Butterscotch Drops: 1 Incredible, Easy Recipe

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Butterscotch Drops have always held a special place in my heart, reminding me of childhood visits to my grandmother’s house. I can still recall the sweet, buttery aroma that filled her kitchen as she’d whip up a batch of these delightful treats. These aren’t your average hard butterscotch candies; my version of these classic butterscotch sweets are soft, chewy, and incredibly easy to make. They’re the perfect quick dessert or snack when you’re craving something sweet and nostalgic. You’ll love how simple it is to create these irresistible, old-fashioned butterscotch drops that everyone will adore. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Butterscotch Drops

I know you’ll fall in love with these delightful Butterscotch Drops for so many reasons. They bring a burst of joy to any day, offering that perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Here’s why I think you should make them:

• Irresistible Taste: Each bite delivers a rich, buttery flavor combined with a satisfying crunch. These aren’t your typical store-bought butterscotch candies; they have a homemade charm.
• Quick & Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep and no baking required, you can have these delicious treats ready in under 30 minutes!
• Family-Friendly Fun: This recipe is so simple that even kids can help, making it a wonderful activity for the whole family.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with common pantry staples, these butterscotch sweets are an economical way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, lunchbox surprises, or just a cozy night in.
• Nostalgic Comfort: They evoke the comforting taste of old-fashioned butterscotch drops, bringing back happy memories with every bite.

Ingredients for Delicious Butterscotch Drops

Gathering your ingredients for these delightful Butterscotch Drops is super simple, as you likely have most of them in your pantry already! I’ve found that using good quality ingredients really makes a difference in the final taste of these homemade butterscotch candy treats. You’ll be amazed at how few items you need to create such a delicious old-fashioned butterscotch drops experience.

• 1 ½ cups butterscotch chips – These are the star of our show, providing that iconic butterscotch flavored drops taste.
• 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows – They add a lovely chewiness and help bind everything together, creating a perfectly soft texture.
• 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers – I love the crunch and subtle sweetness these bring, balancing the richness of the butterscotch.
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional) – A little butter helps the chips melt more smoothly and adds an extra layer of richness to your butterscotch sweets.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) – Just a touch of vanilla can enhance the overall flavor profile, making your hard butterscotch drops even more irresistible.

How to Make Butterscotch Drops

Making these delightful Butterscotch Drops is incredibly easy and surprisingly quick! I promise, you’ll have these sweet treats ready in no time, and the aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely divine. Just follow these simple steps to create perfect individual butterscotch candies.

1. Step 1: First, prepare your graham crackers. Take your 1 ½ cups of graham crackers and crush them into coarse crumbs. I usually put them in a Ziploc bag and use a rolling pin, but a food processor works too. Set these aside in a large bowl.
2. Step 2: Next, grab a medium saucepan. Add your 1 ½ cups of butterscotch chips to the pan. If you’re using the optional 1 tablespoon of butter for a creamier texture, add that in now too. Melt these over very low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula. This slow melting ensures a smooth, luscious butterscotch mixture without scorching.
3. Step 3: Once your butterscotch chips are fully melted and smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat. If you’re using it, stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a wonderful depth to the butterscotch flavored drops.
4. Step 4: Now, quickly pour the warm, melted butterscotch mixture over the crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows that you set aside in the large bowl earlier. Work fast here! The warmth of the butterscotch will slightly soften the marshmallows, creating that perfect chewy texture.
5. Step 5: Stir everything together quickly and thoroughly. Make sure every graham cracker crumb and mini marshmallow is coated evenly with the rich butterscotch. This is crucial for creating well-formed, old-fashioned butterscotch drops.
6. Step 6: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. You can make them as big or small as you like, but I aim for about 18-20 drops.
7. Step 7: Let your homemade butterscotch candy cool at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes, or if you’re eager to try them (like I usually am!), pop them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes until they are fully set. They will firm up beautifully.
8. Step 8: Once set, your delicious butterscotch sweets are ready to enjoy! Serve them immediately or store them for later.

Pro Tips for the Best Butterscotch Drops

I’ve made these Butterscotch Drops countless times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way to ensure they come out perfectly every single time. These expert tips will help you create the most delicious and perfectly textured butterscotch hard candy, making your homemade butterscotch candy experience a breeze. Don’t skip these little nuggets of wisdom!

• Always melt your butterscotch chips over very low heat and stir constantly. This prevents scorching and ensures a smooth, creamy base for your butterscotch sweets.
• Work quickly once the melted butterscotch is combined with the marshmallows and graham crackers. The mixture sets fast, so swift stirring is key to even coating.
• Use parchment paper on your baking sheet. This makes cleanup incredibly easy and prevents your individual butterscotch candies from sticking.
• Don’t over-crush your graham crackers; a coarse crumb adds a lovely textural contrast to the chewy marshmallows and smooth butterscotch.

What’s the secret to perfect Butterscotch Drops?

The real secret to perfect Butterscotch Drops lies in the quick mixing. Once the melted butterscotch hits the other ingredients, it starts to set. Stirring swiftly ensures every piece of marshmallow and graham cracker is coated, preventing a sticky, uneven mess and creating those delightful old-fashioned butterscotch drops.

