Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?

Cookies can spread excessively if butter is too warm or if there's too little flour in the dough. Make sure you're measuring flour correctly (spoon and level, don't pack it), and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh, as old leavening agents can affect cookie structure.

Can I make these cookies without butterscotch chips?

Absolutely! While butterscotch chips give these cookies their signature flavor, you can substitute with caramel chips, white chocolate chips, or simply use all chocolate chips. The sea salt topping will still provide that sweet-salty contrast that makes these cookies special.

Why should I add the sea salt after baking?

Adding sea salt after baking ensures it remains visible and provides that perfect contrasting crunch and burst of saltiness. If you mix it into the dough, the salt dissolves and loses its impact. Think of the sea salt as the finishing touch that elevates these cookies from good to unforgettable.

How can I ensure my cookies have a chewy center?

For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them by taking them out when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone. They'll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet. Also, using more brown sugar than white sugar helps create chewier cookies due to the molasses content in brown sugar.

Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Name: Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature or straight from the fridge); ¼ cup brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly); 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup butterscotch chips (adjust according to sweetness preference); 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; Optional: walnuts; Sea salt sprinkles (for the sweet and salty topping)

These Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect marriage of sweet and salty flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance! With their crisp edges and soft centers, these cookies combine the rich caramel notes of butterscotch with melty chocolate chips and a sprinkle of sea salt that takes them to the next level. Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish, they’re the ideal treat for when those cookie cravings hit or when you need to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: With just 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of baking time, you can have warm, fresh cookies in your hands in less than half an hour!
Perfect Texture: These cookies hit that sweet spot of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers that make homemade cookies irresistible.
Sweet and Salty Balance: The sea salt sprinkle on top elevates these cookies from “just another cookie recipe” to a sophisticated treat that even culinary snobs will praise.
Customizable: Easily adjust the amount of butterscotch chips or add walnuts to make this recipe your own personal favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter: Use unsalted butter straight from the fridge or at room temperature. It creates the perfect foundation for these cookies and gives them that rich, buttery flavor.
Sugars: Brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor, while granulated sugar creates those crispy edges we all love.
Egg: Acts as a binder and gives structure to the cookies.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors in the cookie.
All-Purpose Flour: The main structure-builder in the recipe. Be sure to measure correctly for the perfect texture!
Baking Soda: Provides the lift that makes these cookies just the right thickness.
Salt: Balances the sweetness in the dough itself.
Butterscotch Chips: The star of the show! They add a unique sweet caramel flavor. Remember, butterscotch is quite sweet, so adjust the amount to your taste preference.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips balance the sweetness of the butterscotch with a slight bitterness.
Sea Salt: The finishing touch that brings everything together with a sophisticated sweet-and-salty contrast.
Walnuts: Optional but highly recommended for adding texture and a slight earthiness that cuts through the sweetness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious twists on this recipe:

Browned Butter Upgrade: Brown the butter before mixing for a deeper, nuttier flavor profile.
Triple Chip Version: Add white chocolate chips to the mix for an even more indulgent cookie experience.
Nutty Delight: Try pecans or macadamia nuts instead of walnuts for different flavor combinations.
Caramel Drizzle: After baking and cooling, drizzle with a bit of caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat.
Espresso Addition: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dough to deepen the chocolate flavor.

How to Make Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This temperature is ideal for getting that perfect cookie texture, and parchment paper prevents sticking without affecting flavor.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until thoroughly combined with no butter chunks remaining. Don’t rush this step—it creates the foundation for your cookies!

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla at low speed just until incorporated. Overmixing here can add too much air to the dough, resulting in cookies that spread too much.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to your mixture and combine just until the ingredients come together. The less you mix at this stage, the more tender your cookies will be.

Step 5: Add Mix-Ins

Fold in the butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, and walnuts (if using) until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Don’t overwork the dough—just mix until the chips are incorporated.

Step 6: Scoop and Place Dough

Using an ice cream scoop or heaping tablespoon, drop portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2-3 inches apart. For an extra touch, press a few additional chips into the tops of the dough balls.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake one sheet at a time for consistent results. Medium cookies (2 tablespoons of dough) will take 8-10 minutes, while large cookies (1/4 cup of dough) need 10-13 minutes. Look for lightly browned edges and tops that feel firm when gently touched.

Step 8: Add Sea Salt and Cool

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with sea salt while they’re still warm enough for it to slightly adhere. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make cookies tough.
Customize Chip Ratios: If butterscotch is too sweet for your taste, use a 1:2 ratio of butterscotch to chocolate chips instead of equal parts.
Cookie Size Matters: Consistent cookie size ensures even baking. An ice cream scoop is your best friend here!
Watch Closely While Baking: Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies at the minimum baking time.
Sea Salt Timing: Add the sea salt while cookies are still slightly warm so it adheres better but doesn’t melt completely.
Butter Temperature: Room temperature butter will create a fluffier cookie, while colder butter will make a chewier, denser cookie.

How to Serve

These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways:

Perfect Pairings:

Serve with a cold glass of milk for the classic cookie experience
Pair with coffee or hot tea for an afternoon treat
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert

Gift Ideas:

Stack in a clear cellophane bag tied with ribbon for a homemade gift
Package in a decorative tin for holiday gift-giving
Bring to potlucks or parties on a beautiful platter

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to keep cookies soft and chewy.

Freezing Cookie Dough

Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet and add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Fully cool cookies then place in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.

Reheating

To recreate that fresh-baked experience, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes, or microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?

Cookies can spread excessively if butter is too warm or if there’s too little flour in the dough. Make sure you’re measuring flour correctly (spoon and level, don’t pack it), and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh, as old leavening agents can affect cookie structure.
Can I make these cookies without butterscotch chips?

Absolutely! While butterscotch chips give these cookies their signature flavor, you can substitute with caramel chips, white chocolate chips, or simply use all chocolate chips. The sea salt topping will still provide that sweet-salty contrast that makes these cookies special.
Why should I add the sea salt after baking?

Adding sea salt after baking ensures it remains visible and provides that perfect contrasting crunch and burst of saltiness. If you mix it into the dough, the salt dissolves and loses its impact. Think of the sea salt as the finishing touch that elevates these cookies from good to unforgettable.
How can I ensure my cookies have a chewy center?

For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them by taking them out when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet. Also, using more brown sugar than white sugar helps create chewier cookies due to the molasses content in brown sugar.

Final Thoughts

These Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a little moment of joy in your day. The contrast between sweet butterscotch, rich chocolate, and that perfect hint of sea salt creates something truly special that’s worth taking the time to savor. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing with others, this recipe is bound to become a favorite that you’ll return to again and again. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and get ready to experience cookie perfection!