If you have a soft spot for cookies that perfectly balance sweet and salty, then you’re in for a treat with the Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe. These cookies combine rich butterscotch and semisweet chocolate chips in a tender, chewy base, finished off with just the right sprinkle of sea salt to elevate every bite. They’re the kind of cookies that bring both comfort and excitement with their harmonious flavors. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking to make your cookie game shine, this recipe is sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen.

The image shows a close-up of two round cookies placed on a rustic wooden surface that would be changed to a white marbled texture. Each cookie has a light golden brown base with a soft, slightly textured surface. They are topped with scattered dark brown chocolate chips and light orange peanut butter chips, some slightly melted into the dough. One cookie also has a walnut piece sitting near the center, adding a rough texture. The cookies look thick and soft with a slight crisp on the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe really begins with simple, high-quality ingredients that each play an essential role. From buttery richness to the lovely balance between sweetness and saltiness, every component contributes to the perfect cookie experience.

½ cup unsalted butter: Using fresh butter helps create that rich, tender texture and depth of flavor.
¼ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a warm caramel undertone for extra chewiness.
½ cup granulated sugar: Balances out the sweetness and helps with spreading for a perfect cookie shape.
1 large egg: Binds everything together and lends moisture to the dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its sweet, floral notes.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies structure; be sure to measure it properly for best results.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides just enough lift so the cookies rise lightly without becoming cakey.
½ teaspoon salt: Brings balance to the sweetness and enhances flavor throughout.
1 cup butterscotch chips: The star ingredient, giving each cookie that irresistible buttery sweetness.
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Adds melty, rich pockets of chocolate that contrast beautifully with butterscotch.
Sea salt sprinkles: Sprinkled on top for a delightful sweet-and-salty finish that makes these cookies unforgettable.
Optional: walnuts: For a bit of extra crunch and nutty depth, if you like.

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

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, a perfect temperature to bake the cookies evenly with that lovely golden color. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to make sure your cookies slide off easily and bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fully combined. This step is essential to achieve that creamy base that helps the cookies be tender and chewy. Take your time here—no butter chunks should remain!

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed just until everything blends together. This adds moisture and enriches the dough with flavor, rounding out the sweetness perfectly.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the mixture. Stir until just combined—overmixing here can make your cookies tough. The right touch ensures soft, tender cookies every time.

Step 5: Fold in the Chips and Nuts

Now for the fun part! Mix in the butterscotch chips, semisweet chocolate chips, and if you’re using them, walnuts. Just fold them in gently to disperse the chips evenly without overworking the dough.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Using a scoop or tablespoon, drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them comfortably apart—6 to 8 per pan depending on your cookie size. For an extra pop of butterscotch and chocolate, press a few chips on top before baking. Bake each sheet for 8-10 minutes for medium cookies, or 10-13 minutes for larger ones, until the edges and bottoms are lightly browned and the tops feel firm but not hard.

Step 7: Cool and Add Sea Salt

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, allowing them to firm up without overbaking. Then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. While they’re still warm, sprinkle on sea salt to finish that sweet and salty magic.

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

The image shows a close-up of several soft cookies placed on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has one visible layer with a light golden brown, slightly textured dough base. On top, there are irregularly scattered dark brown chocolate chips, light orange butterscotch chips, and some pieces of pecans that add a rough, nutty texture. The cookies look thick and soft with a slightly cracked surface revealing a tender inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of flaky sea salt right after baking is a must for the Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe. You can also add a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an extra elegant touch that complements the butterscotch chips beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a warm cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser. The sweetness and texture work wonderfully with creamy or slightly bitter drinks and desserts.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Stack the cookies with layers of silky homemade whipped cream or nut butter in between for a decadent cookie sandwich. Or plate them on a festive platter with an array of nuts and dried fruits for a stunning dessert display at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to 5 days, letting you enjoy the Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe anytime you want without any fuss.

Freezing

Cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw them at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked feel, warm your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. The chocolate and butterscotch chips will soften, and the sea salt will still provide that perfect finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I substitute the butterscotch chips for another type of chip?

Absolutely! While butterscotch chips are key to the cookie’s signature flavor, you can swap them for caramel or white chocolate chips if you prefer a different twist. Just keep in mind it will change the final taste slightly.

Why is sea salt added to this cookie recipe?

The sea salt provides a beautiful contrast to the sweetness, enhancing the flavors of the butterscotch and chocolate. It helps brighten the overall taste and prevents the cookies from becoming cloying.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Chill the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This resting time actually improves flavor depth and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?

For the best results, spoon the flour lightly into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping flour directly with the measuring cup, as it can lead to compacted flour and denser cookies.

Are walnuts necessary in the recipe?

Walnuts are totally optional but add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweet chips. If you’re not a fan or have allergies, simply leave them out without any impact on the cookie’s success.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe that makes every bite feel like a joyful celebration. From its simple list of ingredients to the perfectly balanced flavors, these cookies are guaranteed to become your go-to treat for any occasion. So grab your mixing bowl and get baking — your new favorite cookie adventure awaits!

Best Ever Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt Recipe