These Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and super sweet! The mix of rich chocolate and creamy butterscotch makes each bite a treat to remember.
Honestly, I can never stop at just one! They’re perfect fresh out of the oven, and they fill the kitchen with a yummy smell that makes everyone smile. Who can resist? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives the cookies a rich texture. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and just reduce the added salt in the recipe.
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and depth to the cookies. Try using light brown sugar for a milder flavor or dark brown sugar for a richer taste. Granulated sugar can also work if you’re in a pinch.
Chocolate Chips: I usually use semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balance, but you can switch them out for milk chocolate for sweetness or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Butterscotch Chips: Besides butterscotch, you can use toffee bits or a mix of white chocolate chips for a different twist. Just be sure they complement the other flavors.
Flaky Sea Salt: This step is optional, but a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before baking really enhances the sweetness. If you can’t find it, kosher salt will work; just use it sparingly.
How Can I Achieve Perfect Cookie Texture Without Overmixing?
Avoiding overmixing is crucial to achieving the right cookie texture. Here are some tips:
- Combine the wet ingredients until just blended before adding the dry ingredients. Mixing too long can develop gluten, making cookies chewy instead of soft.
- When you add the dry ingredients, mix gently until the flour is mostly combined. A few lumps are okay; it’s better to have a slightly imperfect dough.
- Be careful not to crush the chocolate and butterscotch chips when folding them in. Just a gentle fold will do!
Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet)
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- Optional: Flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to bake. Make sure to allow an extra 5 minutes for cooling on the baking sheet. In total, you’ll be enjoying warm cookies in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help the cookies bake evenly and make cleanup a breeze!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to beat everything together until it’s creamy and well combined. This should take about a minute or so!
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Next, crack in your large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it’s nice and smooth. You want everything mixed in really well!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and makes sure your cookies rise perfectly!
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined—try not to overmix or your cookies might get tough!
6. Fold in the Chips:
Gently fold in both the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Yummy goodness!
7. Scoop the Dough:
Using a tablespoon, scoop out balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each one; they’ll spread out as they bake!
8. (Optional) Add Sea Salt:
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball. This will give your cookies an extra burst of flavor!
9. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the cookies in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. They’ll firm up as they cool!
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This gives them a chance to set up. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious homemade butterscotch chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of unsalted butter in this recipe! Just make sure to choose a stick margarine for best results, as spreads may contain too much water and alter the cookie’s texture.
Is It Possible to Use Different Types of Sugar?
Absolutely! You can replace granulated sugar with more brown sugar for chewier cookies, or use coconut sugar for a slight caramel flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers if stacking, to prevent sticking!
What Should I Do If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If the dough seems too sticky, try chilling it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps firm it up for easier handling. You can also add a tablespoon of flour at a time until you reach the desired consistency!