If you’re looking for a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug from the holidays, this Easy Christmas Cookies with Butterscotch Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are buttery, soft, and filled with delightfully creamy butterscotch chips that melt in your mouth with every bite. They’re insanely easy to make, perfect for sharing with family and friends around the Christmas tree or gifting in festive tins. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a beloved tradition in your holiday baking lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Christmas Cookies with Butterscotch Recipe lies not only in its flavor but how wonderfully straightforward the ingredients are. Each one plays a special role in creating that perfect cookie texture and irresistible taste, making this recipe approachable for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
- 1 cup softened butter: Adds rich creaminess and helps with that tender cookie crumb.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the beautiful golden color.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings a hint of molasses flavor and chewiness to the cookies.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, fragrant note that complements the butterscotch perfectly.
- 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help give the cookies their structure.
- 2 1/4 cups flour: The base of the dough, ensuring the right density and softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides a gentle rise and helps lighten the cookie texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 2 cups butterscotch chips: The star ingredient that delivers creamy bursts of buttery sweetness in every bite.
How to Make Easy Christmas Cookies with Butterscotch Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Having your oven ready ensures the cookies bake evenly and develop that perfectly golden edge without drying out.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and fluffy. This step is crucial since it incorporates air, giving your cookies a light and tender texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs
Mix in the vanilla extract followed by the eggs, combining thoroughly after each addition. These wet ingredients enrich the dough and help everything bind together beautifully.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. This ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, which helps your cookies bake uniformly without unexpected salty bursts.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
Step 6: Fold in the Butterscotch Chips
Gently fold in the butterscotch chips to evenly distribute those little pockets of buttery sweetness throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them well as the cookies will spread slightly while baking. Bake for about 8 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color. Let the cookies cool on the sheet briefly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Easy Christmas Cookies with Butterscotch Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle your cookies with a bit of powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate in a zigzag pattern. This not only adds a visual appeal but also layers in a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the softness of butterscotch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced cider, hot cocoa, or a glass of cold milk to enhance their rich, buttery flavor. These classic pairings bring out the holiday spirit and balance the sweet richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your batch of Easy Christmas Cookies with Butterscotch Recipe in a decorative holiday tin, wrapped with a festive ribbon. You can also create a colorful cookie platter by mixing these with other favorites like gingerbread or peppermint cookies, making your dessert table the star of any holiday gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and tasty for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy those sweet moments even after the baking frenzy.
Freezing
This Easy Christmas Cookies with Butterscotch Recipe freezes beautifully. Simply place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a treat.
Reheating
If you want to relive that just-baked feeling, warm your cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This brings back that irresistible softness and Aroma we all crave during the holiday season.
FAQs
Can I substitute butterscotch chips with chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While butterscotch chips give a unique buttery sweetness, using chocolate chips will offer a classic cookie flavor that many love. You can even mix both for a delightful twist.
Is it okay to use salted butter in this recipe?
You can use salted butter but reduce or omit the added salt in the dry ingredients. This helps prevent the cookies from becoming too salty while still keeping their rich texture.
How do I make these cookies more chewy?
For chewier cookies, try using more brown sugar or slightly underbaking them by a minute or two. Brown sugar helps retain moisture, contributing to that soft chewiness everyone adores.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts complement the butterscotch flavor wonderfully and add a nice crunch to your cookies.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing dough?
Yes, the dough can be chilled or frozen before baking. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen, then scoop and bake as usual. It’s a great way to plan ahead for holiday baking sessions.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Christmas Cookies with Butterscotch Recipe is more than just a cookie—it’s a joyful experience wrapped up in buttery sweetness and holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or a festive party, these cookies are guaranteed to impress with their simplicity and deliciousness. So go ahead, make a batch, and watch how quickly these favorites disappear from the plate!
Print
Easy Christmas Cookies with Butterscotch Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully simple and festive, these Easy Christmas Cookies with Butterscotch combine soft, buttery dough with sweet butterscotch chips to create a perfect holiday treat. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, they are ideal for holiday baking sessions and make a wonderful gift or party snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 2 cups butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth, which provides a light texture to the cookies.
- Add Vanilla and Eggs: Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the creamed mixture and mix well, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly combined to create your cookie batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, breaking up any lumps and distributing the leavening agent evenly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough that could lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in Butterscotch Chips: Gently fold the butterscotch chips into the dough to distribute them evenly without crushing their shape.
- Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet leaving enough space between each for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are done but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set and makes them easier to remove.
Notes
- Use softened butter for easier mixing and better cookie texture.
- Do not overmix dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep cookies tender.
- Leave adequate space between cookies on the baking sheet as they will spread slightly during baking.
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and allow cookies to complete baking as they cool.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
