Giant Butterscotch Cookies: The Ultimate Chewy, Sweet & Easy Fall Delight
Prepare to fall head over heels for these truly irresistible **Giant Butterscotch Cookies**! This old-fashioned recipe delivers a uniquely chewy texture, making each bite a delightful experience. Far superior to any store-bought alternative, these homemade butterscotch cookies are surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Crafted with an abundance of sweet butterscotch chips, a touch of rich maple syrup, and a perfect blend of two kinds of sugars, they achieve an unparalleled sweetness and depth of flavor. Get ready to bake a batch of these magnificent cookies that are sure to impress everyone!
As Fall Flavors Week continues, we’re thrilled to share a cookie recipe that promises to be a showstopper. These giant butterscotch cookies are designed to satisfy even the most intense sweet cravings. They boast a wonderfully crisp edge that gives way to a soft, gooey, and incredibly chewy center. Each cookie is generously loaded with vibrant butterscotch chips, while a hint of maple syrup infuses them with that quintessential cozy fall essence. While you could certainly bake them in a conventional size, we believe that if you’re going to indulge in a cookie, you should truly *have a COOKIE* – and these giant versions are exactly that!
This Giant Butterscotch Cookie recipe was specially developed for the #FallFlavors group. We’re grateful to Dixie Crystals Sugar for providing products that helped make these sweet treats possible.
Beyond the Chip: What to Make with Butterscotch Chips?
So, you’ve found yourself with a bag (or two!) of delicious butterscotch chips, and while our giant cookies are a fantastic option, you might be wondering what else these delightful morsels can create. The versatility of butterscotch chips means the possibilities are nearly endless! Aside from this incredible cookie recipe, you can incorporate butterscotch chips into a wide array of baked goods and confections.
Consider adding them to rich, fudgy brownies for an unexpected burst of buttery sweetness, or fold them into cake batters for a moist and flavorful twist. For something truly decadent, melt them down to create a luscious butterscotch sauce, perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or even a warm slice of apple pie. They also make an excellent addition to different types of candy, like homemade toffees, bark, or even a simple microwave fudge.
A fun fact to remember is that butterscotch chips are often interchangeable in recipes. You can easily substitute them in most recipes that call for peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or even standard chocolate chips. This opens up a whole new world of flavor combinations and allows you to experiment with your favorite recipes, giving them a unique butterscotch twist!
The Distinctive Flavor of Butterscotch Chips
Butterscotch chips are celebrated for their quintessential buttery, sweet, and slightly caramelized flavor profile. It’s a taste that brings a comforting warmth, making them an ideal choice for baking, especially as the cooler months roll in and we crave those cozy, nostalgic treats. The unique balance of rich butter and deep brown sugar notes creates a distinct taste that stands out from other sweet ingredients.
Many find butterscotch to hit that perfect sweet and salty craving. The subtle saltiness inherent in butter, combined with the profound sweetness of brown sugar, creates a harmonious flavor that is both satisfying and incredibly addictive. This makes butterscotch an excellent ingredient not just in cookies, but in a variety of desserts where a complex, comforting sweetness is desired. If you’re looking to infuse your baking with a classic, heartwarming flavor that evokes fond memories, butterscotch chips are your go-to ingredient.
Crafting the Perfect Giant Butterscotch Cookie: Key Ingredients
Achieving the perfect giant butterscotch cookie—with its desirable chewiness, soft interior, and slightly crispy edges—relies on a carefully selected blend of ingredients, each playing a crucial role:
- Shortening: For these cookies, we specifically use Crisco shortening. Shortening is key to creating a truly moist, soft, and fluffier cookie texture that butter alone can’t quite replicate. It has a higher melting point than butter, which means it helps the cookies hold their shape better while still spreading beautifully, contributing to that signature “giant” characteristic.
- Sugar: We use a combination of Dixie Crystals granulated sugar and brown sugar. Granulated sugar contributes to crispness and aids in the spread of the cookie, while brown sugar is essential for that rich, deep flavor and extra chewiness. The molasses in brown sugar also helps keep the cookies moist. This dual-sugar approach ensures a balanced sweetness and ideal texture.
- Eggs: You will need two large eggs. Eggs bind the ingredients together, provide moisture, and contribute to the cookie’s structure. They also add richness and help the cookies rise, resulting in a tender crumb.
- Maple Syrup: A touch of maple syrup is added not just for additional sweetness, but to infuse a subtle, warm fall flavor that perfectly complements the butterscotch. It adds a lovely depth that elevates the overall taste profile.