Can I make Butterscotch Drops ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Butterscotch Drops are fantastic for making ahead. Once they’ve completely set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They make perfect individual butterscotch candies for grab-and-go treats or gifts, holding their texture and flavor beautifully.

How do I avoid common mistakes with homemade butterscotch candy?

To avoid common mistakes with homemade butterscotch candy, first, never melt the chips over high heat; low and slow is the way to go to prevent burning. Second, ensure your graham crackers are coarsely crushed, not powdered, for better texture. Finally, mix quickly to prevent the butterscotch from hardening before all ingredients are coated, which is crucial for perfect butterscotch sweets.

Best Ways to Serve Butterscotch Drops

I find these delightful Butterscotch Drops are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Their sweet, crunchy, and chewy texture makes them a perfect standalone treat, but they also shine when paired with other simple delights. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy these classic butterscotch sweets.

For a cozy evening, I love serving a few individual butterscotch candies alongside a warm cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. The rich flavor of the butterscotch drops complements both beautifully. They also make fantastic additions to a dessert platter, especially during holidays or gatherings, bringing a touch of old-fashioned charm.

Another excellent idea is to crumble a few of these hard butterscotch drops over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the cold, creamy ice cream with the crunchy, sweet candy is simply divine. It’s an easy way to elevate a simple dessert into something truly special!

Nutrition Facts for Butterscotch Drops

I know many of you like to keep an eye on what you’re eating, so I’ve put together the estimated nutrition facts for these delicious Butterscotch Drops. This information is based on each individual butterscotch candy serving from the recipe, which yields about 18-20 drops. It’s helpful to have an idea of the nutritional breakdown for these sweet treats.

• Serving Size: 1 drop
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Please remember that nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and ingredients you choose for your homemade butterscotch candy.

How to Store and Reheat Butterscotch Drops

Once your delicious Butterscotch Drops have fully set, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh and tasty. I always make a big batch, so knowing how to store them effectively is super important for enjoying these individual butterscotch candies over time. They’re so good, you’ll want to savor every single one!

For short-term storage, allow the butterscotch drops to cool completely at room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. They will stay fresh and perfectly chewy at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you live in a warm climate, or just prefer them a bit firmer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

If you’re planning to keep them longer, these homemade butterscotch candy treats freeze beautifully! Once fully cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. Then, transfer the frozen butterscotch drops to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few minutes, and they’ll be just as delicious as the day you made them. No reheating is necessary for these delightful butterscotch sweets!

Frequently Asked Questions About Butterscotch Drops

Why do my butterscotch drops stick together?

I’ve found that butterscotch drops can sometimes stick, especially if they’re still warm or if there’s too much humidity. Make sure they are completely cooled and set before storing them. Lining your container with parchment paper and adding a small piece between layers of these individual butterscotch candies can also help prevent sticking, keeping your homemade butterscotch candy perfect.

Can I use ingredients other than graham crackers for these butterscotch sweets?

Absolutely! I love experimenting with these butterscotch drops. While graham crackers provide a classic taste and texture, you can certainly substitute them. Crushed shortbread cookies, digestive biscuits, or even pretzels for a sweet and salty twist work wonderfully. Just ensure you use a similar quantity for the best butterscotch hard candy consistency.

How can I prevent my butterscotch chips from seizing when melting?

Seizing is a common issue when melting chips, and I’ve learned that patience is key for making delicious butterscotch drops. Always melt your butterscotch chips over very low heat, stirring continuously. If you’re using a double boiler, that’s even better, as indirect heat is gentler. Avoid getting any water into the chocolate, as even a tiny drop can cause it to seize. This ensures a smooth base for your old-fashioned butterscotch drops.

Where can I buy the best butterscotch hard candy ingredients?

For the best butterscotch hard candy ingredients, I usually recommend checking your local grocery store’s baking aisle for quality butterscotch chips. For specific brands or unique butterscotch flavored drops, specialty candy shops or online retailers often have a wider selection. Always look for reputable brands to ensure a rich and authentic flavor for your butterscotch drops.

Variations of Butterscotch Drops You Can Try

I absolutely love how adaptable these Butterscotch Drops are! Once you master the basic recipe for these individual butterscotch candies, you can easily play around with different flavors and textures to create your own unique butterscotch sweets. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried that have been big hits:

• Nutty Butterscotch Drops: For an extra layer of crunch and flavor, I often add about ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the mixture along with the graham crackers. This gives the old-fashioned butterscotch drops a delightful nutty undertone.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After the butterscotch drops have set, melt some chocolate chips and drizzle them over the top. The combination of chocolate and butterscotch flavored drops is simply divine and adds a touch of elegance.
• Spice Them Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of pumpkin pie spice added with the vanilla extract can give these hard butterscotch drops a warm, cozy twist, especially perfect for fall.
• Coconut Delight: Stir in ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flair. The coconut adds a lovely chewiness and pairs wonderfully with the sweet butterscotch. These variations make your homemade butterscotch candy truly special.

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