Step 3: Shaping the Cookies
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Form the cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll it into a ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten slightly: Use the bottom of a glass or your fingers to gently flatten each cookie. Shortbread cookies don’t rise much, so this step ensures they bake evenly.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as shortbread can quickly go from golden to overbaked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step lets them firm up and prevents breaking.
Step 5: Serving and Storing
- Serving: These cookies are best served slightly warm with a cup of tea or milk. Their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with the sweet, caramel-like butterscotch chips is irresistible.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips for Perfect Butterscotch Shortbread Cookies
- Room temperature butter: Softened butter ensures smooth, even mixing.
- Do not overmix: Overworking the dough can lead to dense cookies.
- Even baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for uniform golden edges.
- Custom variations: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a salted butterscotch version or add a few chocolate chips for a twist.
These Butterscotch Shortbread Cookies strike a perfect balance between buttery richness and sweet, caramel flavor. Each bite melts delicately in your mouth, making them a perfect treat for holidays, gifts, or simple indulgence at home.
If you want, I can also provide a shortcut version that doesn’t require chilling the dough but still keeps the cookies soft and chewy. It’s a real timesaver without sacrificing flavor. Do you want me to do that?
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