Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

For cookie lovers who enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and salty, these Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies will be your new favorite treat. With a rich, buttery flavor, these cookies are filled with sweet butterscotch chips and decadent chocolate chips, creating a luxurious combination that’s hard to resist. The sprinkle of sea salt on top takes these cookies to the next level, offering a delicious contrast to the sweetness. Plus, the addition of optional walnuts adds a crunchy element, making them even more satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty

The combination of sweet butterscotch and chocolate chips, paired with a touch of sea salt, creates an irresistible contrast. The salty topping helps to cut through the sweetness, creating the perfect bite.

2. Soft and Chewy Texture

These cookies bake to perfection, with a soft, chewy interior and a slightly crispy edge. The result is a cookie that melts in your mouth and provides the perfect texture in every bite.

3. Rich Flavor

The butterscotch chips add a warm, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips, resulting in a cookie that’s indulgent without being overwhelming.

4. Quick and Easy to Make

You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to whip up these delicious cookies. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, these cookies are a breeze to make.

5. Versatile Add-ins

Feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste by adding walnuts or even other nuts. You can also use dark chocolate chips for a slightly richer flavor or swap the butterscotch chips for white chocolate chips if you prefer.

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter (straight from fridge or room temperature)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butterscotch chips (use less for a less sweet cookie)
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• Sea salt for sprinkling
• Optional: Walnuts, chopped (for added crunch)

Variations

• Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra texture and crunch.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
• Cinnamon: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a hint of warmth and spice.
• Oatmeal: Incorporate 1 cup of old-fashioned oats for a chewy oatmeal-style butterscotch cookie.
• Peanut Butter: Substitute half of the butter with peanut butter for a peanut butter twist on this cookie recipe.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined. The batter should be smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Add the Chips and Walnuts

Fold in the butterscotch chips and chocolate chips. If you’re using walnuts, stir them into the dough at this stage.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow them to spread during baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt while they’re still warm.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with a glass of milk for the ultimate treat.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once the flour is added, mix the dough just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape better and enhance the flavor.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted for the best texture. Cold butter will result in dense cookies, while melted butter can make the dough too soft.
• Sea Salt Topping: Don’t skip the sea salt sprinkle! It enhances the flavor and balances out the sweetness of the butterscotch chips.

How to Serve

These cookies are perfect as a standalone treat, but they’re also great served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a warm cup of coffee or milk. They make a fantastic dessert for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. To keep them soft and chewy, add a slice of bread to the container—this helps to maintain moisture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Reheating

To bring the cookies back to their fresh-out-of-the-oven deliciousness, heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them in a warm oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used as a substitute in a pinch, though it may alter the taste slightly.

2. Can I make these cookies without butterscotch chips?

Yes, you can skip the butterscotch chips or substitute them with more chocolate chips or other mix-ins like peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips.

3. Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use dark chocolate chips if you prefer a less sweet and more intense chocolate flavor.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

To prevent excessive spreading, chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies retain their shape.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it has xanthan gum to provide structure.

6. Can I use salted butter?

If using salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.

7. How can I make the cookies chewier?

For chewier cookies, use more brown sugar than white sugar, as brown sugar adds more moisture. Also, don’t overbake them—take them out while they’re still soft in the center.

8. Can I add more or less butterscotch chips?

You can adjust the amount of butterscotch chips to your preference. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of chips.

9. How long will these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container.

10. Can I make these cookies with other nuts?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor and texture.

Conclusion

These Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies are a perfect combination of sweet, salty, and utterly delicious flavors. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress. With the right balance of textures and flavors, they’re bound to become a family favorite.

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