Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies Recipe

Indulge in Heavenly Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies Recipe Today

Soft, chewy oatmeal butterscotch cookies promise a delightful twist on classic comfort treats.

Buttery aroma wafts through kitchens, beckoning sweet-toothed adventurers.

Nestled between crisp edges and tender centers, butterscotch morsels deliver unexpected bursts of caramel-like magic.

Hearty oats provide a satisfying texture that makes each bite memorable.

Childhood memories swirl with every crumbly, warm morsel pulled fresh from the oven.

Home bakers can easily master this delectable recipe with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

These irresistible cookies will make you the star of any gathering, so grab your mixing bowl and let’s bake something extraordinary.

Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies That Are Soft and Sweet

  • Quick Family Treat: Whip up these delightful oatmeal butterscotch cookies that bring smiles to everyone's faces in under 30 minutes.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that guarantee delicious results every single time.
  • Versatile Snack Option: Enjoy these cookies as an afternoon pick-me-up, packed lunch dessert, or comforting weekend treat that suits all ages and occasions.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, allowing flexible baking schedules for busy households or spontaneous cookie cravings.

Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies Ingredient Breakdown

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and helps bind the cookie together. Unbleached flour works best for a more natural taste.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread during baking. Fresh baking soda ensures proper leavening.
  • Old-Fashioned Oats: Adds hearty texture and nutty flavor. Rolled oats work perfectly for a chewy cookie.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Creates a rich, sweet foundation with deep caramel notes. Room temperature butter blends more smoothly.
  • Egg: Provides moisture and helps bind ingredients. Large eggs work best for consistent results.
Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Butterscotch Chips: Delivers sweet, golden caramel flavor. High-quality chips melt beautifully and add signature taste.

How to Bake Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or give them a quick spray of cooking spray.

Step 2: Whip Up The Base

In a large mixing bowl, grab your electric mixer and blend butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add The Binding Agent

Crack an egg into the sugar mixture and beat until everything is well combined.

The texture might look slightly uneven, which is totally normal.

Step 4: Incorporate The Dry Ingredients

Gently stir in flour and baking soda.

Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold In The Good Stuff

Carefully fold in old-fashioned oats and butterscotch chips.

Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough:
  • Old-fashioned oats
  • Butterscotch chips

Step 6: Shape The Cookies

Use a cookie scoop to drop rounded portions onto the prepared baking sheets.

Leave some space between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 9-13 minutes.

Look for golden brown edges and a set center.

Step 8: Cool And Enjoy

Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before serving.

This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.

  • Use exact measurements for ingredients to ensure consistent cookie texture and flavor every time.
  • Let butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before creaming to create a smoother, more even mixture.
  • Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and develop richer flavors.
  • Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and soft texture.
  • Swap butterscotch chips with chocolate chips or nuts for a personalized twist on the classic recipe.

Store Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies

  • Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for 2-3 months. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
  • Remove frozen cookies and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. Cookies will return to soft, delicious texture.
  • Warm cookies in microwave for 8-10 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to restore freshly baked taste and softness.

Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies Sweet Pairings

Pair Warm Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies with:
  • Cozy Caramel Latte: Rich espresso balanced with sweet caramel notes perfectly complements the butterscotch's deep sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor dance that elevates the cookie's warmth and richness.
  • Smooth Vanilla Chai Tea: Spicy, creamy chai tea provides a complementary backdrop that highlights the cookie's buttery oatmeal texture while adding complexity with its aromatic cardamom and cinnamon undertones.
  • Cold Milk Companion: Classic cold milk cuts through the cookie's sweetness, offering a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate and enhances the butterscotch and oatmeal flavors with its cool, creamy personality.
  • Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Decadent ice cream with salt-sweet complexity creates a luxurious dessert experience, matching the cookie's richness while providing a delightful temperature and texture contrast.

Oatmeal Cookies with Butterscotch Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and use certified gluten-free oats to make the recipe safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and select vegan butterscotch chips to create a plant-based version of the classic cookie.
  • Chocolate Chip Alternative: Swap butterscotch chips with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile that still complements the oatmeal base.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for extra texture and a rich, toasted flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies.

FAQs

  • What gives these cookies their unique flavor?

The combination of brown sugar and butterscotch chips creates a rich, caramel-like taste that sets these cookies apart from traditional oatmeal cookies.

  • Are these cookies soft or crispy?

These oatmeal butterscotch cookies have a soft and chewy texture, thanks to the old-fashioned oats and the creaming method used to prepare the dough.

  • Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Old-fashioned oats are recommended for the best texture, as quick oats can make the cookies too dense and might alter the final consistency of the cookie.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a set center. The cookies will continue to firm up slightly as they cool on the baking sheet, so avoid overbaking.

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Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies Recipe

Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet oatmeal butterscotch cookies deliver comfort in every delightful bite. Warm spices and rich butterscotch chips create a nostalgic treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Cookies Base:

  • 1 large egg
  • 0.75 cup (177 ml) flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 cup (240 ml) old-fashioned oats

Sugars and Fats:

  • 0.33 cup (79 ml) salted butter, room temperature
  • 0.33 cup (79 ml) light brown sugar, packed
  • 0.25 cup (60 ml) granulated white sugar

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) butterscotch chips
  • 0.25 teaspoon (1.25 ml) baking soda

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or non-stick spray.
  2. Using an electric mixer, whip butter with brown and white sugars until the mixture becomes airy and pale.
  3. Incorporate the egg, mixing thoroughly until the batter reaches a uniform consistency.
  4. Gently fold in flour and baking soda, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing.
  5. Carefully blend old-fashioned oats and butterscotch chips throughout the dough, ensuring even distribution.
  6. Portion cookie dough onto prepared sheets using a cookie scoop, spacing rounds evenly to allow spreading.
  7. Slide trays into preheated oven and bake until cookie edges turn golden and centers appear set, approximately 10-12 minutes.
  8. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and allow complete cooling before serving, which helps them firm up and develop optimal texture.

Notes

  • Achieve perfectly chewy texture by using old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats for better structure and bite.
  • Prevent butterscotch chips from burning by slightly underbaking cookies, keeping them soft in the center with golden edges.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by chilling dough for 30 minutes before baking, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deeper caramel notes.
  • Customize for dietary needs by substituting gluten-free flour blend and using dairy-free butter alternative for inclusive baking experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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