Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe

Irresistible Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe

Butterscotch chocolate chip cookies elevate the classic dessert with an unexpected twist of maritime minerality.

Sweet caramel notes mingle seamlessly with rich chocolate undertones, creating a complex flavor profile that dances across your palate.

Each morsel promises a symphony of contrasting sensations—sugary warmth meeting salty crispness.

Soft, chewy textures guarantee a memorable baking experience that redefines ordinary ingredients into extraordinary treats.

Carefully selected components ensure maximum deliciousness in every single bite.

Crisp edges and tender centers make these cookies irresistibly compelling for serious sweet-tooth enthusiasts.

Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Sea Salt): A Must-Try Treat

  • Elevate Sweet Cravings: These butterscotch chocolate chip cookies blend rich, buttery flavors with a perfect sweet-salty balance that transforms ordinary dessert moments into extraordinary indulgences.
  • Quick and Foolproof Baking: With just 15 minutes of total preparation time and simple mixing steps, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced bakers to create delectable treats without stress or complicated techniques.
  • Texture Sensation: Experience a delightful contrast between crispy golden edges and soft, chewy centers that melt in your mouth, enhanced by the delightful crunch of optional walnuts and sparkle of sea salt.
  • Comfort in Every Bite: These cookies deliver a nostalgic warmth reminiscent of homemade goodness, combining classic chocolate chip comfort with the sophisticated twist of butterscotch and sea salt for a truly memorable dessert experience.

Key Ingredients for Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the cookie base with a neutral flavor profile.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread with a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the recipe.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Brings rich, creamy flavor and creates soft, tender cookie texture.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm background flavor to the cookies.
Sweet and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to soft, chewy cookie texture.
  • Butterscotch Chips: Offer rich, caramel-like flavor with a sweet, buttery note.
  • Chocolate Chips: Add classic chocolate taste and melty texture to the cookies.
  • Sea Salt: Provides a delicate finishing touch that enhances all other flavors.
Optional Add-In:
  • Walnuts: Brings crunchy texture and nutty flavor to complement the sweet chips.

How to Make Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Base

Use an electric mixer to cream butter and sugars until smooth and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Moisture Ingredients

Mix in egg and vanilla on low speed until fully combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in:
  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Mix until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.

Step 5: Enhance with Mix-Ins

Fold in:
  • Butterscotch chips
  • Chocolate chips
  • Walnuts (optional)

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dough

Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 8-10 minutes (medium cookies) or 10-13 minutes (large cookies) until edges turn golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Finish

Cool cookies on pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Sprinkle with sea salt for a delightful flavor boost.

Tips for Perfect Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Chill the Dough: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and enhance flavor development.
  • Control Chip Distribution: Gently press extra butterscotch and chocolate chips on top of each cookie dough ball before baking for a more visually appealing look.
  • Measure Flour Precisely: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense, dry cookies by preventing excess flour from compacting in the measuring cup.
  • Watch Baking Time Carefully: Check cookies at the earliest recommended time to ensure a soft, chewy center and golden crisp edges.
  • Salt Finishing Technique: Sprinkle sea salt immediately after baking while cookies are still warm to help the salt adhere and create a delightful sweet-salty contrast.

Storing and Reheating Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Refrigerator Storage: Seal cooled cookies in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. These delicious treats will stay fresh for up to 5 days when properly stored in the refrigerator.
  • Freezer Storage: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Frozen cookies maintain their incredible flavor and texture for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
  • Reheating Method: Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, gooey texture. Alternatively, place cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes to recreate that fresh-baked warmth and crispy edges.

Pairing Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies with Beverages

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Latte: The rich butterscotch and chocolate flavors complement the smooth, velvety espresso drink perfectly. The sea salt brings out subtle nuances in both the cookie and latte.
  • Match with Cold Milk Shooter: Classic cookie companion that cuts through the sweetness and provides a refreshing contrast. The chilled milk cleanses the palate between each delectable bite.
  • Serve alongside Caramel Chai Tea: Warm spices in the chai enhance the butterscotch notes, creating a harmonious flavor experience. The tea's complexity beautifully balances the cookie's sweet and salty profile.
  • Enjoy with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Intensifies the sea salt element while adding creamy texture. The cool dessert provides a delightful temperature contrast to the warm, freshly baked cookies.

Fun Variations of Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Nutty Butterscotch Crunch: Replace chocolate chips with chopped pecans and add extra butterscotch chips for a rich, crunchy texture that enhances the cookie's depth.
  • Espresso Butterscotch Blast: Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the dough, creating a bold coffee undertone that complements the sweet butterscotch notes.
  • Coconut Butterscotch Dream: Fold in 1/2 cup of toasted coconut flakes to introduce a tropical hint and additional textural complexity to the classic cookie recipe.
  • Salted Caramel Upgrade: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over cooled cookies and sprinkle with extra flaky sea salt for an indulgent, gourmet finishing touch.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe

Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rich butterscotch chocolate chip cookies blend sweet and salty notes into a luxurious treat. Crisp edges, gooey centers, and sprinkled sea salt make these cookies irresistible for anyone craving a sophisticated dessert experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Fats and Sweeteners:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Sea salt for sprinkling
  • Optional: walnuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (177°C) and arrange two baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie placement.
  2. In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to thoroughly blend softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
  3. Incorporate a single large egg and pure vanilla extract, gently mixing on low speed until the ingredients are completely integrated.
  4. Gradually add all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt, stirring until the dry ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough.
  5. Gently fold in butterscotch chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and optional chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the cookie dough.
  6. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop generous mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring approximately 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
  7. For medium-sized cookies, bake for 8-10 minutes; for larger cookies, extend baking time to 10-13 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as an indicator of doneness.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set their structure, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack.
  9. Complete the cookies by sprinkling a light dusting of flaky sea salt across the top, enhancing the sweet and rich flavor profile.

Notes

  • Unlock the secret to irresistibly soft and chewy cookies that blend rich butterscotch with decadent chocolate.
  • Sprinkle sea salt right after baking to enhance the sweet-salty flavor profile and create a gourmet twist.
  • Experiment with different chocolate chip varieties like dark, milk, or semi-sweet to customize your cookie experience.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, more structured cookies.
  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star