The scent of warm, buttery goodness fills the air, wrapping you in a cozy embrace during the holiday season. It’s funny how just one bite of these Easy Butterscotch Christmas Cookies can transport me back to my grandma’s kitchen, where winter days seemed endless, and sweet treats were a cherished tradition. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle—perfect for cookie swaps, festive gatherings, or leaving out for Santa himself. Plus, they’re a breeze to whip up, letting you spend less time baking and more time celebrating with loved ones. What festive touches will you add to make these cookies your own?
Why Are These Butterscotch Cookies So Special?
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with rich, buttery butterscotch goodness that instantly warms your heart.
Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy holiday preparations.
Customizable: Feel free to add walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a personal twist!
Perfect for Sharing: They’re ideally suited for cookie swaps or festive gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile.
Nostalgic Experience: Baking these cookies fills your home with comforting scents that spark joyful memories, reminiscent of childhood moments in the kitchen.
Try pairing them with a cup of coffee for a delightful treat or check out our Pecan Pie Cookies for more cookie inspiration!
Cookies with Butterscotch Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• Butter – Provides richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure; essential for that perfect cookie base.
• Brown Sugar – Brings depth of flavor and moisture retention, enhancing the overall taste.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with butterscotch.
• Eggs – Binds the ingredients and acts as a leavening agent; add one at a time for even mixing.
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cookies; use the right amount for best results.
• Baking Soda – A leavening agent that helps achieve the desired rise in your cookies.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors for a more complex taste.
For the Butterscotch Goodness
• Butterscotch Chips – Provides the signature flavor; Toll House is recommended for best results.
Feel free to get creative by adding chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon to make these cookies uniquely yours! Enjoy the cozy holiday moments that come with each delicious bite.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cookies with Butterscotch
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for achieving that golden edge while keeping the centers slightly chewy. Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and well integrated, about 2-3 minutes. This creates a delicious, rich base for your easy butterscotch cookies.
Step 3: Add in the Vanilla and Eggs
Now, add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, followed by 2 eggs, one at a time. Mix on low speed until each egg is fully combined before adding the next. This step adds moisture and flavor while ensuring a smooth cookie dough.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mixture helps distribute the leavening agent evenly and makes sure that your cookies rise perfectly. Set aside while you prepare the wet and dry combinations.
Step 5: Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently by hand with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing to ensure your cookies remain tender and soft. You should see no streaks of flour left in the dough, but it may be a little thick.
Step 6: Fold in the Butterscotch Chips
Carefully fold in 2 cups of butterscotch chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step ensures that each bite of your cookies is packed with that signature butterscotch flavor. Take your time here to avoid breaking the chips.
Step 7: Portion the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, form the dough into balls about 1 tablespoon each. Place them spaced 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. This spacing allows the cookies to spread evenly while baking, creating that ideal soft and chewy texture associated with cookies with butterscotch.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; the edges should turn golden brown while the centers look slightly underbaked and soft. This will give your cookies the perfect texture, ensuring they remain chewy.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on them for about 5 minutes. This step allows them to set slightly before transfers. After they firm up a bit, gently move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely and enjoy the amazing aroma filling your kitchen.
Expert Tips for Cookies with Butterscotch
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Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. This helps achieve that perfect texture and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
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Careful Mixing: Avoid overmixing your dough once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. This keeps your cookies soft and chewy, ensuring that the butterscotch flavor shines through.
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Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should look slightly underbaked in the center. This ensures a delicious chewy texture when you bite into them.
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Chill the Dough: If you find your cookies spreading too much, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This step helps retain their shape and enhances the overall taste.
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Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread can help keep them soft longer.
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Personal Touches: Feel free to experiment with mix-ins like walnuts or a touch of cinnamon to create your unique take on these festive cookies!
Cookies with Butterscotch Variations
Feel free to put your personal spin on these delightful cookies, creating unique flavors that excite your taste buds.
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Nutty Delight: Fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor that complements the sweetness.
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Spice It Up: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, aromatic spice that will bring a cozy touch to your cookies, perfect for the holidays.
