Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies bring a nostalgic twist to your cookie jar with their rich, caramel-like flavor and tender texture. Featuring buttery softness and bursts of butterscotch chips, they are perfect for any occasion or simply a cozy treat at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 12-ounce package of butterscotch chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or hand whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the butterscotch chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
6. Step 6: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, form dough into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven carefully.
8. Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store for later.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature butter and egg to ensure the dough mixes properly and yields a soft texture.
• Avoid overmixing the dough for tender cookies instead of dense ones.
• Remove cookies from the oven when edges are golden and centers are still soft to prevent overbaking.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking to reduce spread and create thicker cookies.
• Choose high-quality butterscotch chips for richer flavor and better melt.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven until soft and warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute margarine for butter in this recipe?

Butter is preferred for its flavor and texture, but if using margarine, ensure it is stick margarine with similar fat content. The texture and taste may alter slightly.

Can I use other types of chips instead of butterscotch?

Yes, chocolate chips or white chocolate chips can be used as alternatives, though the classic butterscotch flavor is part of what makes this cookie special.

Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 71 reviews

These Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies are a delightful treat combining the rich, caramel-like flavor of brown sugar with sweet bursts of butterscotch chips. Soft, chewy, and perfectly balanced with hints of vanilla and a touch of salt, these cookies offer a comforting homemade experience reminiscent of classic cookie recipes. Ideal for a cozy snack or sharing with loved ones, they bake quickly in the oven for a warm, tender bite every time.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Sugars

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Mix-ins

• 12-ounce package of butterscotch chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking temperature when your cookie dough is ready.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or hand whisk to cream the softened butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a soft texture.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth, which helps bind the dough and infuse it with aromatic flavor.
4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing and toughening the cookies.
5. Fold in the Butterscotch Chips: Gently fold the butterscotch chips into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout for bursts of sweetness in every bite.
6. Scoop and Shape the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined or silicone mat baking sheet to allow spreading.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain soft to retain chewiness. Avoid overbaking.
8. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store for later.

Notes

• Use room temperature butter and egg for easier mixing and better texture.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies soft and tender.
• Do not overbake — remove when edges are golden but centers are still soft.
• Optional chilling of dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour will help cookies spread less and become thicker.
• Use high-quality butterscotch chips for best flavor and melt quality.

Keywords: butterscotch cookies, soft cookies, old fashioned cookies, chewy cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe, sweet dessert