baking powder, a small bowl with dark amber vanilla extract, a clear glass bowl with three blocks of butter, a bowl filled with light brown butterscotch chips, and a small bowl of white salt. All bowls are evenly spaced and the scene is clean and bright, lit with soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Butterscotch Chip Cookies Recipe uses simple pantry staples that come together beautifully to create a rich, flavorful cookie. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that soft yet chewy texture and the depth of flavor you’ll adore.

Unbleached all-purpose flour (2 ⅓ cups / 290 g): Provides the structure and a tender crumb for the cookies.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and develop a slight chewiness.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the cookie’s flavors.
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds a warm, subtle spicy note that complements the butterscotch beautifully.
Unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (¾ cup / 170 g): Gives richness and moisture, ensuring the cookies stay soft.
Light brown sugar, packed (¾ cup / 150 g): Adds caramel-like flavor and chewiness.
Granulated sugar (½ cup / 100 g): Contributes to the crispy edges and balanced sweetness.
Large egg, room temperature (1): Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
Egg yolk, room temperature (1): Boosts richness and chewiness for the perfect texture.
Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with its sweet aroma.
Butterscotch chips (1 ¼ cups / 220 g): The star ingredient that gives bursts of creamy, buttery sweetness in every bite.
Sea salt (optional): A sprinkle on top to elevate and contrast the sweetness, perfect for those who love a little savory touch.

How to Make Butterscotch Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the unbleached all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a large bowl. This ensures the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed so that every cookie bakes to perfection with consistent flavor and texture.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of your stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat the melted and slightly cooled butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and beautifully fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step is key to getting those soft and chewy cookies you’ll love.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, mix in the large egg, egg yolk, and pure vanilla extract. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as you go to combine everything evenly. This creates a smooth, rich batter that holds all the ingredients together perfectly.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Butterscotch Chips

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. It’s important not to overmix here, as that can make the cookies tough. Finally, fold in the butterscotch chips by hand to ensure they remain whole and distributed throughout every bite.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting time deepens the flavors and firms up the dough, making the cookies hold their shape beautifully when baked.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out the dough into balls about 2 inches apart. If the dough feels too firm to scoop, let it soften at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and tender.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before optionally sprinkling with sea salt for a pop of savory contrast. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, locking in that crave-worthy chewy texture.

How to Serve Butterscotch Chip Cookies Recipe

The image shows a close-up of light golden brown cookies with orange butterscotch chips scattered on top, laid out on a dark metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface. The cookies have a soft texture with slight cracks revealing their tender inside. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with more orange butterscotch chips, blurred to keep focus on the cookies in front. The setup looks warm and inviting, perfect for a cozy snack. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt gives these cookies a visually appealing, flavor-enhancing finish. The sea salt in particular pairs heavenly with the sweet butterscotch chips, teasing your taste buds in the best way.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. They are also wonderful paired with creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that highlights the butterscotch’s rich flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies with a dollop of homemade caramel or whipped cream in between. You can even dip the edges in melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate over the top for added decadence. Wrapping a few cookies in a pretty box makes for a heartfelt homemade gift that anyone would adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy these butterscotch delights well after baking day.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or freeze the baked cookies themselves. Wrap dough balls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag; bake from frozen by adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze beautifully in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To refresh your cookies, warm them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300℉ for about 5 minutes. This brings back the freshly baked, gooey texture that is absolutely irresistible.

FAQs

Can I substitute the butterscotch chips with something else?

While this Butterscotch Chip Cookies Recipe shines with its butterscotch chips, you can swap them for white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even a mix of chocolate and butterscotch for a fun variation.

Why do I need to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld and firms up the fats, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven—giving you that perfect chewy texture.

How do I make sure my cookies stay soft?

Using both brown sugar and an extra egg yolk adds moisture and chewiness. Also, take care not to overbake—edges should be set but centers slightly soft when you pull them out of the oven.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that texture and spread may vary slightly, so some experimentation might be needed.

What is the best way to prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?

Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is the best way to ensure your Butterscotch Chip Cookies release easily and maintain their perfect shape and texture.

Final Thoughts

You simply must try this Butterscotch Chip Cookies Recipe if you want a cookie that truly feels like a warm hug in every bite. With its perfect blend of sweet, soft, and chewy textures and that glorious hit of butterscotch, it’s no wonder these cookies become favorites so fast. Whip up a batch soon and watch this recipe become a treasured classic in your baking repertoire!