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Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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