- Flour: All-Purpose flour is the ideal choice for these cookies, providing the necessary structure without making them too dense. For those avoiding gluten, you can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, keeping in mind that the texture might vary slightly.
- Salt: A small amount of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the cookie dough. It prevents the cookies from tasting overly sweet and brings out the buttery notes.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent works with the acidic brown sugar and cream of tartar to help the cookies rise and achieve a soft, chewy texture.
- Cream of Tartar: This is a little secret ingredient for many perfect cookie recipes! Cream of tartar helps to stabilize the baking soda and prevent the sugar from crystallizing, resulting in a cookie that rises fully and comes out extra fluffy and delightfully chewy, similar to a classic snickerdoodle.
- Butterscotch Chips: Of course, no butterscotch cookie is complete without its namesake! One generous 11-ounce package of butterscotch chips is folded into the dough, ensuring every bite is bursting with that characteristic buttery, sweet flavor. These chips melt just enough during baking to create gooey pockets of deliciousness throughout the cookie.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake the Best Giant Butterscotch Cookies
Step One: Preparing Your Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your dough is. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This process incorporates air, which is vital for a soft cookie. Next, beat in the two large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the maple syrup until everything is thoroughly mixed.
Step Two: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Sifting helps to remove any lumps and ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, leading to a more consistent cookie texture. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough cookies. Once the dough comes together, gently fold in the entire package of butterscotch chips until they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
Step Three: Shaping Your Giant Cookies
To create those impressive giant cookies, use a 1/4 cup measuring scoop or a large cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving plenty of space between them as they will spread. Lightly press down on the top of each cookie dough ball with the palm of your hand or the back of a spoon, but do not flatten them completely. This gentle press helps them spread evenly while maintaining their thick, chewy center. If you prefer to make regular-sized cookies, simply use a smaller cookie scoop (about 1.5-2 tablespoons) and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Step Four: Baking and Cooling for Perfection
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for approximately twelve minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are beautifully golden brown, even if the centers still look a little soft or slightly underdone. This is perfectly normal and contributes to their ultimate chewiness once cooled. Overbaking will result in a dry cookie, so trust the process! Once removed from the oven, let the cookies cool on the hot baking sheet for a couple of minutes. This brief resting period allows them to set up slightly before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a rack ensures air circulates around them, preventing a soggy bottom and maintaining their crisp edges.
Tips for the Best Giant Butterscotch Cookies
To ensure your giant butterscotch cookies turn out absolutely perfect every time, consider these additional baking tips:
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher cookies. A light hand is key for a tender, chewy result.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more smoothly into the creamed shortening and sugar mixture, creating a more uniform dough emulsion and a better cookie texture.
- Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): For even thicker cookies and a more developed flavor, consider chilling your dough for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours. Chilled dough spreads less, resulting in a chewier, more substantial cookie.
- Use Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking, ensures even baking, and makes for super easy cleanup.
- Even Spacing: Give these giant cookies plenty of room on the baking sheet. If they’re too close, they’ll spread into each other, creating one giant cookie mass instead of individual treats.
- Watch Your Oven: Ovens can vary. Keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. The edges should be golden, but the center should still look soft and slightly undone. This is the secret to their famous chewiness.
- Proper Cooling: The brief cooling period on the hot baking sheet is crucial. It allows the residual heat to finish cooking the center without overbaking the edges. Moving them too soon can cause them to fall apart.
Creative Twists and Serving Suggestions
While these giant butterscotch cookies are absolutely perfect as is, they also serve as a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity! Want to switch things up a bit and add even more texture and flavor? You can easily customize them to suit your preferences or create seasonal variations.
Consider folding in your favorite chopped nuts, such as crunchy pecans or earthy walnuts, for an added layer of flavor and delightful crunch. If you’re a chocolate lover, a handful of chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips can create a wonderful marbled effect and a different sweet dynamic. For an extra special treat, try adding Heath Bits (toffee bits) for a buttery, caramel-like crunch that complements the butterscotch beautifully. Really, the possibilities are vast – you can truly do much with these versatile butterscotch cookies!
Another fantastic idea, especially during warmer months or for a truly indulgent dessert, is to transform these into scrumptious ice cream sandwiches. Imagine sandwiching a generous scoop of rich butter pecan ice cream (or your favorite flavor!) between two of these soft, chewy giant cookies. The combination of warm cookie and cold, creamy ice cream is simply heavenly.
