Christmas Butterscotch Crunch Cookies

‘Tis the season to indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of Christmas, and what better way to celebrate than with these Christmas Butterscotch Crunch Cookies? Packed with the rich taste of butterscotch and a delightful crunch, these cookies are a perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these festive treats will spread joy and sweetness to all who taste them.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups butterscotch chips
• 1 cup rice cereal (e.g., Rice Krispies)
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• Festive sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 4: Add Mix-ins

1. Gently fold in the butterscotch chips, rice cereal, and chopped nuts (if using). Ensure even distribution throughout the dough.

Step 5: Form Cookie Dough Balls

1. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them for spreading.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may still look slightly underdone, but they will firm up as they cool.
2. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Decorate (Optional)

1. If desired, add a festive touch by decorating the cookies with colorful sprinkles while they are still warm.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy the Festive Delight

1. Once fully cooled, serve these Christmas Butterscotch Crunch Cookies on a festive platter or package them in decorative boxes for delightful holiday gifts.

Notes:

• Make the cookies extra festive by using holiday-themed sprinkles or by drizzling them with melted white chocolate.
• For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies and let them cool completely on the baking sheets.
• Ensure the rice cereal is fresh for that delightful crunch.

These Christmas Butterscotch Crunch Cookies are a wonderful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. The combination of butterscotch sweetness, crunchy rice cereal, and the optional addition of nuts creates a cookie that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Share the joy of the season with these delightful treats that capture the essence of Christmas in every bite.