Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies Recipe

Imagine biting into a perfectly chewy, caramel-scented cookie dotted with golden pools of butterscotch—Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies are simply everything you want in a classic homemade treat. These cookies are pure nostalgia in baked form, with a rich brown sugar dough, buttery softness, and irresistible butterscotch morsels in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family get-together, or just a well-deserved afternoon pick-me-up, you’ll find these cookies disappear almost as quickly as you can make them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies lies in keeping things simple. Every ingredient on this list is carefully chosen for the depth it adds—each one playing a key role in delivering that tender texture, golden color, and signature butterscotch flavor. Let’s take a closer look before we get baking!

• Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Packed brown sugar brings moisture and deep caramel notes to the cookies—don’t skip the packing step for maximum flavor!
• Salted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Room-temperature butter creams beautifully and the salt sharpens those butterscotch flavors.
• Large egg (1): This binds everything together and helps the cookies puff up just right.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A dash of vanilla rounds out the sweetness and adds a comforting aroma.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The base of the cookie, providing essential structure; measure carefully for the softest crumb.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): This trusty leavening agent ensures a soft center and light rise.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A small pinch makes those sweet flavors pop and keeps the cookies from tasting flat.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds a balanced, sweet crispness to the edges of your cookies.
• Butterscotch chips (12-ounce package): The star addition—these little golden chips melt into pockets of butterscotch in every bite!

How to Make Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

To get started, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating guarantees the cookies begin baking at the right temperature, creating a soft center and lightly golden, crisp edges.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This process whips air into the dough, locking in that dreamy, soft texture that defines Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack your egg into the bowl, then pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until the egg is fully incorporated and the dough looks luxuriously smooth and glossy. At this stage, the aroma will already be enticing!

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. Add this flour mixture to your wet ingredients in batches, blending gently each time just until the flour disappears. Mixing slowly keeps your cookies tender and soft—don’t be tempted to overdo it!

Step 5: Fold in the Butterscotch Chips

With your batter ready, switch to a spatula and fold in the butterscotch chips. Gently stir until they’re evenly scattered through the dough for perfect Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies every time.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough and roll each scoop into a neat ball. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and space the dough balls about 2 inches apart. This gives the cookies room to spread without crowding.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Place your tray in the center of the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for golden edges with just-set centers—underbaking ever-so-slightly ensures the cookies are incredibly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so trust your instincts and pull them out on time!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. This lets them finish setting without overbaking. Enjoy them while still warm or save them for a sweet snack later—they’re irresistible either way.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle the cookies with a little flaky sea salt right after baking—this balances the sweetness and adds a gourmet finish to your Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies. Or, dust them with a hint of powdered sugar for a dreamy, bakery-style look.

Side Dishes

These cookies are a match made in heaven with a cold glass of milk, but they’re just as wonderful alongside a cup of dark roast coffee or black tea. For a more decadent treat, pair them with vanilla ice cream for a classic cookie sundae.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a handful of Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies in a ribbon-tied jar for homemade gifts, or serve them in a rustic basket lined with a pretty napkin at your next brunch. You could also crumble them over a parfait or simply arrange them on your favorite cake stand for a cozy dessert table display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your cookies have cooled, pop them into an airtight container—they’ll keep their soft, chewy texture for up to five days at room temperature. To keep them extra moist, tuck a slice of fresh bread into the container; the cookies will stay bakery-fresh until the last one is gone.

Freezing

Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies freeze beautifully, whether you freeze the dough or the baked cookies. For dough, scoop it into balls, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer and add an extra minute or two as needed. Baked cookies should be cooled completely before wrapping tightly and freezing for up to three months.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave. The butterscotch chips will turn melty again and the cookies will taste like you just baked them!

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Absolutely! If you have unsalted butter on hand, simply add a quarter teaspoon of extra salt to the dough to match the flavor balance that salted butter brings to Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies.

Why are my cookies turning out flat?

If your cookies spread too much, the butter might have been too soft or the dough too warm. Try chilling your dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them keep their shape.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?

Yes, dark brown sugar will give your Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies a richer, deeper molasses flavor and a slightly darker color. It’s a delicious twist if you love bold caramel notes!

Are there nut-free substitutions for extra crunch?

Absolutely—try stirring in a handful of old-fashioned oats for bite and texture, or add a few white chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Butterscotch chips remain the unmistakable star!

Can I make these gluten-free?

You can substitute a one-to-one gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. While the texture might be a little different, you’ll still get those signature soft, chewy Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cookie that’s rich, soft, and packed with nostalgic butterscotch charm, Old Fashioned Soft Butterscotch Cookies will win your heart from the very first bite. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends into the kitchen, and create cookie memories that will last long after the last crumb disappears!

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