Name: Irresistible Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 28 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (cold for thicker cookies); 1 cup Brown Sugar (adds moisture; can substitute with coconut sugar); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (helps achieve crispy texture); 1 large Large Egg (room temperature for better incorporation); 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (pure preferred); 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (measure properly to avoid dry cookies); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (do not substitute with baking powder); 1 teaspoon Salt (flaky sea salt recommended for sprinkling); 1 cup Butterscotch Chips (adjust for personal preference); 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (use dark or milk chocolate as desired); 1 cup Walnuts (optional)

“Why is it that the simplest recipes often bring the greatest joy?” The aroma of freshly baked Best Ever Sea Salt Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies wafting through your kitchen can instantly transform a mundane day into something special. These cookies, a harmonious blend of sweet butterscotch chips and rich chocolate, offer a delightful twist with just a hint of sea salt. The best part? They come together in under 30 minutes, making them the perfect solution for those chocolate cravings or last-minute dessert ideas. Plus, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on cozy evenings at home. Ready to elevate your cookie game with this delicious recipe? Let’s dive in!

Why are these cookies a must-bake?

Irresistible flavors blend in every bite, with the sweet, salty combination of butterscotch and chocolate. Quick and easy to prepare, you’ll have warm cookies ready in just 30 minutes! Versatile enough for any occasion, whether a casual snack or a festive treat. These cookies are sure to impress friends and family! For more delicious homemade desserts, check out my Apple Snickerdoodles that also bring a smile to any gathering.

Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

• Get ready to bake!

For the Batter

Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; use cold for thicker cookies.
Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture, contributing to that chewy texture; can be substituted with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and helps achieve a crispy texture; white sugar maintains the cookies’ structure.
Large Egg – Binds ingredients together and adds moisture; room temperature eggs can enhance incorporation.
Vanilla Extract – Brings depth to the flavor; pure vanilla extract is preferred, but imitation works in a pinch.
All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of the dough for structure; make sure to measure properly to avoid dry cookies.
Baking Soda – A leavening agent; do not substitute with baking powder without adjusting the formula.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors; flaky sea salt is recommended for sprinkling on top.

For the Chocolate Chips

Butterscotch Chips – Contributes sweetness and flavor; adjust the amount for personal preference.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds richness; use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor, or milk chocolate for something sweeter.
Optional: Walnuts – Provides additional texture and nutty flavor; feel free to omit if you prefer nut-free cookies.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Best Ever Sea Salt Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This preparation step is crucial for achieving that perfect textured butterscotch chocolate chip cookie, so take your time to set everything up nicely.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and light in color—this should take about 2-3 minutes. You’ll want it to be fluffy, indicating that air has been incorporated for a soft cookie texture.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, add in one large egg and a splash of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until fully combined, ensuring no streaks of egg remain. This step builds the foundation for flavor in your butterscotch chocolate chip cookies, creating a rich and inviting base.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet ingredients. Mix gently on low speed until the dough just comes together, stopping to avoid overmixing, which can toughen your cookies. You’ll know you’re done when you see no dry flour remaining, and the dough is slightly sticky.

Step 5: Add the Chips and Nuts
Now, gently fold in the butterscotch chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips, along with any optional walnuts if you’re using them. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to ensure even distribution of the delicious mix-ins throughout your dough. This is what makes the butterscotch chocolate chip cookies truly indulgent and flavorful.

Step 6: Portion the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. Aim for around 6-8 cookies per tray. This spacing ensures that the cookies have room to grow, resulting in beautifully shaped butterscotch chocolate chip cookies.

Step 7: Add Extra Chips (Optional)
For a delightful finishing touch, press a few extra butterscotch and chocolate chips onto the tops of each cookie. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also guarantees that every bite is bursting with flavor. It’s an optional step but certainly worth the extra effort for presentation!

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-13 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; they should be lightly browned around the edges while the tops remain just set. This perfect timing helps achieve that gooey center we all love in butterscotch chocolate chip cookies.

Step 9: Cool and Finish
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they are cooling, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to add that irresistible sweet and salty balance to your butterscotch chocolate chip cookies.

What to Serve with Best Ever Sea Salt Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Indulging in the warm, gooey goodness of these cookies is like wrapping yourself in a soft, sweet embrace, and pairing them just right can enhance the entire experience.

