Introduction

These soft and chewy butterscotch cookies combine the rich sweetness of butterscotch chips with a tender, fluffy dough. Perfect for a comforting treat, they’re easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

A stack of six thick, golden-brown cookies with a soft texture sits on a white marbled surface, each cookie dotted with light brown chips scattered unevenly on top. To the right, there are three more cookies lying flat with the same look and chip pattern. In the background, a white bowl filled with coarse white salt and a clear small bowl holding extra light brown chips are softly out of focus. The scene is bright and clean, giving a fresh, homemade feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter (cubed, at room temperature)
½ packed cup brown sugar (light or dark)
½ cup white sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon table salt
½ cup butterscotch chips

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375° Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper if desired. Adjust oven racks to center position.
Step 2: In a stand mixer bowl or large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed and cream the mixture for 2 to 5 minutes until it is light and fluffy. Avoid overmixing to prevent a greasy texture.
Step 3: Crack the egg directly into the bowl, add vanilla extract, and mix on low speed just until combined.
Step 4: Sift the all-purpose flour directly into the mixing bowl, breaking up any clumps. Add baking soda and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the butterscotch chips gently using a silicone spatula, taking care not to overmix.
Step 6: Using a cookie scoop, portion out dough balls between 1 to 3 tablespoons each depending on your preferred cookie size. Place them 1 to 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Step 7: Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 36 hours. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap if chilling longer than 2 hours.
Step 8: When ready to bake, place the chilled dough balls on a baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then check for doneness. Continue baking for an additional 1 to 4 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look slightly underdone.
Step 9: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, lightly toast the butterscotch chips before folding them into the dough.
Swap butterscotch chips with white chocolate chips or a mix of both for a different twist.
Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized cookies for consistent baking.
If you prefer softer cookies, bake closer to 10 minutes; for a slightly crisp edge, extend baking time carefully.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer warm cookies.

How to Serve

A close-up of seven soft cookies arranged in a loose cluster on a white marbled surface. Each cookie is round with a light golden brown color and a slightly crinkled texture. Scattered evenly on top are small, smooth, orange-tan butterscotch chips that stand out against the cookie's surface. There are also small flakes of sea salt sprinkled on top of the cookies, adding contrast with a light, crystallized look. The edges of the cookies are slightly raised, with a chewy center that looks moist and tender. The overall visual is warm and inviting, highlighting the rich texture and color contrast between the cookie dough and the chips. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added table salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough helps develop flavor and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. While you can bake immediately, chilling yields the best texture.