Name: Soft and Chewy Honey Roasted Peanuts and Butterscotch Chip Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened); ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed); ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; pinch salt (optional and to taste); 1 11-ounce bag butterscotch chips (about 1 3/4 cups); 1 ½ cups honey roasted peanuts (may substitute dry-roasted salted peanuts, or a favorite nut)

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There’s something truly special about making Soft and Chewy Honey Roasted Peanuts and Butterscotch Chip Cookies. I remember the day I first whipped up a batch in my kitchen. The smell of warm, melting butterscotch chips and the rich aroma of honey roasted peanuts filled the air, making my heart sing with nostalgia. It reminded me of cozy afternoons spent baking with my grandmother, her laughter mixing with the sound of crackling cookies in the oven. These cookies are more than just a treat; they bring back memories of family gatherings and celebrations, where every bite is like a piece of love. Whenever I make them, I can’t help but smile, knowing that they’ll bring joy to anyone lucky enough to have one.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
18 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
8 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
7 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Mixing Bowl

What’s Great About This Soft and Chewy Honey Roasted Peanuts and Butterscotch Chip Cookies

1. Unique Flavor Combination

What makes Soft and Chewy Honey Roasted Peanuts and Butterscotch Chip Cookies stand out is the delightful contrast of flavors. The sweet, buttery butterscotch chips meld perfectly with the slightly salty crunch of honey roasted peanuts. It creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.

2. Perfect Texture

These cookies achieve a glorious balance between chewy and crispy. The outside has a slight crunch, while the inside remains soft and gooey. It’s that texture combination that keeps you reaching for just one more cookie!

3. Versatility

These cookies are incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or even add a handful of your favorite chocolate chips for extra indulgence. They can easily cater to different taste preferences.

4. Ideal for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a casual get-together, a festive holiday, or just a cozy night in, Soft and Chewy Honey Roasted Peanuts and Butterscotch Chip Cookies are always a hit. They make great gifts, too, as they come beautifully packaged in jars or boxes.

5. Simple Ingredients

With ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, these cookies are easy to whip up. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require any special skills, making it perfect for beginner bakers.

6. The Joy of Baking

There’s something therapeutic about baking. The process of mixing the ingredients, watching the cookies rise in the oven, and the joy of sharing the finished product with loved ones is truly rewarding.

Essential Ingredients for Soft and Chewy Honey Roasted Peanuts and Butterscotch Chip Cookies

When it comes to baking Soft and Chewy Honey Roasted Peanuts and Butterscotch Chip Cookies, the ingredients play a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component complements the others beautifully, resulting in cookies that are not only delicious but also satisfying. Let’s dive into the essential ingredients that make this recipe a standout.

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened – This is the base for your cookies, providing richness and helping to create that soft texture.
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed – Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
¼ cup granulated sugar – For added sweetness and a slight crunch.
1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor profile.
2 cups all-purpose flour – The main structure of the cookie.
2 teaspoons cornstarch – Helps achieve that soft, chewy texture.
1 teaspoon baking soda – A leavening agent that gives the cookies a lift.
1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
pinch salt, optional and to taste – Balances the sweetness.
one 11-ounce bag butterscotch chips, about 1 3/4 cups – Provides creamy sweetness in every bite.
1 ½ cups honey roasted peanuts, may substitute dry-roasted salted peanuts, or a favorite nut – Adds crunch and a delightful nutty flavor.

Making This Soft and Chewy Honey Roasted Peanuts and Butterscotch Chip Cookies

Creating Soft and Chewy Honey Roasted Peanuts and Butterscotch Chip Cookies is a delightful journey. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that will impress everyone. Let’s get started!

