There’s something magical about cookies fresh from the oven, and these Chewy Butterscotch Cookies are no exception. With their rich, buttery flavor and delightful butterscotch sweetness, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy night in, or simply to indulge yourself, these cookies are sure to please. The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a soft, chewy texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Effortless preparation with simple ingredients.
- Perfectly chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Rich butterscotch flavor that’s irresistible.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins.
- Great for sharing or enjoying solo with a cup of coffee.
What We’re Using
- 1 cup sugar: For sweetness and texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds depth and moisture.
- 1 cup butter (two sticks): The key to rich flavor and chewy cookies.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 ¾ cups flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
- 2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar: Contributes to the chewy texture.
- Sugar, to coat dough balls: For a little extra sweetness and crunch.
Prep & Cook Tools
- Mixing bowl: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient portions.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending the sugars and butter smoothly.
- Baking sheet: Where the magic happens in the oven.
- Parchment paper: To prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Cookie scoop: For uniform cookie sizes.
Chewy Butterscotch Cookies: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a whisk or electric mixer to beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the chewy texture that we love in Chewy Butterscotch Cookies.
Step 3: Add in the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy mixture. The vanilla enhances the flavor, making your cookies even more delightful.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 5: Fold in the Butterscotch Chips
Gently fold in your favorite butterscotch chips. These little morsels will melt beautifully, creating pockets of sweet goodness in every bite.
Step 6: Prepare the Dough Balls
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Roll each ball in sugar to coat, giving the cookies a sweet crunch on the outside.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set up nicely while retaining their chewy texture.
Flavor-Forward Alternatives
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Try using chocolate chips alongside the butterscotch for a delicious mix.
- Incorporate dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins for a chewy twist.
- Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor profile.
- For a fun variation, drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cooled cookies.
Pro Perspective
As a baking enthusiast, I can tell you that the key to perfect Chewy Butterscotch Cookies lies in the balance of ingredients. The combination of sugars not only enhances the taste but also helps achieve that chewy texture. Don’t skip the cream of tartar; it’s essential for the right rise and chewiness. Also, let your cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a rack. This ensures they set up perfectly without becoming too hard.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can easily freeze the dough. After rolling the dough into balls and coating them in sugar, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake the frozen dough balls for a couple of extra minutes. Fresh cookies in no time!
Chewy Butterscotch Cookies Q&A
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter provides the best flavor and texture, you can use margarine if necessary. Just be aware that it may alter the taste slightly.
How do I store the cookies to keep them fresh?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Can I substitute the butterscotch chips with something else?
Absolutely! Feel free to use chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile.
What if my dough is too sticky to handle?
If your dough is overly sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll into balls.
Desserts to Finish
Save & Share
If you loved this recipe for Chewy Butterscotch Cookies, be sure to share it with friends and family. Nothing brings people together like freshly baked cookies, and your loved ones will appreciate your baking skills! Snap a picture of your cookies and tag us on social media to spread the joy of these delicious treats. Happy baking!
Chewy Butterscotch Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup butter (two sticks, softened)
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2.75 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- sugar (to coat dough balls)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the butterscotch chips.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in sugar to coat.
- Place dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 10-12 minutes.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Cookie Scoop
Notes
- Freeze dough balls for later baking; they can be stored for up to three months.
- Experiment with add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for a personal twist.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
