These thick and chewy butterscotch chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat that combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. With crispy edges, soft centers, and a rich caramel-like taste from the butterscotch chips, they are sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, holiday event, or simply craving a comforting dessert, these cookies are a fantastic choice.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 large egg
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butterscotch chips
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Directions

1. Brown the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, stir butter constantly until it turns golden brown and has brown bits at the bottom. Pour it into a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes.
2. Mix the Sugars: Whisk the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla into the butter until smooth. Add the egg and yolks, whisking until fully combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients until just combined.
4. Add Chips: Fold in butterscotch and chocolate chips.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
6. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 325°F (160°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Scoop & Bake: Scoop ¼-cup portions of dough, placing them 3 inches apart for large cookies. Bake for 10-13 minutes until edges are golden and centers look slightly underbaked.
8. Cool & Enjoy: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving, Makes 12 Cookies)

• Calories: 419 kcal
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 87mg
• Sodium: 425mg
• Carbohydrates: 57g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 34g
• Protein: 4g
• Calcium: 34mg
• Iron: 1mg

The Appeal of Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Butterscotch chocolate chip cookies stand out from traditional chocolate chip cookies due to their unique flavor profile. The rich caramel notes of the butterscotch pair harmoniously with the bittersweet chocolate chips, offering a sophisticated taste. Adding browned butter brings out a nutty, toasted essence that enhances every bite.

The sprinkle of flaky sea salt is the finishing touch that elevates the cookies, providing a subtle contrast to the sweetness. This depth of flavor ensures each bite is indulgent and satisfying.

The Science Behind Brown Butter

One of the secrets to these cookies’ extraordinary taste is the use of brown butter. Browning butter involves melting it over medium heat until the milk solids caramelize, resulting in a nutty aroma and golden hue. This process not only intensifies the butter’s flavor but also contributes to the cookies’ chewy texture. The caramelized milk solids add a layer of complexity that complements the sweetness of the butterscotch chips.

Why Use Cornstarch?

Cornstarch is a crucial ingredient in this recipe, contributing to the soft and chewy texture. It acts as a tenderizing agent, preventing the cookies from becoming too dense. The result is a light, airy bite that perfectly balances the crisp edges. Combined with the brown butter, cornstarch ensures a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.

Balancing Sweet and Salty

The use of flaky sea salt enhances the flavor of these cookies by cutting through the sweetness. Salt is a flavor enhancer that amplifies the caramel and chocolate notes. Sprinkling a light dusting on top of the cookies after baking brings a gourmet touch that makes these treats irresistible.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

Achieving the perfect butterscotch chocolate chip cookies involves a few essential tips:

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
• Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality butter, fresh eggs, and premium chocolate chips will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Monitor Browning: When browning butter, watch closely to avoid burning. The golden-brown hue with a nutty aroma signals it’s ready.
• Portion Consistently: Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform cookies that bake evenly.
• Avoid Overbaking: Cookies should appear slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet, resulting in a chewy texture.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them warm with a glass of milk for a classic pairing, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They also make excellent gifts during the holiday season, packaged in decorative boxes or jars.

For an extra treat, consider making ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of ice cream between two cookies. The combination of creamy, cold ice cream with the chewy, caramel-infused cookies is simply divine.

Storing and Freezing Tips

To keep the cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you’d like to enjoy them later, the cookies can be frozen for up to three months. Simply layer them between sheets of parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe container.

If you prefer to bake them fresh, consider freezing the dough instead. Form the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag and store for up to three months. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Butterscotch chocolate chip cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. With their rich caramel notes, nutty brown butter, and the perfect touch of sea salt, they are a treat worth savoring. The balance of textures and flavors makes them a standout dessert for any occasion.

Whether you’re baking a batch to share with friends and family or simply indulging in a homemade treat, these cookies are sure to bring joy with every bite. Try this recipe for a memorable, delicious experience that will have everyone asking for more!