Old-Fashioned Butterscotch Refrigerator Cookies
Old-Fashioned Butterscotch Refrigerator Cookies offer a rich, nutty flavor with a hint of vanilla and maple, perfect for nostalgic treats or holiday baking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat together brown sugar, butter, and eggs.
- Add vanilla, maple or walnut flavoring, then mix in dry ingredients: flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the mixture.
- Shape the dough into loaves, wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
- Slice the chilled dough very thin.
- Bake at 350°F until the cookies are light brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- Do not overbake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans, or substitute with mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist. To prevent sticking, ensure your baking sheets are lined with parchment paper. This recipe yields a delightful batch of cookies that bake to a perfect crisp, reminiscent of 'Cookies To Live For'.
Serving Suggestions
These butterscotch refrigerator cookies are perfect for afternoon tea or as a delightful dessert. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee for a comforting treat. They also make a great addition to a holiday cookie platter, alongside other favorites like Neapolitan Pound Cake. For a unique twist, try serving them with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes until warmed through, ensuring they regain some of their original texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Butterscotch Refrigerator Cookies contains roughly 262 calories, with 4g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe. However, using butter will give the cookies a richer flavor and slightly different texture. If you choose margarine, opt for a stick variety for best results.
How long should I refrigerate the cookie dough?
Refrigerate the shaped dough for at least overnight, or up to 48 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes slicing easier. The longer the dough chills, the more pronounced the flavors will be in the final cookies.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a delicious variation that complements the butterscotch flavor well. You can use semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference. Just fold them in with the nuts before refrigerating the dough.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).