Butterscotch-Potato Chip Balls

A Sweet and Salty Surprise: Butterscotch-Potato Chip Cookies

As a busy working mom, finding time to bake is a luxury, but sometimes, the craving for a comforting treat is just too strong to ignore. This recipe for Butterscotch-Potato Chip Balls, which I recently discovered, perfectly fits the bill. It's a delicious blend of sweet and salty that's surprisingly easy to make, even on a weeknight.

The original recipe, which I found in an old cookbook, was for simple chip balls. But I decided to elevate it a bit by adding a generous helping of butterscotch chips. The butterscotch adds a layer of rich, caramel-like sweetness that beautifully balances the salty crunch of the potato chips. The result? An irresistible cookie that's both unexpected and utterly delightful. It's the kind of cookie that sparks conversation, that leaves everyone wanting more.

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity. No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques are needed. The process is straightforward and allows for a bit of creative freedom. You can easily adjust the amount of potato chips to suit your preference; I personally enjoy a more intense potato chip flavor, but less might suit others. The flaky sea salt on top adds another dimension of texture and flavor, providing that final touch of delightful salty contrast.

The best part? These cookies are incredibly versatile. They're perfect for a casual get-together with friends, a family movie night, or even just a quiet moment with a cup of tea. They’re also great for taking to work or school, providing a unique and flavorful treat to share with others. The warm, freshly baked cookies are a particular treat, but they also hold up remarkably well for a few days in an airtight container if you manage to resist eating them all immediately.

I often think about baking as a form of self-care. It's a way for me to unwind after a long day and connect with something creative and satisfying. This recipe is especially wonderful for that – it requires some hands-on effort, but the payoff is tremendous. The aroma of baking cookies fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent that’s almost as comforting as the cookies themselves.

Baking doesn’t need to be an intimidating task. Recipes like these, that perfectly blend simplicity with surprising flavor combinations, are a testament to that fact. This isn’t your grandma’s cookie recipe – it’s a fun, updated take on a classic that manages to surprise and delight in equal measure. So if you’re looking for a delicious and easy cookie recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, give these Butterscotch-Potato Chip Balls a try. You won't be disappointed!

I recommend making a double batch, because let's be honest: these cookies disappear quickly!

Step-by-step

• Preheat the oven to 350°F [180°C]. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt and whisk together. Add the butterscotch chips and set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the melted butter and sugars on medium-high speed until thick, light, and glossy, 3 to 5 minutes, scraping the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
• Decrease the mixer speed to medium-low and add the egg and yolk, one at a time, beating well and scraping the bowl after each addition with a rubber spatula. Add the vanilla and mix to combine. Add the dry ingredients all at once, mixing just to combine.
• Remove the bowl from the stand mixer and add 3 cups [105 g] of the potato chips to the dough, combining and crushing the chips with a rubber spatula.
• In a small bowl, crush the remaining 2 cups [70 g] potato chips.
• Scoop the dough into 1 1/2-tablespoon balls with a cookie scoop or measuring spoon, rolling each ball in the leftover crushed chips, and evenly place 12 on the prepared baking sheet.
• Sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating at the halfway point, until lightly browned.
• Remove from the oven and press down on each cookie with a spatula to slightly flatten.
• Repeat with the remaining cookie dough.
• Let cool briefly and serve warm.