Bake Butterscotch Shortbread
Buttery, crumbly, and packed with rich butterscotch flavor, these cookies are simple to make and perfect with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
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1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
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½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon salt
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¾ cup (130 g) butterscotch chips
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2 tablespoons cornstarch, optional for a more tender texture
1. Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy. Mix in the vanilla.
2. Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cornstarch if using.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the shortbread less tender.
3. Add the Butterscotch
Fold the butterscotch chips gently into the dough until they’re evenly distributed.
4. Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each one slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
For thicker shortbread, you can also press the dough into a lined 8-inch baking pan and score it into squares before baking.
5. Bake
Bake for approximately 12–16 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look fairly pale.
Don’t overbake—the cookies will become firmer as they cool.
6. Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Shortbread
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Use softened butter, not melted butter.
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Measure flour accurately; too much flour can make the cookies dry.
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Chill the shaped dough for 20–30 minutes if your kitchen is warm.
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For extra butterscotch flavor, drizzle cooled cookies with melted butterscotch chips.
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Store in an airtight container for about 1 week.
Serving Idea
Serve these slightly crisp, buttery shortbread cookies with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for an easy homemade treat.
