If you are ready to dive into a cookie that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of savory, then the Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. Imagine a soft, chewy cookie bursting with the deep caramel notes of butterscotch chips, punctuated by just the right amount of flaky sea salt that elevates every bite. These cookies are the kind of treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate — irresistibly comforting and delightfully addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in crafting cookies that are flavorful, tender, and perfectly textured. The simplicity of classic baking staples combined with the unique addition of butterscotch chips and sea salt creates something truly special.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base and tender texture; make sure it’s softened, not melted for the best consistency.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds rich molasses flavor and moisture that keeps cookies soft.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with cookie spread and browning.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma and depth of flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Binds ingredients and contributes to the chewy texture.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookie; be precise to avoid dry or cakey results.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise and spread just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly from within the dough.
- 1 cup butterscotch chips: Adds a luscious, buttery caramel flavor that makes these cookies stand out.
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling: The secret finishing touch that enhances sweetness with a pop of saltiness.
How to Make Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming together your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Then, add vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. This is the moment when the dough starts coming together with a lovely richness that promises a moist cookie.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients evenly is crucial for that balanced rise and perfect texture. Gradually add them to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as no flour streaks remain.
Step 3: Add Butterscotch Chips
Fold in the butterscotch chips gently but thoroughly. These little bursts of buttery caramel will melt during baking into soft pockets of flavor — so don’t skip this step!
Step 4: Shape and Chill
For even baking, scoop out cookie dough balls about 1 1/2 tablespoons each and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop the tray into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the dough firm up — this helps the cookies hold their shape and develop a chewier texture.
Step 5: Bake and Add Salt Finish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but centers still look a bit soft. Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of each cookie. This finishing touch perfectly balances the sweet butterscotch with a tantalizing salty crunch.
How to Serve Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra flaky sea salt just before serving enhances the flavor and adds a pleasant crunch that makes these cookies stand out. For a touch of elegance, try topping with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or caramel sauce to amplify the butterscotch goodness.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of rich coffee, or even a cozy chai latte. The creamy, warm notes of these beverages complement the sweet and salty flavors perfectly, making every bite a delightful experience.
Creative Ways to Present
You can stack these cookies on a rustic wooden platter with sprigs of fresh mint for a charming look at parties. Alternatively, sandwich them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy, heavenly dessert that will wow guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their chewy texture and flavor for up to five days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy weeks.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies in advance, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen—adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked warmth, pop a cookie or two in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens the chips and butter, making them taste like they were just pulled from the oven. For a slight crisp edge, briefly warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
While salted butter brings an extra layer of flavor, it’s best to stick with unsalted butter here since the recipe already includes salt and a finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt — this allows you to control the saltiness perfectly.
What if I don’t have butterscotch chips?
You can substitute butterscotch chips with white chocolate chips or caramel bits, but the authentic sweet and salty butterscotch flavor is truly unique to this cookie recipe.
How do I make my cookies chewier?
Make sure to not overbake your cookies. Removing them when the centers are still slightly soft ensures a chewy texture. Also, chilling the dough before baking helps that lovely chewiness develop.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
You can try swapping butter for vegan butter and eggs for flax eggs, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly. These cookies are best in their classic form for that signature taste.
How much flaky sea salt should I use?
A light sprinkle on each cookie right after baking is ideal — about a pinch per cookie. Too much salt can overwhelm the sweetness, so go easy and adjust to your taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies Recipe that makes it a go-to for cookie lovers who appreciate a balance of flavors and textures. The marriage of rich butterscotch, chewy dough, and a sprinkle of sea salt creates a cookie that feels both nostalgic and exciting. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and watch it become one of your favorites too!
Print
Sweet & Salty Salted Butterscotch Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and salty with these Soft and Chewy Salted Butterscotch Cookies. Made with creamy butter, rich brown sugar, and luscious butterscotch chips, these cookies are sprinkled with flaky sea salt to enhance the depth of flavors. Ideal for cookie lovers looking for a rich, flavorful treat that combines classic sweetness with a twist of saltiness.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (Keep butter at room temperature, not melted.)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (Provides a rich flavor.)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butterscotch chips (Adds a rich butterscotch flavor.)
Topping
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (Enhances the sweet notes of the cookies.)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step helps to incorporate air for tender cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract, then add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until fully incorporated. This creates a smooth, uniform batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Fold in Butterscotch Chips: Gently fold in the butterscotch chips until evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
- Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Add Flaky Sea Salt: Immediately upon removing from the oven, sprinkle each cookie lightly with flaky sea salt to enhance the flavor contrast.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents breaking.
Notes
- Make sure butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the best texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies soft and tender.
- If you prefer a stronger salt contrast, adjust the flaky sea salt quantity to your taste.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
