Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Sea Salt)

Enjoy the delicious taste of Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Sea Salt)! This recipe combines the rich flavors of butterscotch and chocolate chips, enhanced by a sprinkle of sea salt. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are warm, gooey, and sure to impress your family and friends. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this cookie recipe will be a standout treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have fresh cookies in no time.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of butterscotch and chocolate creates a delightful taste that’s hard to resist.
• Customizable: Add nuts or adjust the chocolate-to-butterscotch ratio to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for parties, holidays, or just because!
• Gooey Texture: Enjoy the soft, chewy texture that makes each bite a heavenly experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these scrumptious cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Whisk or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining your ingredients evenly.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy base for baking your cookies to golden perfection.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• ½ cup unsalted butter (straight from fridge or room temperature)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Mix-ins

• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• Sea salt sprinkles (for the sweet and salty vibe!)
• Optional: walnuts

How to Make Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Sea Salt)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for achieving perfectly baked cookies.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a whisk or spatula to cream them together until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add in the large egg and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. This adds moisture and flavor to your dough.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—do not overmix!

Step 6: Fold in Chips

Gently fold in the butterscotch chips, semisweet chocolate chips, and optional walnuts. Ensure even distribution throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie for spreading.

Step 8: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Before baking, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie. This enhances flavor with a sweet-and-salty twist.

Step 9: Bake

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked—that’s perfect!

Step 10: Cool

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container!

How to Serve Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Sea Salt)

These delicious butterscotch chocolate chip cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night at home, there are many great ways to serve them.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for that classic experience. The creaminess balances the sweetness perfectly.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Transform your cookies into delightful ice cream sandwiches. Simply place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies.

Warm and Gooey

• Serve them warm right out of the oven. The melted chocolate and butterscotch chips create an irresistible treat that everyone loves.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a decorating station with sprinkles and toppings. Let guests customize their cookies for added fun!

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. The flavors complement each other beautifully, making for a cozy afternoon snack.

How to Perfect Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Sea Salt)

Achieving the perfect cookie texture and flavor is key. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out amazing every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your butter and egg to room temperature helps create a smoother dough that bakes evenly.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dense. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
• Chill the Dough: Letting your dough chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps enhance flavors and control spread during baking.
• Add Sea Salt Just Before Serving: A sprinkle of sea salt on top elevates the sweet flavors, giving that delightful contrast you crave.

Best Side Dishes for Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Sea Salt)

Pairing these cookies with complementary side dishes enhances your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the cookies.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: Light and refreshing, fruit salad provides a nice balance to the sweetness of butterscotch and chocolate chips.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie halves in warm chocolate fondue for an extra indulgent treat that’s fun to share!
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or gouda can contrast nicely with sweet cookies, creating an interesting flavor profile.
5. Nutty Trail Mix: Serve alongside a bowl of nutty trail mix for a crunchy texture that complements the soft, chewy cookie.
6. Coffee Cake: Enjoying these cookies with slices of moist coffee cake can enhance coffee or tea breaks while adding more flavors to your dessert table.
7. Milkshakes: Blend up some milkshakes using your favorite flavors; they make for a rich and creamy pairing with these delightful cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Sea Salt) can be a joy, but some common mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are a few tips on what to avoid.

• Skipping ingredient measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial for perfect cookies. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure each ingredient is added correctly.
• Using cold butter: Cold butter does not cream well with sugars, leading to dense cookies. Allow butter to soften at room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for soft, chewy results.
• Neglecting sea salt: A sprinkle of sea salt enhances flavor. Don’t skip it; instead, add it just before baking for that perfect sweet-salty balance.
• Not chilling the dough: Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking. If time allows, refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking.

Freezing Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Sea Salt)

• Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap or foil for best results.
• Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Sea Salt)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Sea Salt).

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match chocolate chips based on your preferences. Dark chocolate or even white chocolate can provide a delightful twist.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Cookies should be golden brown around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will continue to cook after being removed from the oven.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. The texture may vary slightly but should still be delicious.

What other add-ins can I use?

You can customize your cookies by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even dried fruit like cranberries for extra flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

The Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Sea Salt) offer an irresistible combination of sweet and salty flavors that everyone will love. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite ingredients or toppings! Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!