Butterscotch Chip Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

These Butterscotch Chip Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful blend of classic oatmeal cookies and the rich, caramel-like flavor of butterscotch chips. The combination of chewy oatmeal and gooey butterscotch chips creates a treat that is both comforting and indulgent. These cookies have been a staple in many households for generations, offering a taste of nostalgia with every bite. Whether you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying snack or a delightful addition to your holiday cookie platter, these Butterscotch Chip Oatmeal Cookies are sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 2/3 cups butterscotch chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until it is light and fluffy. Add the light brown sugar and white sugar, and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.

5. Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Add Oats and Butterscotch Chips: Stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats and butterscotch chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. Scoop the Dough: Use a medium-sized cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

8. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should still look slightly soft and underbaked; they will continue to set as they cool.

9. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

10. Freeze for Later: If desired, let the cookies cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag for later use. Frozen cookies can be baked straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Top Tips:

1. Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best results. This will help the butter and sugars mix smoothly and evenly.

2. Don’t Overbake: Take the cookies out of the oven when they are lightly golden brown and still slightly soft in the center. Overbaking will result in dry, hard cookies.

3. Use High-Quality Butterscotch Chips: The quality of your butterscotch chips can greatly impact the flavor of your cookies. Choose high-quality chips for the best taste.

4. Freeze Dough for Later: If you want to make the cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

5. Press Down for Thinner Cookies: If you prefer thinner cookies, press down the dough balls slightly before baking. This will help them spread more evenly.

6. Experiment with Spices: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookies an extra layer of flavor.

Variations:

1. Chocolate Chip Addition: Toss in a handful of chocolate chips for a delightful combination of butterscotch and chocolate flavors.

2. Nutmeg and Cinnamon: Add a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon to give your cookies a warm, spicy flavor.

3. Sea Salt Sprinkle: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a salty-sweet contrast.

4. Walnut Addition: Mix in some chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.

5. Peanut Butter Twist: Add a spoonful of creamy peanut butter to the dough for a peanut butter oatmeal cookie with butterscotch chips.

6. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle cooled cookies with a caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

Nutritional Guide:

Additional Nutritional Notes:
These cookies are relatively high in carbohydrates due to the sugars and oats. However, they are relatively low in protein and fat. The butterscotch chips add a significant amount of sugar, but the cookies are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, consider using less brown sugar or substituting with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.