Of course, sometimes the simplest pleasures are the best. Just one of these magnificent cookies paired with a tall, cold glass of chilled milk is an undeniable classic – and perfectly acceptable in our book!
Love It? Pin It!
If you’re already dreaming of baking this incredible giant butterscotch cookie recipe, make sure you don’t lose it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now so you can easily find it whenever that butterscotch craving strikes!
Are Caramel and Butterscotch the Same? Understanding the Difference
Caramel and butterscotch are two beloved sweet treats that, while sometimes confused due to their similar appearance and rich, sweet profiles, are actually quite distinct in their composition and subtle flavor nuances. The key difference lies in the type of sugar used as their primary ingredient.
Caramel is traditionally made by browning granulated white sugar. This process of heating sugar until it melts and changes color creates a complex, deeply sweet, and slightly bitter flavor, often enhanced with butter and cream. Its distinctive golden-brown hue and smooth, sometimes chewy, texture are a result of this caramelization of plain sugar.
Butterscotch, on the other hand, is primarily made with brown sugar. The molasses content in brown sugar gives butterscotch its characteristic richer, more profound flavor and often a softer, chewier consistency than caramel. Butter is always a prominent ingredient in butterscotch, contributing to its namesake and signature richness. So, while both offer a delightful buttery sweetness, butterscotch tends to have a deeper, molasses-infused flavor from the brown sugar, whereas caramel’s flavor is more about the intense, toasted notes of caramelized white sugar.
Despite their differences, if you enjoy both flavors, they can often be easily interchanged in recipes, allowing you to tailor desserts to your specific craving!
Other Dessert Recipes You Will Love
If you’ve enjoyed these Giant Butterscotch Cookies and are looking for more delectable treats to satisfy your sweet tooth, explore these other fantastic dessert recipes. Each offers a unique flavor and texture profile perfect for any occasion:
- 7 Layer Cookie Bars
- Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Butterscotch Pudding
- Apple Oatmeal Cookies
- Chocolate Marshmallow Pie Crust
- Homemade Twix Bars
- S’mores Treats
Time to Check Out the Giveaways!!
Welcome to #FallFlavors, where over 25 talented food bloggers are enthusiastically sharing recipes featuring their favorite fall flavors. We extend our sincere gratitude to our generous sponsors: Millican Pecan, Dixie Crystals, Melissa’s Produce, Taylor & Colledge, Nairn’s, and The Republic of Tea. They have graciously provided participating bloggers with complimentary products to inspire and create the wonderful recipes you’ll find shared this week. These same sponsors have also generously offered incredible prizes for our giveaway, so be sure to enter for your chance to win and share with your friends so they can participate too! For even more inspiration, be sure to follow our Fall Flavors Pinterest account.
Prize 1: Texas Pecan Candy Basket from Millican Pecan
The Millican Pecan Texas Pecan Candy Basket is a treasure trove brimming with a delightful variety of pecan gifts. This exquisite basket includes 6 Milk Chocolate Pecan Clusters, 6 Milk Chocolate Caramillicans (a decadent treat similar to Turtles), 6 White Chocolate Caramillicans, 6 classic Pecan Pralines, and a 1/2 lb. Bag of Flavored Pecans! Every single item is absolutely DELICIOUS and represents a $75 value.
Prize 2: Williams Sonoma Cleartouch Nonstick 6-Piece Bakeware Set from Dixie Crystals
Perfect for both the enthusiastic home baker and the occasional dessert maker, our entry-level Williams Sonoma Cleartouch collection boasts a sturdy nonstick silicone coating, offering exceptional value. Crafted from aluminized steel, the preferred material for professional bakers, this set provides outstanding heat transfer for consistently even baking. This means your creations will turn out beautifully and release effortlessly every single time. This comprehensive 6-Piece Set includes a Half-sheet pan, a 12-cup muffin pan, a round cake pan, a square cake pan, a rectangular cake pan, and a loaf pan. An $80 value.
Prize 3: 3 Month Melissa’s Produce Gift Subscription
Experience the joy of receiving a stunning selection of the most delicious, peak-perfection produce, delivered right to your door once a month for three consecutive months. At Melissa’s, produce is meticulously selected at its prime and hand-packed with care to ensure its safe and fresh arrival. A $124 value.
