The Joy of Homemade Cookies: A Family Tradition

There’s a special kind of magic in homemade cookies, a warmth that store-bought treats simply can’t replicate. In our household, cookies are a delightful subject of debate, particularly between my husband and our two-year-old daughter. My husband, a dedicated devotee of the classic Oreo, often finds himself choosing a packaged cookie over my culinary creations. It’s amusing, then, that our daughter, who is just celebrating her second birthday this month, has already developed a discerning palate for cookies, categorizing them distinctly as “dadda’s cookie” (an Oreo) or “momma’s cookie” (anything fresh from my oven).

Thankfully, her preference for “momma’s cookies” means my baking endeavors are met with enthusiasm rather than rejection. This playful dynamic is exactly why I’m always on the lookout for new recipes that promise to deliver that undeniable homemade charm. When I stumbled upon this Frosted Butterscotch Cookies recipe, featuring the irresistible allure of browned butter, I knew it was a winner. The mere mention of “browned butter” is enough to grab my attention, instantly signaling a recipe destined for deliciousness.

Why These Frosted Butterscotch Cookies Will Become Your New Favorite

These aren’t just any butterscotch cookies; they are a revelation. From the first bite, you’ll notice their distinct cake-like texture, a delightful contrast to the chewy cookies you might be used to. This unique softness, combined with a profound sweetness, makes them incredibly satisfying. One or two of these delightful treats are usually enough to curb any sweet craving, leaving you perfectly content.

What truly elevates these cookies is the browned butter frosting. Browned butter, with its nutty, caramelized notes, infuses the butterscotch frosting with an incredible depth of flavor that is simply unforgettable. The cookie dough itself is remarkably soft and sticky, a characteristic that might initially tempt you to add more flour. However, resist that urge! The recipe is perfectly balanced, and the cookies bake beautifully as written, yielding a wonderfully tender crumb.

A crucial tip for success: patience is key when it comes to the frosting. Ensure your cookies are completely cool before you even think about spreading that glorious butterscotch topping. The frosting sets quickly, so be prepared to work efficiently. I’ve found that adding a touch more boiling water than specified in the original recipe often helps achieve a perfectly spreadable consistency. If you adore soft, sweet, and exquisitely flavored cookies, prepare to fall in love with this recipe.

Frosted Butterscotch Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (8-oz) container sour cream

For the Browned Butter Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar
• 5 teaspoons boiling water (plus more as needed)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease your cookie sheets or line them with parchment paper. Set them aside.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder until well combined. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the packed brown sugar and shortening on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, and thoroughly combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: To the brown sugar mixture, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet: Gradually add the flour mixture and sour cream alternately to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat on low speed after each addition just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. The dough will be very soft and sticky.
6. Bake the Cookies: Drop rounded teaspoons of cookie dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies should still be soft to the touch.
7. Cool Completely: Carefully transfer the baked cookies from the hot cookie sheets to a wire rack to cool completely. It is essential that the cookies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
8. Brown the Butter for Frosting: In a medium saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the butter turns a rich golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Be vigilant to prevent it from scorching; this process typically takes 5-7 minutes. Once browned, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat.
9. Prepare the Frosting: To the warm browned butter, gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, boiling water (starting with 5 teaspoons and adding more if needed), and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until the frosting is smooth and reaches an easily spreadable consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add a very small amount of additional boiling water (1/2 teaspoon at a time) until the desired consistency is achieved. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
10. Frost and Serve: As soon as the frosting is ready, spread it generously over the completely cooled cookies. The frosting will set fairly quickly, so work efficiently. If the frosting starts to firm up while you are working, simply stir in another tiny bit of boiling water. For an extra touch, you can top the frosted cookies with chopped walnuts or walnut halves, if desired.

Recipe Notes:

This delightful recipe is inspired by Better Homes and Gardens Our Best Recipes, a true treasure trove for home bakers.

Keywords: butterscotch cookies, frosted cookies, brown sugar cookies, homemade cookies, dessert recipe, browned butter frosting, soft cookies, kid-friendly dessert

Tips for Baking Perfect Frosted Butterscotch Cookies

• Do Not Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher cookies.
• Achieving the Right Dough Consistency: The dough for these cookies is intentionally soft and sticky due to the sour cream and brown sugar. Avoid the temptation to add extra flour, as this will alter the texture and make the cookies less tender.
• Browning Butter with Care: Pay close attention when browning butter. It can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly. Watch for the milk solids to turn amber and for a nutty aroma. Immediately remove it from the heat once it reaches the desired color.
• Frosting Consistency is Key: The amount of boiling water for the frosting is approximate. Adjust it gradually until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. It should be thick enough to stay on the cookie but thin enough to spread without tearing the cookie.
• Cooling is Crucial: Patience during the cooling process is paramount. If you frost warm cookies, the butter in the frosting will melt, creating a messy (though still tasty) result.
• Ingredient Temperature: For best results, ensure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, leading to a more uniform cookie texture.

Delicious Variations and Serving Suggestions

While these Frosted Butterscotch Cookies are perfect as is, you can easily customize them to your liking:

• Nutty Crunch: As suggested in the original recipe, adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough or sprinkled over the frosting provides a delightful textural contrast.
• Chocolate Twist: For chocolate lovers, consider folding in a 1/2 cup of butterscotch or white chocolate chips into the cookie dough.
• Spiced Delight: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg added to the cookie dough can enhance the warm, comforting flavors of the brown sugar.
• Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel sauce over the frosted cookies just before serving can add another layer of indulgence.

These cookies are wonderful enjoyed on their own, perhaps with a tall glass of cold milk, a warm cup of coffee, or your favorite tea. They’re also perfect for potlucks, bake sales, holiday gatherings, or simply as a special everyday treat.

Storing Your Frosted Butterscotch Cookies

To keep your Frosted Butterscotch Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If layering the cookies, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking.

You can also freeze these cookies, either unfrosted or frosted, for longer storage. To freeze unfrosted cookies, bake and cool them completely, then store them in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and then frost as desired.

To freeze frosted cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until the frosting is solid (about 1-2 hours). Once firm, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container, again using parchment paper between layers. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature before serving.

Ready to Bake Your Own Batch?

These Frosted Butterscotch Cookies truly embody the spirit of homemade baking – comforting, utterly delicious, and made with love. The combination of a soft, moist brown sugar base and that rich, nutty browned butterscotch frosting is a culinary match made in heaven. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a sweet moment with your family, they are guaranteed to bring smiles.

Don’t wait! Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a batch of cookies that will surely become a cherished part of your family’s favorite treats. Happy baking!