Introduction

These Butterbeer Cookies bring the magic of Harry Potter’s favorite drink right to your kitchen. Soft, buttery cookies topped with a fluffy butterscotch frosting make for a delightful treat that’s perfect for fans and cookie lovers alike.

Five round cookies each have one thick layer of smooth white cream swirled on top in a tight spiral. The cookies are light brown and have a slightly cracked texture. On top of the cream, there are small colorful sprinkles in red, yellow, black, and orange, some shaped like bats and leaves. The cookies rest on a white marbled surface with a red and yellow striped cloth placed underneath some of them. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened (for cookie dough)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg, brought to room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup butter, softened (for frosting)
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup butterscotch syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons heavy cream
Harry Potter-inspired sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream together the butter (for dough), granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually combine with the wet ingredients.
Step 5: Using a large cookie scoop, portion 7-8 evenly sized dough balls.
Step 6: Roll dough balls and place them on the baking sheet, then flatten each to about ¾ inch thickness.
Step 7: Bake for 12-13 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden.
Step 8: Remove from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 9: To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth using a hand or stand mixer.
Step 10: Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, then beat on low speed for 2 minutes.
Step 11: Mix in the butterscotch syrup and beat on high speed for 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 12: Fill a piping bag fitted with a Tip 10 or 12 with the frosting.
Step 13: Starting at the center of each cookie, pipe a dot of frosting and then make tight circular motions around it until covered.
Step 14: Immediately decorate the frosted cookies with Harry Potter-inspired sprinkles.

Tips & Variations

Bring the egg to room temperature before mixing to ensure evenly textured cookies.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes to promote even baking.
For a richer butterscotch flavor, gently warm the butterscotch syrup before adding it to the frosting.
Try swapping the sprinkles with edible gold dust or stars for a magical touch.
If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the powdered sugar slightly in the frosting.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep the frosting fresh, refrigerate the cookies and bring them to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months and frost them after thawing.

How to Serve

Five round cookies sit on a black wire cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a golden brown base layer with a thick, smooth swirl of creamy off-white frosting on top. The frosting is decorated with small colorful sprinkles in yellow, black, dark red, and orange scattered across the surface. The cookies are evenly spaced and seen from above, showing the clear spiral pattern of the frosting on each one. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe since salted butter contains salt already.

What can I substitute for butterscotch syrup?

If you don’t have butterscotch syrup, caramel sauce or dulce de leche can work as alternatives, though they will slightly change the flavor profile.