As I stood in my cozy kitchen, the warm, sweet aroma of melting butterscotch chips filled the air—a comforting reminder of childhood treats. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies, which perfectly balances a touch of sea salt with the richness of buttery goodness. Not only are these cookies a delightful homemade option that quickens the heart, but they're also incredibly simple to whip up in just 27 minutes. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just treating yourself to a homemade delight, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, are you ready to dive into a sweet adventure that blends nostalgia with a modern twist?
Why are Butterscotch Cookies a must-try?
Irresistible sweetness: The buttery blend paired with rich butterscotch chips creates an addictive flavor profile.
Quick to make: With only 27 minutes from start to finish, you can satisfy your cravings without any hassle.
Perfectly balanced: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the sweetness, offering an extraordinary sweet-and-salty experience.
Versatile treat: Enjoy them as an afternoon snack or serve warm with ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Crowd-pleasing: These cookies are bound to impress guests, making them ideal for gatherings or family get-togethers!
Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies Ingredients
Discover everything you need for these delightful treats!
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – 2 ¼ cups, the base that gives these cookies their perfect texture.
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon, helps the cookies rise and become nice and fluffy.
- Salt – ½ teaspoon, balances the sweetness for that perfect flavor profile.
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup, softened, for a rich, buttery taste and chewy texture.
- Brown sugar – ¾ cup, adds moisture and a deeper, caramelized flavor.
- Granulated sugar – ¾ cup, gives the cookies that delightful sweetness.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, infuses warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
- Large eggs – 2, bind everything together while contributing to that soft center.
- Butterscotch chips – 1 cup, the star ingredient for a deliciously sweet burst in every bite.
For Topping
- Flaky sea salt – A pinch, sprinkled on top before baking to create a delightful sweet & salty contrast in your butterscotch cookies.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare your cookie dough. Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper, making it ready to receive your delicious dough once mixed.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these ingredients gently until they are well incorporated, creating a harmonious mix that will give your Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies the right structure and flavor balance.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup of brown sugar, and ¾ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial as it adds air to the dough, contributing to a fluffy texture in your cookies.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 large eggs to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth, creating a rich base for your Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure even mixing.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your creamed mixture, blending on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the ingredients to come together beautifully for a soft cookie dough.
Step 6: Fold in Butterscotch Chips
Gently fold in 1 cup of butterscotch chips into the dough using a spatula. This is where your cookies get their signature sweet burst from, so ensure they are evenly distributed for that lovely rich flavor in each bite.
Step 7: Form Cookie Dough Balls
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. This ensures your Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies have room to grow and become deliciously golden.
Step 8: Sprinkle with Sea Salt
Before baking, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over each mound of cookie dough. This unique touch enhances the flavor, giving your cookies the perfect sweet and salty balance. It’s this step that will have everyone reaching for just one more!
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should turn lightly golden while the centers remain soft. This distinct visual cue helps ensure you achieve that perfect cookie texture everyone loves.
Step 10: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them firm up nicely. After that, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring each Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookie is ready to be enjoyed!
What to Serve with Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies
Indulging in warm, freshly baked cookies is a delightful experience, but pairing them with complementary flavors takes this joy to new heights.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla enhances the warm butterscotch flavors while adding a refreshing cold contrast. Perfect for a cozy dessert!
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries offer a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling over your cookies adds a rich, extra dimension of sweetness, creating a decadent treat that's irresistible.
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Milk: A classic pairing, a chilled glass of milk complements the richness and helps wash down every cheerful bite.
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Hot Chocolate: Sip on a warm cup of hot chocolate while enjoying your cookies for a sweet and indulgent experience that feels like a hug in a mug.
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Chocolate Fondue: Dip half-eaten cookies into velvety chocolate fondue for a fun, interactive dessert that family and friends will adore!
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Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of a strong coffee or espresso contrasts nicely with the sweet butterscotch, making for a sophisticated pairing.
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Coconut Cake: A slice of moist coconut cake adds a tropical twist, enhancing your cookie experience while adding delightful, flaky texture.
