Butterscotch Christmas Cookies: The Ultimate Festive Treat Recipe

Butterscotch Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any holiday gathering. As the festive season approaches, the aroma of these cookies baking in the oven fills the air, evoking cherished memories of family traditions and celebrations. Originating from the classic combination of brown sugar and butter, butterscotch has long been a beloved flavor in many households, making these cookies a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire.

What I love most about Butterscotch Christmas Cookies is their irresistible taste and chewy texture, which create a delightful contrast with the rich, buttery flavor. These cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly convenient to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, leaving them out for Santa, or simply enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa, Butterscotch Christmas Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your holiday traditions.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup festive sprinkles (for decoration)

Preparing the Dough

Let’s get started on these delicious butterscotch Christmas cookies! First, we need to prepare our dough. Follow these steps:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. I usually use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The batter should be smooth and creamy at this point.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices throughout the flour.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies to be tender!
5. Fold in the butterscotch chips and chopped nuts (if using) with a spatula or wooden spoon. This is where the magic happens, and you can already smell the sweetness!

Chilling the Dough

Chilling the dough is an important step that helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Here’s how to do it:

1. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dough to an airtight container.
2. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, chilling it for up to 2 hours can enhance the flavors even more!

Baking the Cookies

Now that our dough is chilled and ready, it’s time to bake these delightful cookies!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring even baking.
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
3. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. I like to use a cookie scoop for uniformity, but you can also use your hands!
4. If you want to add a festive touch, sprinkle some festive sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
6. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Assembling and Decorating

While the cookies are cooling, let’s talk about how to assemble and decorate them for that perfect Christmas touch!

1. Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can choose to decorate them further if you like. A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can be drizzled over the top for added sweetness.
2. To make the glaze, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle it over the cookies using a fork or a piping bag.
3. For an extra festive look, you can also add more sprinkles or even crushed candy canes on top of the glaze before it sets.
4. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Butterscotch Christmas Cookies are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of sweetness and warmth to their holiday celebrations. The rich, buttery flavor combined with the delightful crunch of butterscotch chips creates a cookie that is not only delicious but also evokes the cozy spirit of the season. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering, gifting to friends and family, or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to bring joy to every occasion. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these cookies with a warm cup of spiced cider or a glass of cold milk for a classic treat. You can also experiment with variations by adding chopped nuts, a sprinkle of sea salt on top, or even a drizzle of chocolate for an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to get creative! I truly believe that once you try these Butterscotch Christmas Cookies, they will become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and dive into this delightful baking adventure. Don’t forget to share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how your cookies turned out and any unique twists you added. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with sweetness and joy! Print
   

   Butterscotch Christmas Cookies: The Ultimate Festive Treat Recipe

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   • Author: Maria
   • Total Time: 60 minutes
   • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   Delight in these soft and chewy Butterscotch Christmas Cookies, bursting with sweet butterscotch flavor and perfect for holiday celebrations. Easy to make and customizable with your favorite mix-ins, they are sure to bring joy to your festive gatherings!

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
   • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
   • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
   • 2 large eggs
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 teaspoon baking soda
   • 1/2 teaspoon salt
   • 1 cup butterscotch chips
   • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
   • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
   • 1/2 cup festive sprinkles (for decoration)

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   Instructions

   1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
   2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
   3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using).
   4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
   5. Fold in the butterscotch chips and chopped nuts (if using) with a spatula or wooden spoon.
   6. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dough to an airtight container.
   7. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
   8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   9. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
   10. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Optionally, sprinkle festive sprinkles on top.
   11. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked.
   12. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
   13. Once cooled, drizzle a simple glaze made from 1 cup of powdered sugar mixed with 2-3 tablespoons of milk over the cookies.
   14. For extra decoration, add more sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top of the glaze before it sets.
   15. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.

   Notes

   • Feel free to substitute butterscotch chips with chocolate chips or any other favorite mix-ins.
   • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
   • Adjust the amount of cinnamon based on your preference; it adds a lovely warmth to the cookies.

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 12 minutes