Ah, the holiday season! A time when the kitchen becomes a magical place, filled with the warmth of the oven and the sweet aroma of baking. Today, I’m going to share with you a cherished recipe from my collection: Butterscotch Cookies. This recipe is not just about creating a treat; it’s about weaving a tapestry of holiday memories, one batch at a time. This recipe yields about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups butterscotch chips
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive twist
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper, setting the stage for our star performers.
- Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. If you’re feeling festive, add a whisper of cinnamon or nutmeg. This is where the holiday magic starts to seep in.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is like weaving a sweet, buttery blanket that will envelop our other ingredients.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Each addition brings us closer to that perfect harmony of flavors.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, taking care not to overmix. We’re creating a canvas for our butterscotch chips.
- Fold in Butterscotch Chips: Gently fold in the butterscotch chips, distributing them evenly. Each chip is a nugget of butterscotch gold, waiting to melt into pools of creamy delight.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart, as they’ll spread their wings while baking.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. As they bake, the kitchen fills with a nostalgic aroma, a blend of buttery sweetness and the rich, caramel notes of butterscotch.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This is when patience is truly a virtue.
As you bite into these Butterscotch Cookies, each one tells a story of holiday traditions, of laughter shared over cups of hot cocoa, and of the simple joy of giving. The outside is slightly crisp, giving way to a soft, chewy center, with butterscotch chips that melt in your mouth, creating a symphony of flavors.
These cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of the holiday spirit, of togetherness, and of the sweet memories that we cherish year after year. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s bake some holiday magic together! 🍪✨