Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies are a comforting treat that delivers chewy texture and rich caramel-like flavor in every bite. Made with simple ingredients and plenty of butterscotch chips, they are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a glass of milk.

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 ready once your dough is prepared.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender texture.
3. Step 3: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid dense cookies.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the butterscotch chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
6. Step 6: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined or silicone mat–lined baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden brown but centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking as cookies will firm up while cooling.
8. Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or swapping half of the butterscotch chips with white chocolate chips.
• Make sure the butter is fully softened but not melted to achieve the best creamy texture when creaming with sugars.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter; just add an extra ½ teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 432 reviews

Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies are classic, chewy treats bursting with rich butterscotch flavor. These cookies combine the deep caramel notes of brown sugar with sweet, melty butterscotch chips for a nostalgic dessert that’s soft in the center with lightly crisp edges. Simple pantry ingredients come together effortlessly to create comforting, aromatic cookies perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Elias
• 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
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar

Add-Ins

• 12-ounce package of butterscotch chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is thoroughly heated for baking the cookies.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or hand whisk to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This incorporates air to help the cookies become soft and tender.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until the mixture is smooth and well combined, helping to bind the dough and enhance flavor.
4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid making the cookies dense.
5. Fold in the Butterscotch Chips: Gently fold the butterscotch chips evenly into the dough, distributing their sweetness throughout the cookie batter.
6. Scoop and Shape the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out dough balls. Place them on a parchment paper or silicone-lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the chewy texture.
8. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store for later.

Notes

• Softened butter is key for achieving the perfect cookie texture—avoid melting it.
• Do not overmix once dry ingredients are added to prevent tough cookies.
• Spacing dough balls properly ensures even baking and prevents cookies from sticking together.
• Cookies continue to bake slightly after removing from the oven; remove them when edges are set but centers look soft.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Butterscotch cookies, soft cookies, chewy cookies, old fashioned cookies, classic cookie recipe, easy baking, butterscotch chips, homemade cookies