Best Ever Sea Salt Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Best Ever Sea Salt Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe because it’s one of those treats that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. The balance of sweet butterscotch and semi-sweet chocolate chips, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, takes these cookies to a whole new level. Whenever I make these, the house fills with the most inviting aroma, and honestly, it’s hard not to sneak a few warm from the oven!

The beauty of this Best Ever Sea Salt Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to whip up, yet the results look and taste like you spent hours perfecting them. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family night or to impress some friends with a charming homemade treat, this recipe really shines. Plus, the sea salt sprinkle isn’t just a garnish; it’s what truly makes these cookies unforgettable.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Best Ever Sea Salt Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe come together beautifully, delivering a balance of flavors and textures that work in harmony. When picking your ingredients, be sure to measure flour carefully as it’s easy to overdo and make cookies dense.

• Unsalted Butter: Using refrigerated or room temperature butter helps control the cookie’s texture—both work, but butter straight from the fridge gives a slightly thicker cookie.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a lovely caramel depth, essential for that classic cookie chewiness.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and creates a perfect cookie crisp edge.
• Large Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds richness, so don’t skip it!
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla is best here for that warm, inviting aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour: Measure correctly (fluffed and spooned) for the ideal cookie structure.
• Baking Soda: Leavens the dough for a light, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors; don’t forget it even if you’re adding sea salt on top.
• Butterscotch Chips: The star ingredient, make sure to use good quality chips for real butterscotch flavor.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: The melty chocolate contrast is what makes this cookie so addictive.
• Sea Salt Sprinkles: The final touch that brings that “wow” factor.
• Optional Walnuts: Adds crunch and a toasty nutty note if you want to mix things up.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on the occasion, and you can easily customize this Best Ever Sea Salt Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe to suit your mood or dietary needs. It’s fun to experiment with different nuts or even chip combinations.

• Nut-Free: Skip the walnuts for a simple allergy-friendly treat—still amazing!
• Extra Crunch: Add toasted pecans or macadamia nuts for a buttery crunch that pairs well with the chips.
• Double Chocolate: Swap butterscotch chips for white chocolate chips if you want a sweeter twist.
• Chewy Cookies: Use all brown sugar instead of half granulated for an even chewier texture—my family goes crazy for this version.

How to Make Best Ever Sea Salt Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cream Butter and Sugars

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper—you’ll want your workspace ready before mixing. In a large bowl, I beat the butter (straight from the fridge or room temp) with both brown and granulated sugars using an electric mixer at medium speed. Beat until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides, with absolutely no butter chunks left. This step is key for a uniform texture in the final cookie.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

With the mixer on low speed, add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix just until they’re fully incorporated—overmixing here can lead to tougher cookies. You’ll know it’s combined when the dough looks smooth and you smell that sweet vanilla aroma starting to bloom.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to prevent lumps. Slowly add this dry mix to your wet mixture and stir on low until just combined—remember, overmixing the dough will activate gluten and make your cookies less tender. It’s okay if the dough looks a little rough or you see some streaks.

Step 4: Fold in the Chips

Now it’s chip time! Gently fold in both the butterscotch and semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula, including any optional walnuts if you’re using them. If you love an extra gooey look, save a few chips and press them on top of the dough balls before baking. This little trick adds charm and pockets of melted chocolate you’ll adore.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Drop cookie dough onto the parchment-lined sheets using a small or large ice cream scoop, depending on whether you want medium or large cookies. Keep about 6 to 8 cookies per sheet to give them room to spread. Bake one sheet at a time for best evenness; medium cookies (about 2 tablespoons dough) need 8-10 minutes, while larger ones (¼ cup dough) take 10-13 minutes. You’re aiming for lightly browned bottoms and edges and a top that feels firm but not hard when gently touched.

Step 6: Cool and Add Sea Salt

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they’re still slightly warm, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top for that irresistible sweet-salty contrast. Trust me, this finish makes all the difference and makes the “Best Ever Sea Salt Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe” truly sing.

How to Serve Best Ever Sea Salt Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like keeping garnishes simple, usually just a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking—that’s my little secret to elevating these cookies. For extra flair at gatherings, a small drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate on top adds a lovely touch and makes these cookies feel festive and special.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of rich coffee or tea for an afternoon break. At holiday parties, I love serving them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these cookies in a jar layered with colorful ribbons or placed them on a pretty tiered cake stand. Another fun idea I discovered is wrapping small cookie stacks in parchment paper tied with twine—they make great edible gifts that look store-bought but taste homemade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

My favorite way to store these cookies is in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them soft and chewy, adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture—it’s a handy trick I learned the hard way from my cookies drying out too fast.

Freezing

I often freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer bag once frozen solid. They keep beautifully for up to 3 months, which is perfect when I want to bake ahead for celebrations or just have a stash for a sweet craving.

Reheating

To bring frozen or leftover cookies back to life, I pop them into a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This refreshes softness and melts the chips just right—trust me, it’s like biting into them fresh from the oven all over again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Best Ever Sea Salt Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe holds a special spot in my heart because it’s the kind of cookie that brings people together. Whether I’m baking for my family or packing treats for friends, everyone can’t help but smile after the first bite. Give these cookies a try—I promise, you’ll enjoy both the baking process and the mouthwatering results. Once you’ve tasted the magic of the sea salt and butterscotch combo, you might find this recipe becoming your go-to for any occasion!

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