Easy Christmas Cookies with Butterscotch Recipe

The scent of sugar, butter, and butterscotch melting in the oven feels like the holiday spirit itself. These Easy Christmas Cookies with Butterscotch come together in under 30 minutes and fill your kitchen with warm caramel notes and a touch of nostalgia. Soft, chewy, and golden at the edges, they’re perfect for last-minute baking or cozy family nights in.

Why You’ll Love These Butterscotch Christmas Cookies

These cookies have everything you want in a festive treat rich buttery dough, a deep caramel sweetness from butterscotch chips, and a soft, chewy bite. They’re simple to make, ideal for cookie swaps, and loved by both kids and grown-ups. Plus, the golden hue and aroma make them perfect for holiday gifting.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter gives these cookies their soft, rich base. Brown sugar adds chewiness and a hint of molasses depth, while white sugar balances the flavor with sweetness. The vanilla ties it all together, and those butterscotch chips deliver that signature buttery-caramel note that makes these cookies unforgettable.
Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups butterscotch chips

Always use softened (not melted) butter for best texture, and choose fresh butterscotch chips for the fullest flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easy Christmas Cookies with Butterscotch

Step 1 – Prepare the Oven and Wet Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, both sugars, and vanilla until the mixture looks smooth and fluffy.

Step 2 – Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should look creamy and thick at this stage.

Step 3 – Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed and helps the cookies bake evenly.

Step 4 – Mix and Fold in Butterscotch Chips

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet, stirring gently until combined. Then fold in the butterscotch chips. Avoid overmixing stop as soon as no dry streaks remain.

Step 5 – Portion, Bake, and Cool

Scoop dough using a tablespoon and place each cookie 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are golden but centers look soft. Let the cookies rest for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This recipe makes about 24–30 cookies, depending on size.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Butterscotch Cookies

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape. Always use room temperature eggs for a smooth batter. Remove cookies just as the edges turn golden they’ll set as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet before moving to prevent cracking.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

You can use margarine or plant-based butter instead of regular butter. Swap in gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly batch. Try chocolate, white chocolate, or toffee bits instead of butterscotch chips for fun flavor twists. Even a mix of butterscotch and white chocolate chips tastes amazing.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain softness, place a slice of bread in the container. Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. If baking from frozen, add 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid using melted butter it causes cookies to spread too much. Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps control texture. And resist the urge to overbake. These cookies are best when the centers look slightly underdone.

Quick Facts: Time, Servings, and Difficulty

• Prep time: 15–20 minutes
• Cook time: 8–10 minutes
• Total time: 23–30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Servings: 24–30 cookies
  Each batch totals around 3200–3500 calories, with a buttery, soft center and just the right caramel sweetness.

More Such Recipes

• soft pumpkin snickerdoodles with a holiday twist
• chewy pumpkin cookies for your Christmas baking tray
• peppermint bark brownies for a festive dessert spread
• classic chocolate crinkle cookies for holiday cookie exchanges
• chocolate thumbprint cookies perfect for gifting
• patriotic sugar cookie bars with festive sprinkles
• easy no-bake cookies for a quick Christmas treat

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Baking these Easy Christmas Cookies with Butterscotch is a joyful little ritual. They’re soft, sweet, and loaded with cozy caramel notes that fit perfectly into any holiday moment. Enjoy them fresh from the oven with hot cocoa, or wrap them in cellophane for a heartfelt homemade gift. You can find more festive baking inspiration on Pinterest and Facebook. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!

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