Oatmeal Butterscotch Sunflower Seed Cookies

Prep: 15 minCook: 12 min20 cookiesmediumAmerican
Oatmeal Butterscotch Sunflower Seed Cookies

Chewy oatmeal cookies studded with butterscotch chips and roasted sunflower seeds create a delightful twist on the classic scotchie. The sunflower seeds add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet butterscotch morsels. Perfect for lunch boxes, afternoon snacks, or casual gatherings, these cookies offer a wholesome yet indulgent treat that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Ingredients

Yield: 20 cookies
  • ¾ cup all purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
    dark brown sugar1:1dietary

    deeper molasses flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 ½ cups oats
  • ½ cup roasted sunflower seed kernels
  • ¾ cup butterscotch chips
    chocolate chips1:1preferencedairy-free

    classic combination

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375 degrees F

  2. 2

    Stir together flour, baking soda and salt and set aside

  3. 3

    Cream butter and both sugars using high speed of electric mixer, scraping sides of bowl often

  4. 4

    Add egg and vanilla and beat for 30 seconds

  5. 5

    Add flour mixture and stir until absorbed

  6. 6

    Stir in oats, sunflower seeds and butterscotch chips

  7. 7

    Drop by generously rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets

  8. 8

    Flatten tops slightly and bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown around edges

Tips

Tip 1

Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizing and faster portioning of dough onto baking sheets.

Tip 2

If your oven runs hot, reduce temperature to 350 degrees F to prevent over-browning.

Tip 3

Slightly flatten cookie tops before baking to ensure even cooking and prevent overly thick centers.

Good to Know

Storage

Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week

Make Ahead

Dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated, or shaped cookies can be frozen unbaked for up to 3 months

Serve With

Serve at room temperature with milk or coffee

Common Mistakes

Watch

Avoid overbaking to prevent dry, hard cookies

Watch

Don't skip flattening tops to ensure even baking

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butterscotch chips
chocolate chips1:1preferencedairy-free

classic combination

Full guide →

General Alternatives

light brown sugar
dark brown sugar1:1dietary

deeper molasses flavor

Full guide →
sunflower seeds
chopped pecans1:1nutadds tree_nuts

traditional scotchie

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use quick oats instead of regular oats?

Yes, but regular oats provide better texture and chewiness. Quick oats will create a softer, less textured cookie.

How long do these cookies keep fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate dough for up to 24 hours or freeze shaped cookies on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags.