A magical twist on classic cookies, these Butterbeer Cookies are infused with the rich flavors of butterscotch and buttercream frosting, inspired by the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Whether you’re hosting a themed party or simply want to add a sprinkle of magic to your day, these cookies are a treat everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Magical flavor combination: The rich, creamy butterscotch flavor paired with buttery sweetness makes these cookies irresistible.
Perfect for Harry Potter fans: A whimsical way to bring Butterbeer to life in cookie form.
Soft and chewy texture: These cookies have the ideal balance of a tender bite and a creamy finish.
Great for any occasion: Perfect for parties, gatherings, or even as a fun baking project for the family.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Light brown sugar
Granulated white sugar
Egg yolks
Vanilla bean paste or extract
Butter extract

Butterscotch chips (melted and whole)
Butterscotch beer or cream soda
Heavy cream
Powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, butter extract, and melted butterscotch chips to the wet ingredients. Mix until smooth.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Add the whole butterscotch chips and mix gently.

Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies evenly. Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
While the cookies cool, prepare the Butterbeer Caramel by simmering butterscotch beer or cream soda until reduced and golden. Stir in the butter, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Let the caramel cool before using.
For the Butterscotch Buttercream, whip the softened butter in a bowl until light and fluffy. Mix in the melted butterscotch chips, powdered sugar, butter extract, and vanilla until smooth.
Once the cookies have cooled, spread the Butterscotch Buttercream on top of each cookie. Drizzle with the prepared Butterbeer Caramel for the final magical touch.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 19 cookies

Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and butterscotch chips to make the recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.
Extra Toppings: Add a sprinkle of edible glitter or crushed butterscotch candies for an even more magical presentation.
Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing: Freeze the un-frosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve.
Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, microwave one for 10-15 seconds before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to balance the flavors.

2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cookies and prepare the frosting in advance. Store them separately and assemble just before serving.

3. What is butterscotch beer?

Butterscotch beer is a non-alcoholic soda with a sweet, buttery flavor. You can also use cream soda as a substitute.

4. Can I use a regular caramel sauce instead of Butterbeer Caramel?

Yes, but the unique flavor of the Butterbeer Caramel adds a magical touch that regular caramel won’t replicate.

5. Do I need to chill the cookie dough?

No, this recipe does not require chilling the dough, making it quicker to prepare.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all the ingredients to make a larger batch.

7. Are these cookies kid-friendly?

Yes, these cookies are alcohol-free and perfect for kids to enjoy.

8. Can I use white chocolate chips instead of butterscotch chips?

Yes, but the cookies will lose some of their classic Butterbeer flavor.

9. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure the butter isn’t overly softened, and measure the flour accurately.

10. What’s the best way to melt butterscotch chips?

Melt them in the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval to prevent burning.

Conclusion

These Harry Potter Butterbeer Cookies are a whimsical and delicious treat that brings the magic of the wizarding world to your kitchen. Perfectly chewy with a buttery butterscotch flavor, they’re sure to delight fans of all ages. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a magical snack, these cookies will enchant everyone who tries them.