Best Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that perfectly balances sweet, salty, chewy, and gooey, these Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt are guaranteed to be your new go-to. These cookies are rich with brown sugar flavor, generously packed with both chocolate chips and butterscotch morsels, and finished with a light sprinkle of sea salt to create that bakery-style flair. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, prepping for the holidays, or simply craving something comforting, these cookies are as easy to make as they are to devour.

What makes these cookies truly special is the addition of butterscotch chips. While chocolate chip cookies are a classic, the sweet, buttery warmth of butterscotch adds a whole new layer of indulgence. The contrasting sprinkle of sea salt not only enhances the flavors but also cuts through the sweetness in the best way possible. As a result, every bite is rich, chewy, slightly crisp on the edges, and packed with the kind of flavor that makes people ask for the recipe.

If you’ve ever tried a cookie that made you stop mid-bite and go “wow,” that’s the experience these butterscotch chocolate chip cookies promise. Let’s walk through everything you need to bake the perfect batch—from ingredients and techniques to tips and storage. Trust us, after trying these, you may never go back to regular chocolate chip cookies again.

Why You’ll Love These Sweet and Salty Butterscotch Cookies

There are plenty of cookie recipes out there, but what sets these apart is the magical combination of textures and flavors. The edges are golden and slightly crispy, while the centers stay soft and chewy—just the way a perfect cookie should be. The sweet butterscotch chips bring a caramel-like richness, the chocolate chips add gooey goodness, and the finishing touch of sea salt balances everything in a way that’s completely irresistible.

Moreover, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need any fancy tools or difficult techniques. Even better, the dough comes together quickly and doesn’t require chilling unless you want an even thicker result. That makes these ideal for last-minute bakes when you need a quick dessert that feels like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Another bonus? These cookies store well and freeze beautifully. So whether you’re baking a big batch for the week or preparing ahead for a special event, you can enjoy homemade cookies at a moment’s notice. And if you’re gifting baked goods, these cookies will definitely impress anyone lucky enough to receive them.

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Ingredients for Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt

Here’s everything you’ll need to create the best ever butterscotch chocolate chip cookies with sea salt. All ingredients should be at room temperature for the best results.

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark works)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• Flaky sea salt, for topping

The brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while the white sugar gives the cookies those lightly crisp edges. The combination of chocolate and butterscotch provides layers of flavor, and the flaky sea salt elevates the entire cookie experience.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need for Baking These Cookies

You don’t need professional tools to bake like a pro. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cooling rack
• Cookie scoop (optional but helpful for uniform cookies)

Having everything prepared before you begin will make the process more seamless and enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the dough, which helps give the cookies structure and a soft texture.

Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The dough should look smooth and creamy at this stage.

Step 4: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Fold in the chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips with a spatula. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every bite is loaded with flavor.

Step 6: Scoop the dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough into balls, spacing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For even more bakery-style cookies, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.

Step 7: Bake and finish with sea salt
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top of each cookie. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Tips for Perfectly Soft and Chewy Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies

For cookie perfection every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use room temperature ingredients so everything blends evenly.
• Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added—this helps avoid tough cookies.
• Slightly underbake the cookies for soft, chewy centers. They will continue cooking on the baking sheet.
• Always use real butter for flavor and texture. Margarine doesn’t yield the same results.
• Try a mix of chips. If you want more dimension, use milk, dark, or white chocolate along with butterscotch.

Serving and Presentation Ideas for These Delicious Cookies

These cookies are a hit at any occasion, but a little extra touch can make them even more special. Stack them in clear treat bags with a ribbon for holiday gifts or bring them to a gathering on a pretty ceramic plate. For dessert, serve warm cookies with vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist. You can even crumble them over a bowl of Greek yogurt for a sweet treat that feels just a little healthier.

They also make a great addition to cookie platters, lunchboxes, or coffee breaks. Honestly, they’re so tasty you might just eat them straight off the cooling rack—no judgment here.

Variations and Add-Ins to Customize These Cookies

While the base recipe is fantastic, you can customize these cookies to suit your taste or the occasion. Here are a few ideas:

• Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch
• Stir in a handful of shredded coconut for tropical flavor
• Use browned butter for a richer, nutty depth
• Swap butterscotch chips for caramel bits
• Fold in crushed pretzels or potato chips for a salty crunch

The dough is very forgiving, so feel free to experiment. Just be sure not to add too many extras that could weigh it down.

Common Cookie Baking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced bakers run into trouble sometimes. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls:

• Flat cookies? Your butter may have been too soft or melted. Try chilling the dough.
• Dry cookies? Avoid overbaking and always measure your flour properly.
• Cookies not spreading? Check that your baking soda is fresh and not expired.
• Too sweet? Balance the flavor with a generous pinch of flaky sea salt.

Baking is both an art and a science, but with a little practice, these cookies will turn out perfectly every time.

How to Store and Freeze Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container—it works like magic. If you want to enjoy fresh cookies later, the dough can also be frozen.

To freeze dough, scoop it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze fully baked cookies and thaw as needed.

Food and Drink Pairings That Go Perfectly with These Cookies

These cookies pair beautifully with:

• A cold glass of milk (of course)
• Hot coffee or cappuccino
• Spiced chai or cinnamon tea
• A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream
• Fresh berries for a fruity contrast

Because of their rich, buttery flavor, these cookies also complement desserts like cheesecake or pudding when crumbled on top as a garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies

Can I use only chocolate or only butterscotch chips?
Yes! The recipe works with just one type, though the flavor will be different.

What type of sea salt should I use?
Use flaky sea salt like Maldon for a delicate texture. Table salt is too harsh for topping.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for best results.

Do I need to chill the dough?
Not required, but chilling for 30 minutes can help reduce spreading and deepen flavor.

How many cookies does this recipe make?
Depending on size, about 24 medium cookies.

Conclusion

These Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt are the ultimate treat when you’re craving something sweet, chewy, and just a little bit fancy. With their perfect balance of textures and flavors, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking rotation. They’re easy enough for a weekday dessert and impressive enough for holiday cookie trays or gifts. Once you take that first bite—soft, buttery, chocolatey, with a hint of salt—you’ll understand why this recipe is such a standout.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your fellow cookie lovers and subscribe to our blog for more mouthwatering, easy-to-follow recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Happy baking!

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