Chewy Sea Salt Butterscotch Cookies

© Original Recipe By The Daily Garnish ©

Chewy Sea Salt Butterscotch Cookies 🍪✨

1. Introduction

If you’re craving a sweet treat with a perfect balance of salty and sweet, these chewy butterscotch cookies are the answer. With crispy edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center, they offer a delightful chewiness complemented by the aromatic flavor of rich butterscotch. The sprinkle of sea salt enhances the sweetness, creating a complex, addictive flavor that keeps you reaching for another bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or just a cozy afternoon snack, these salty butterscotch treats will impress everyone.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes – perfect for last-minute cravings
• Just the right amount of chewiness and crunch
• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or variations
• Uses simple pantry ingredients with gourmet results
• Perfect for sharing or storing as an indulgent gift

3. Ingredient Notes

To craft the best chewy butterscotch cookies, quality ingredients matter. Use real butterscotch chips or homemade butterscotch sauce for a rich, authentic flavor. I recommend choosing high-quality sea salt—fleur de sel adds a delicate crunch and nuanced saltiness. For the flour, opt for unbleached all-purpose for a tender crumb and the perfect chewy texture. Brown sugar also plays a critical role, providing moisture and that deep caramel note that pairs so beautifully with the butterscotch. Quality vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma, making each bite irresistible.

4. Kitchen Tools You Need

Achieving perfectly baked cookies is much easier with the right tools. A KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer in Scorched Orange seamlessly combines ingredients, ensuring a uniform dough with minimal effort. For even baking, a high-quality Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer can be used for quick, oven-like results or reheating leftovers. Baking sheets with good nonstick coating help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. These essential tools will make baking your chewy butterscotch cookies a fun and stress-free experience.

5. How to Make Chewy Sea Salt Butterscotch Cookies

Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In your stand mixer, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until fluffy and light—this process takes about 2-3 minutes and creates the perfect chewy texture.

Mix the Wet and Dry

Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 large egg, mixing well after each addition. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. The dough should be soft, moist, and slightly sticky.

Add the Flavors

Fold in 1 cup of butterscotch chips, ensuring even distribution. The aroma of melting butterscotch combined with vanilla should fill your kitchen. Chill the dough for at least 15 minutes—this helps develop flavor and enhances chewiness.

Bake to Perfection

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for that signature sweet-salty contrast. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

6. Expert Tips for Success

• Chill the dough before baking—it prevents spreading and enhances chewiness.
• Don’t overbake; cookies should be golden on the edges but chewy inside.
• Use high-quality butterscotch chips for maximum flavor.
• Sprinkle sea salt immediately after baking to lock in the salty crunch.
• Store in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain freshness.

7. Variations & Substitutions

If you prefer different flavors, try swapping butterscotch chips for white chocolate or caramel bits. For a nutty twist, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts. For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. To make these cookies dairy-free, use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free butterscotch chips.

8. Storage & Reheating

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them chewy, add a slice of bread in the container to retain moisture. For reheating, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or briefly in the air fryer for a crisp, just-baked feel.

9. FAQ

Can I freeze these chewy butterscotch cookies?

Absolutely! Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

How do I make these cookies extra chewy?

Chill the dough longer, ideally for 30 minutes or more, before baking. Using brown sugar instead of white sugar also increases moisture and chewiness.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of chocolate chips work wonderfully to customize your salty butterscotch treats.

What’s the best way to get that perfect salty-sweet flavor?

Sprinkle sea salt on top immediately after baking. The salt crystals will add a delightful crunch and elevation to the overall flavor profile.

10. Conclusion

These chewy sea salt butterscotch cookies are an irresistible combination of sweet, salty, chewy, and crispy. With simple ingredients and expert tips, you can easily recreate this gourmet treat at home. Perfect for sharing or gifting, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!

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