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Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted nuts provide perfect crunch and a savory note, enhancing the overall flavor profile with richness.
Expert Tips for Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies
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Choose Quality Butter: Use unsalted butter for the best flavor and control the saltiness in your cookies. This ensures the sweet & salty balance shines through.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender, chewy texture you want.
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Uniform Dough Balls: For evenly baked cookies, use a cookie scoop to form uniform dough balls. This helps each cookie bake at the same rate, ensuring consistent results.
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Mind the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them from the oven when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft—this will keep them chewy.
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Allow Cooling: Don’t rush the cooling process! Letting the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes allows them to set perfectly while maintaining a deliciously soft center.
Make Ahead Options
These Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply follow the recipe steps through mixing, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you're ready to bake, use the dough directly from the fridge; just add an extra minute to your baking time to ensure they cook evenly. You can also freeze the formed cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. When you're in the mood for freshly baked cookies, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time for deliciously warm results that taste just as amazing!
How to Store and Freeze Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain their chewy texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, place cookies in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before enjoying!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, until heated through and the edges soften, enhancing that delicious butterscotch flavor.
Sweet & Salty Cookie Variations
Feel free to mix up the flavors and ingredients in these cookies for a fun twist on your homemade treats!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut oil or vegan butter for unsalted butter and use dairy-free butterscotch chips for a delightful dairy-free version.
- Nutty Flavor: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a rich, nutty crunch that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips alongside the butterscotch chips for an indulgent double-chocolate delight.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cookie dough for a warming spice that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free treat that everyone can enjoy!
- Oatmeal Twists: Incorporate 1 cup of rolled oats into the dough for added texture and a rustic touch. The oats make the cookies heartier and add a chewiness that's hard to resist.
- Fruit Fusion: Fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a burst of fruity flavor that gives a lovely burst of tartness against the sweet butterscotch.
- Extra Salty: Boost the flavor profile by using smoked sea salt instead of flaky sea salt for an exciting new dimension to each bite!
Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe butterscotch chips?
When choosing butterscotch chips, look for a well-sealed package without any visible dust or dark spots. If they feel soft and pliable rather than hard, they are likely fresh and ready to use! Also, check the expiration date on the packaging for the best results.
How should I store my Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them deliciously chewy. If you want to keep them longer, placing them in the fridge will extend their freshness up to a week—just remember to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies, first, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1 hour. Once they are fully frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. Simply reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes before enjoying.
What should I do if my cookies come out too hard?
If your cookies turned out hard, it might be due to overmixing or baking them for too long. Make sure to mix just until combined and look for that visual cue of lightly golden edges—soft centers are key! For next time, try reducing baking time by a minute and check them earlier.
Are these cookies safe for pets?
While the ingredients in Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies are generally safe for humans, they can be harmful to pets. Chocolate, which can sometimes be confused with butterscotch, is toxic to dogs, so ensure they stay away from these treats! Always keep pet safety in mind when indulging in your home-baked goodies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend! I recommend using a blend that includes xanthan gum to help replicate the chewy texture. Just be sure to check that the other ingredients, like baking soda and butterscotch chips, are also gluten-free to maintain that delicious flavor.
Indulgent Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- spatula
- cookie scoop
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 ¼ cups All-purpose flour the base that gives these cookies their perfect texture.
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda helps the cookies rise and become nice and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon Salt balances the sweetness for that perfect flavor profile.
- 1 cup Unsalted butter softened, for a rich, buttery taste and chewy texture.
- ¾ cup Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper, caramelized flavor.
- ¾ cup Granulated sugar gives the cookies that delightful sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract infuses warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 Large eggs bind everything together while contributing to that soft center.
- 1 cup Butterscotch chips the star ingredient for a deliciously sweet burst in every bite.
For Topping
- 1 pinch Flaky sea salt sprinkled on top before baking to create a delightful sweet & salty contrast.
Instructions
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing on low speed.
- Fold in the butterscotch chips until evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over each mound of cookie dough.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