Freshly Brewed Coffee: The rich, bold flavors of coffee contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies, making each bite more satisfying.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream melts perfectly atop the warm cookies, creating a delightful sweet and cold combination.
Milk: A classic pairing! The creamy, cold milk cools the warm cookies while enhancing their sweetness.
Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate your cookies by drizzling them with melted dark chocolate—adding an extra layer of decadence and flavor.
Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad can balance the richness of the cookies, offering a burst of freshness with every bite.
Nutty Granola: Use crumbled nutty granola for a delightful crunch alongside the soft cookies, adding texture and wholesome flavors.
Hot Chocolate: Cozy up with a rich hot chocolate for a sweet treat that resonates perfectly with the butterscotch and chocolate chips.
Maple Syrup: Lightly drizzle maple syrup on your cookies for a twist that enhances their flavor profile, adding a subtle depth of sweetness.

Make Ahead Options

These Best Ever Sea Salt Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; just store it covered in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent the dough from drying out. Alternatively, you can also scoop the dough into individual cookie portions and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake straight from frozen for an extra minute or two. This way, you’ll have warm, gooey cookies at a moment’s notice, just as delicious as if you made them fresh!

How to Store and Freeze Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their chewy texture and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container, where they’ll stay good for up to a week—not as ideal as room temperature, but still tasty!
Freezer: Freeze baked butterscotch chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 30 days. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy that fresh-baked taste!
Reheating: To revive your cookies, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm them up and restore their gooeyness for a delightful treat!

Tips for the Best Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cold Butter Is Key: Always use cold, unsalted butter for these cookies. It helps create the perfect texture, ensuring they rise beautifully instead of spreading too thin.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix your dough just until combined after adding flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the delightful softness we aim for in butterscotch chocolate chip cookies.
Chill Your Dough: For thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld and can prevent excessive spreading.
Use the Right Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking. An incorrect temperature can affect the cookie’s texture and baking time.
Don’t Skip the Sea Salt: Sprinkling a little flaky sea salt on top of the cookies right after they come out of the oven elevates the sweet and salty flavor profile, making each bite truly irresistible.
Bake One Sheet at a Time: Baking one tray of cookies at a time ensures even baking. Keep any unused dough in the fridge while you bake the first batch for the best results.

Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations

Feel free to have fun with your baking and create a personalized twist on this beloved cookie recipe!

White Chocolate: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate for a sweeter, creamy flavor.
Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or almonds for a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of butterscotch.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground cinnamon for a warm, spicy undertone that surprises your taste buds.
Oatmeal Bliss: Mix in rolled oats for added texture and a hearty feel, perfect for those who love a more rustic cookie.
Georgetown Twist: Swap butterscotch chips for caramel bits, giving your cookies a gooey, chewy surprise with each bite.
Chocolate Heaven: Use a mix of dark chocolate and milk chocolate chips for a rich and balanced flavor experience.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.
Coconut Lovers: Introduce shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical flair that adds moisture and flavor richness.

Whether you’re in the mood for something new or seeking a way to use up ingredients, these variations can help elevate your cookies. Don’t forget to check out my Pot Smoky Chipotle recipe for more exciting flavor combinations or try some cozy classics like my Apple Snickerdoodles that blend nostalgia with delightful tastes!

Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right butterscotch chips?
Absolutely! When choosing butterscotch chips, look for brands that use high-quality ingredients. A good indicator is the presence of natural flavors and minimal artificial additives. If you’re in the mood for a different flavor, you could also try caramel chips for a unique twist!

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
For optimal freshness, store your butterscotch chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for about 3-4 days. If you need them to last longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. Just ensure they are stored in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Certainly! You can freeze baked butterscotch chocolate chip cookies for up to 30 days. Allow the cookies to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for a warm, gooey quick fix!

What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough a bit too sticky to manage, don’t worry! Simply sprinkle in a little extra flour, about a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a more workable consistency. A helpful tip is to chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes, which can make it easier to handle and prevent excess spreading while baking.

Are these cookies suitable for those with allergies?
Since they contain butter, eggs, and flour, these butterscotch chocolate chip cookies are not suitable for those with dairy, egg, or gluten allergies. However, you can easily modify the recipe! Substitute with dairy-free butter and egg replacements, and use gluten-free flour to cater to those dietary restrictions. The flavor remains delightful even with these adjustments!