Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies

ByJennifer Osterholt UpdatedFebruary 25, 2026

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A classic oatmeal cookie is enhanced with the warm and rich flavor of butterscotch morsels to create an easy dessert that we always come back to.

Wooden cutting board with homemade butterscotch oatmeal cookies and butterscotch chips sprinkled around a red and white napkin.

If you enjoy these cookies you may also enjoy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies or the Best Sour Cream Cookies.

Easy Butterscotch Cookie Recipe

My mom has made these cookies many times over the years and calls them Butterscotch Delights.

The unique caramel like flavor with a vanilla and cream undertone is one of my dad’s favorite cookies.

We’ve made several old-fashioned cookies and desserts with butterscotch chips like Butterscotch Refrigerator Cookies and Old Fashioned Butterscotch Bars, but none of them quite hit the spot like these Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies.

Butterscotch chip nestled in an tender oatmeal cookie on a brown board on a red and white plaid napkin.

Even in our Cowboy Cookie Bars and Oatmeal Cookie Bars the oatmeal does so much to make each cookie taste better!

What You’ll Need:

Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar – The ingredients that make baked goods sweet. Brown sugar keeps the cookies soft and adds a little more depth of flavor.
Shortening – Makes each morsel so tender. I like to use butter-flavored shortening that comes in sticks because it’s easier to measure out and use.
Eggs – Holds the cookies together and brings a richness of flavor to help balance out the sweet sugar.
Vanilla & Salt – Add hints of flavor to make the cookies memorable.
Flour – The main ingredient that brings the carbs and yumminess.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder – The leavening agents that help the cookies rise just a little.
Old Fashioned Oats – Make the cookies hearty, a bit chewy and delicious.
Butterscotch Chips – Add a sweet and rich flavor that only baking chips can provide. These chips are optional as the cookies can be made without chips, but we highly recommend using them!

Ingredients to make butterscotch cookies are all-purpose flour, eggs, baking soda, baking powder, salt, shortening, old fashioned oats, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, butterscotch chips and brown sugar on a wooden counter top.

How To Make Butterscotch Cookies

Sift flour with a sifter or incorporate air with a fork. Using the same sifting method mix baking powder, baking soda and salt evenly into the flour.
In a separate mixing bowl blend sugar, eggs and vanilla.

Overhead view of white sugar, brown sugar and a stick of crisco in a silver mixing bowl.

Eggs added to a sugar and shortening base.

Add dry ingredients to sugar mixture and mix well.
Fold in baking chips very slow and gently with a mixer or by hand.

Flour with baking soda, baking powder and salt mixed in in a medium mixing bowl.

Butterscotch chips in oatmeal cookie dough in a mixing bowl.

Ensure balls of dough are spaced 2 inches apart on a greased baking sheet.
Bake for 12 – 15 minutes in a 350℉ oven.

Overhead view of a baking sheet with a non-stick liner filled with warm butterscotch cookies.

Other Easy Old-Fashioned Cookie Recipes:

Originally published on May 13, 2020 with updates made on February 25, 2026.

Categories:

Cookies, Desserts, Recipes,

Jennifer Osterholt

I share how to make life easier while raising a busy family! From delicious desserts to easy dinners and simple breakfast recipes. I’m here to make your time in the kitchen more efficient while building confidence!