Introduction
Butterscotch chocolate chip cookies are a beloved treat that combines the rich, sweet flavor of butterscotch with the familiar taste of chocolate chips. These cookies are known for their chewy texture and sweet, buttery flavor, making them a favorite among both kids and adults. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual afternoon snack, a party, or a gift for someone special. The combination of butterscotch and chocolate creates an irresistible flavor profile, making these cookies stand out from traditional chocolate chip varieties.
The History of Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies
The origins of butterscotch date back to the 19th century, when it was first created in England. Butterscotch is made from brown sugar and butter, resulting in a deep, caramel-like flavor. Over the years, the addition of butterscotch chips to cookies became a popular variation on the classic chocolate chip cookie. Butterscotch chocolate chip cookies, which combine these two rich flavors, became widely loved in the United States in the latter half of the 20th century. They quickly gained popularity for their unique taste and chewy texture, earning their place as a staple in cookie recipes.
Ingredients Breakdown
To create the perfect butterscotch chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need a selection of simple, yet essential ingredients. These include butter, which provides the rich, creamy texture; brown sugar, the key to the butterscotch flavor; granulated sugar, to balance sweetness; eggs, which help bind the ingredients together; vanilla extract, for added depth of flavor; all-purpose flour, which gives the cookies structure; baking soda, to provide lift and help the cookies spread; and salt, which enhances the sweetness of the cookies. The stars of the recipe are the butterscotch chips and chocolate chips, both of which add sweetness and texture, creating the signature combination that makes these cookies irresistible.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Gently fold in the butterscotch chips and chocolate chips using a spatula or spoon. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies
For the best results, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps achieve the ideal texture and consistency in the dough. If you prefer a chewier cookie, you can slightly underbake the cookies, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven. To add an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies just before baking. This enhances the flavor of both the chocolate and butterscotch chips. If you want a more intense butterscotch flavor, try using butterscotch pudding mix in the dough. For a crispier cookie, you can bake the cookies a little longer or flatten the dough balls before baking.
Variations and Customizations
While the traditional butterscotch and chocolate chip combination is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe. You can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a bit of crunch and flavor contrast. For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract to the dough. If you like a more decadent treat, drizzle some caramel or chocolate ganache over the cooled cookies for a rich finishing touch. For a healthier twist, consider substituting some of the butter with coconut oil or using whole wheat flour for added fiber. You can even experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark or milk chocolate, to suit your preferences.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While butterscotch chocolate chip cookies are undeniably delicious, it’s important to keep in mind that they are a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation. A typical cookie contains around 150-200 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used. Most of the calories come from sugars and fats, so if you’re looking for a healthier version, consider substituting some ingredients. For example, you can use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of sugar, and opt for a lower-fat butter substitute. You can also use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate, as dark chocolate has health benefits, including antioxidants and lower sugar content. However, it’s important to remember that even with these substitutions, cookies should be enjoyed as an occasional indulgence in a balanced diet.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Simply scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or plastic bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer, but you may need to add an extra 1-2 minutes of baking time.
Q: Can I use other types of chips in the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other types of chips, such as peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or even toffee chips, for a different flavor combination.
Q: How can I make my cookies chewier?
A: For chewier cookies, use more brown sugar than granulated sugar, and don’t overbake them. Slightly underbaking the cookies and letting them cool on the baking sheet will help maintain their chewy texture.
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: You can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.
Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 8 Tbsp. unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cake flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp. cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract yes, a full tablespoon!
- 3/4 cup butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Start by browning the butter: For a detailed guide on how to brown butter, refer to this post. Once browned, set it aside to cool for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- 8 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cake flour, rolled oats, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup cake flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1 tsp. cornstarch, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. salt
- In another medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and the slightly cooled browned butter. Then, add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla extract until everything is fully combined.
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs (at room temperature), 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract (yes, a full tablespoon!)
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Add in the butterscotch chips and mini chocolate chips and mix until evenly distributed.
- 3/4 cup butterscotch chips, 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Use a cookie scoop to drop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. You should end up with about 10-12 cookies. The dough may be slightly sticky, but it should be manageable.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still gooey. Remove from the oven.
- Sprinkle the cookies with flaky sea salt and, if desired, top with extra butterscotch or chocolate chips. ENJOY!
- Garnish: flaky sea salt
Notes
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
- Store at room temperature for 3-5 days in an air-tight container.