To begin, take a large mixing bowl and place it in your stand mixer. Add ¾ cup unsalted butter that has been softened to room temperature, along with ¾ cup light brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Beat them together on medium-high speed until the mixture is well-creamed, light, and fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes. If using a hand mixer, don’t be afraid to put in a little elbow grease here—it will be worth it! You can tell it’s ready when the color lightens substantially.
Once you’ve achieved that fluffy texture, stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated. Next, add in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Beat everything together on medium speed until fully combined, which should take about 1 minute.
Now, it’s time to introduce the dry ingredients. With the mixer on low speed, add 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies to be soft and chewy!
Add in the star ingredients: the butterscotch chips and honey roasted peanuts. Fold these in with a spatula or mix on low speed for just a few seconds to incorporate. You’ll want to see those chips and nuts evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a medium 2-inch cookie scoop, form heaping two-tablespoon mounds of cookie dough. I typically make around 25 cookies with this amount. Place the mounds on a large plate or baking sheet, flatten them slightly with your palm, and cover them with plastic wrap. This is an essential step—refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, or up to 5 days. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat mat or spray with cooking spray. Once the oven is ready, take those chilled mounds of cookie dough and place them on the baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. I usually bake about 8 cookies per sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 to 9 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set, and the tops are just beginning to firm up, even if they look slightly undercooked in the center. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven, so don’t overbake! Trust me; you want those chewy centers!
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This step is crucial as it allows the cookies to set properly.
Store any remaining cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Alternatively, if you have leftover cookie dough, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This means you can bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits!

Things Worth Knowing

Chill the Dough: Properly chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring a thicker cookie.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Having your butter and eggs at room temperature allows for better incorporation and results in a softer cookie.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
Watch Your Bake Time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overbaking.

Making Adjustments

Even though Soft and Chewy Honey Roasted Peanuts and Butterscotch Chip Cookies are delicious as is, there are always ways to customize them a bit. Here are some tips for making adjustments:

Storage: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you have any leftovers, they should last about a week.
Freezing: You can freeze these cookies for up to three months. Just ensure they’re in a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent freezer burn.
Pairing with Ice Cream: These cookies are fantastic served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The warm cookie and cold ice cream combination is divine.
Variations: Try adding different types of nuts or chocolate chips to suit your taste preferences. Dark chocolate chips can add a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of butterscotch.
Making Cookie Sandwiches: For a special treat, sandwich some whipped cream or frosting between two cookies. It’s a fun twist that kids will love!
Healthier Options: You can substitute some of the butter with applesauce for a healthier version, but the texture may change slightly.

Serving Ideas for Soft and Chewy Honey Roasted Peanuts and Butterscotch Chip Cookies

When it comes to serving Soft and Chewy Honey Roasted Peanuts and Butterscotch Chip Cookies, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delightful ways to enjoy these cookies:

With Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with your favorite cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat. The sweetness complements the bitterness of coffee beautifully.
Picnic Treat: Pack them into a picnic basket for a sweet treat that everyone will love. They are portable and hold up well outside.
Holiday Gatherings: These cookies make a great addition to holiday dessert tables. Their unique flavor will stand out among traditional cookies.
Gift Giving: Package them in decorative boxes or jars tied with ribbons for a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
Kids’ Parties: Kids of all ages will enjoy these cookies. Serve them at birthday parties or playdates for a guaranteed hit!
Late Night Snack: For a cozy evening in, enjoy these cookies as a late-night snack with a glass of milk or a warm cup of cocoa.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can substitute honey roasted peanuts with other nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Each type will bring a unique flavor and texture to your cookies. Just ensure that the nuts are roasted and unsalted for the best results!

To keep your Soft and Chewy Honey Roasted Peanuts and Butterscotch Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months.

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. This means you can enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever the craving strikes. Just remember to let the dough come to room temperature before baking for best results.

The key to achieving that chewy texture lies in the ingredients and the method of mixing. Adding cornstarch helps keep the cookies soft, while not overbaking them ensures a gooey center. Chilling the dough also contributes to the ideal texture!

Definitely! Adding chocolate chips is a delicious variation that complements the flavors beautifully. You can mix in dark, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate chips alongside the butterscotch chips for a delightful twist.

Conclusion

In summary, Soft and Chewy Honey Roasted Peanuts and Butterscotch Chip Cookies are not just cookies; they are an experience filled with cherished memories and delightful flavors. The combination of crunchy peanuts and creamy butterscotch creates a treat that is hard to resist. I encourage you to try making these cookies yourself. They’re perfect for any occasion, and I’m sure they will become a favorite in your household as they have in mine. Happy baking!