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Chocolatey Twist: Replace half of the butterscotch chips with semi-sweet chocolate chips for a deliciously decadent flavor combination that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the cooled cookies for an indulgent, gooey finish that takes these treats to the next level.
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Coconut Flavor: Mix in 1 cup of shredded coconut to add a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the butterscotch chips.
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Orange Zest: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest to brighten the flavor profile and add a refreshing citrusy note that dances on the palate.
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Pumpkin Spice: For a festive fall flair, add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dough—it brings warmth and nostalgia, making every bite feel like a cozy hug.
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Toffee Crunch: Toss in 1 cup of crushed toffee bits for an irresistible crunch and a buttery-toffee flavor that complements the richness of butterscotch perfectly.
Explore these variations to create your ideal batch of cookies, and if you’re looking for more holiday baking inspiration, be sure to check out our delicious Pecan Snowball Cookies and Butter Thumbprint Cookies for festive treats!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Butterscotch Christmas Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and refrigerating the dough. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can form the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months; when you’re ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet directly from the freezer and add an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll have fresh, delicious cookies with minimal effort right when you need them!
What to Serve With Easy Butterscotch Christmas Cookies
Indulging in these festive treats creates the perfect opportunity to bring together a delightful meal.
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Creamy Hot Chocolate: Rich, velvety hot chocolate matches the sweetness of the cookies, creating a comforting duo perfect for chilly nights.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream serves as a creamy, cool contrast to the warm butterscotch cookies, enhancing each flavorful bite.
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Sparkling Cider: Bubbly sparkling cider adds a festive flair to your gathering, brightening up the holiday spirit alongside your beloved cookies.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the cookies, providing a vibrant splash of color and flavor to your spread.
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Classic Milk: Nothing beats the classic pairing of warm cookies and a chilled glass of milk, evoking nostalgic childhood memories and the joy of sharing.
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Gingerbread Bars: For extra holiday cheer, include gingerbread bars as a complementary treat that brings spices and warmth to balance the butterscotch goodness.
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Nutty Cheesecake: Serve a slice of nutty cheesecake to tantalize taste buds, mixing textures and rich flavors for a delightful dessert experience.
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Spiced Eggnog: Treat your guests to spiced eggnog, a holiday favorite that brings warmth and creaminess, enhancing the festive feel of any gathering.
How to Store and Freeze Cookies with Butterscotch
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of bread in the container helps keep them soft.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies with butterscotch in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your cookies warm, reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will revive their delightful chewiness!
Make-Ahead Dough: You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it in balls. Freeze for up to 3 months, then bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
Cookies with Butterscotch Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right butterscotch chips?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and melting quality, I recommend using Toll House butterscotch chips. They create that rich, buttery taste that makes these cookies a true delight. Always look for chips that are not past their expiration date to ensure freshness.
What is the best way to store these cookies?
To maintain freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like them to stay soft and chewy longer, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. This little trick keeps the moisture intact!
Can I freeze cookies with butterscotch?
Absolutely! To freeze, start by placing your cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to bring back their delightful chewiness.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies tend to spread, there are a couple of tips you can try. First, ensure your butter is softened and not melted. Additionally, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help retain their shape. You can also try adding a bit more flour to the dough until you achieve your desired consistency.
Can these cookies be made allergen-friendly?
Very! You can make these cookies more allergen-friendly by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. If you’re concerned about allergies to butter, consider using a vegan butter alternative. However, keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and flavor.
How long can I keep the dough in the fridge before baking?
I often prepare the cookie dough ahead of time! You can store the dough in the refrigerator for about 2 to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent drying. If you prefer longer storage, consider freezing it in ball shapes, which can also be done for up to 3 months before baking!
Delicious Cookies with Butterscotch for Cozy Holiday Moments
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing on low speed until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually combine with the wet mixture.
- Fold in the butterscotch chips until evenly distributed.
- Using a cookie scoop, form the dough into balls and place them on the baking sheets spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool the cookies on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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