Creamy, chewy, and full of caramel-like warmth, these Butterscotch Brownies are the kind of dessert that makes people smile with the first bite. If you love brownies but want a buttery twist that melts on your tongue, this recipe delivers every time. Fun fact: butterscotch actually predates modern chocolate shops and was once a favorite at 19th-century teatime — so you’re biting into a little bit of history with every square.

This recipe is special because it’s simple, quick to prepare, and perfect for family gatherings or an after-school treat. The batter comes together in one bowl, the bake time is short, and cleanup is easy — a big win for busy bakers. If you’ve enjoyed our other brownie variations, you’ll find this one just as reassuring and delicious; you can even compare notes with our classic butterscotch brownie guide for extra tips. Ready to whip up a pan of comfort? Let’s get baking!

What is Butterscotch Brownies?

What’s in a name, right? Butterscotch Brownies sound like a little dessert contradiction — brownies usually scream chocolate, but these swap cocoa for the sweet, buttery charm of butterscotch chips. So why call them brownies? Because they keep that dense, fudgy, square form we all recognize and love. Who wouldn’t be curious about a treat that uses butterscotch chips to make a caramel-y swirl in a classic brownie shape?

Imagine a kitchen where someone declared, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” then handed over a warm square of buttery goodness — it’s easy to see how this name stuck. Try baking a batch and see if your friends and family don’t immediately start calling them “the ones that won the heart.”

Why You’ll Love This:

Irresistible highlight: These brownies are all about the rich, buttery-sweet butterscotch flavor combined with a chewy, tender crumb. Every forkful gives you a soft, caramelized note that’s comforting and familiar.

Cost-saving benefits: Making these at home is a fraction of the price of store-bought gourmet brownies. A small bag of butterscotch chips stretches across several batches, so you get big smiles without breaking the bank.

Flavorful toppings and add-ins: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top, a handful of chopped nuts, or a drizzle of warmed caramel takes these from great to unforgettable. The butterscotch chips melt into pockets of gooey sweetness that pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

If you like experimenting, try them instead of richer chocolate brownies for a lighter, buttery option — they’re a lovely complement to other recipes like our banana bread brownies for a dessert rotation that keeps everyone guessing. Go ahead — bake a pan and see how fast they disappear.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and fast. You’ll whisk dry ingredients once, mix wet ingredients in one bowl, and fold everything together with a final addition of butterscotch chips. The result is a soft, slightly chewy brownie with pockets of melted butterscotch. Prep time is about 10 minutes and baking takes 20–25 minutes, so you’ll have dessert ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup butterscotch chips

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the butterscotch chips.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares.

What to Serve With

• A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for classic contrast.
• Fresh berries or a citrus salad to cut through the sweetness.
• A drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra-special treat.
• Hot coffee, a cappuccino, or a tall glass of cold milk for a comforting pairing.
• For a party platter, arrange small squares with nuts and dried fruit on the side for variety.

Top Tips for Perfecting

• Butter temperature: Let the melted butter cool slightly before mixing with egg to avoid cooking the egg.
• Don’t overmix: Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the brownies tender.
• Test earlier: Ovens vary—start checking at 18 minutes. A few moist crumbs on the toothpick are better than overbaked dryness.
• Salt contrast: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the butterscotch.
• Add-ins: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for texture, or swap half the butterscotch chips for white chocolate for a different profile.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm or you’ve added a perishable topping, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
Reheating: Warm a single square in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven for 5–8 minutes to revive that just-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can. Reduce or skip any added salt if using salted butter to avoid over-salting.

Can I substitute brown sugar with white granulated sugar?
Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight molasses flavor; substituting white sugar will change the taste and texture slightly. If needed, use 1 cup white sugar plus 1 tablespoon molasses to mimic brown sugar.

Are butterscotch chips the same as butterscotch baking morsels?
Yes, butterscotch chips and baking morsels are similar. Use what’s available, and stir them in just before baking for pockets of flavor.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and check for added ingredients that may contain gluten. Texture may vary slightly.

How do I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter, they’re done. Overbaking will make them dry.

Conclusion

These Butterscotch Brownies are a simple, crowd-pleasing treat that combines buttery sweetness with a classic brownie form. They’re easy enough for weeknight baking, special enough for guests, and flexible for add-ins and toppings. If you’d like to compare notes or try another home-tested version, see this version from Butterscotch Brownies – Food Lovin Family for ideas and inspiration. Give this recipe a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the warm smiles that follow.