Prize 4: A Red Dancing Leaves Teapot and a tin of Hot Apple Cider Tea from The Republic of Tea
Allow the comforting aroma of fresh apple and mulled cider spices to envelop you as you savor this beautiful golden infusion. The crisp, lingering finish will undoubtedly leave you yearning for another cup! This naturally caffeine-free blend combines apples, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, creating a flavor reminiscent of classic apple cider. Its luscious aroma of cinnamon and cloves makes this tea the perfect accompaniment to the vibrant colors and cozy feel of the harvest season. The prize also includes an embossed, windswept leaves 20 oz ceramic teapot, complete with a stainless steel infuser, an exclusive design by The Republic of Tea. A $44 value.
Prize 5: A selection of six flavors of Oat Crackers from Nairn’s
One lucky winner will receive a box of each of Nairn’s delicious varieties: Original, Chocolate Chip, Stem Ginger Oat Grahams, Caramelized Onions, Rosemary & Sea Salt Flatbreads, and Oat Cracker. Nairn’s has a proud heritage of baking oats since 1896, committed to using only simple, natural, and wholesome ingredients in all their products. Minimum $25 value.
Prize 6: A Selection of extracts from Taylor and Colledge.
One winner will be delighted to receive a curated selection of premium extracts, including their exquisite vanilla bean, almond, lemon, and lavender. Since 1897, Taylor & Colledge has been recognized for its excellence in vanilla, with an unwavering commitment to unsurpassed quality that has earned its reputation as one of the world’s finest producers of vanilla. Minimum of $25 value.
Time to Enter the Giveaway!
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Please see the giveaway disclaimer at the bottom of this post for full details and eligibility.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to preheat your oven and bake some truly giant and incredibly delicious butterscotch cookies! 
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Print Recipe
Giant Butterscotch Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup Crisco Shortening
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 11 ounce package of butterscotch chips
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
-
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the maple syrup until fully combined.
-
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Gently fold in the butterscotch chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Using a 1/4 cup measuring scoop or a large cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving ample space between each cookie. Lightly press down on the tops of the cookie dough balls, but do not flatten them completely.
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Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown. The centers will still look slightly underdone and soft, which is perfect for a chewy texture. Remove them from the oven and let them stand on the hot cookie sheet for a couple of minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
More #FallFlavors Recipes Below:
Appetizers, Cocktails, and Snacks
- Apple Cider Old-Fashioned from Books n’ Cooks
- Fall Charcuterie Board from The Spiffy Cookie
- Sweet And Spicy Pecans from Simple and Savory
Breakfast and Baked Goods
- Apple Cider Pecan Granola from Family Around The Table
- Apple Cinnamon Bread from Life Love and Good Food
- Apple Pecan Scones from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Gluten-Free Apple Cider Doughnuts from Frugal & Fit
- Pecan Cinnamon Sugar Baked Apple Donuts from Jen Around the World
Soups and Salads
- Caramel Apple Pear Salad from Eat Move Make
- Creamy Autumn Squash Soup from Blogghetti
Side Dishes
- Balsamic Glazed Cipollini Onions from West Via Midwest
- Roasted Cipollini Onions With Sherry Vinegar And Thyme from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Vegan Butternut Squash And Chestnut Kebabs from Magical Ingredients
Main Dishes
- Cider Brined Baked Chicken from Palatable Pastime
- Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad from Cheese Curd In Paradise
Desserts
- Air Fryer Apple Fritters from Devour Dinner
- Apple Cider Tea Madeleines from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Apple Crumb Bars from SueBee Homemaker
- Apple Nachos from Take Two Tapas
- Butterscotch Blondies from That Recipe
- Carrot Cake Cupcakes from Fresh April Flours
- Fall Fruit Galette from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Giant Butterscotch Cookies from An Affair from the Heart
- Gluten-Free Apple Pie from The Fresh Cooky
- Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake from Art of Natural Living
- Pear & Butternut Squash Crisp from Savory Moments
- Pecan Pound Cake from Soulfully Made
- Sour Cream Apple Pie from House of Nash Eats
- Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe from Lemon Blossoms
Fall Flavors 2021 Giveaway Disclaimer: Six (6) winners will be randomly selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. Bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners have 24 hours to respond once notified by email, or they forfeit the prize and an alternate winner will be chosen. The #FallFlavors bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members living in the household cannot enter or win the giveaway. Entries will be verified. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter the giveaway and the contest is open only to US residents. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social channel mentioned in the #FallFlavors posts or entries. Thank you to our sponsors Millican Pecan Company, Dixie Crystals, Melissa’s Produce, Taylor & Colledge, Republic of Tea, and Nairn’s for providing prizes.