Keebler Butterbeer Cookies Recipe

by Joy Albert
Keebler Butterbeer Cookies Recipe

Recently, Keebler Butterbeer Cookies have captured the hearts of fans everywhere with their creamy butterscotch-inspired flavor and whimsical charm. But what if you could recreate that magical treat in your own kitchen?

How to make Keebler Butterbeer Cookies

Keebler Butterbeer Cookies are a themed, limited-edition cookie inspired by the famous Butterbeer drink from the Harry Potter universe.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed, for that caramel-like richness)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp butter extract (optional, but enhances the Butterbeer flavor)
  • ½ tsp rum extract (for an authentic Butterbeer kick)

For the Butterbeer Icing/Stripes:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp butterscotch sauce
  • 1-2 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, butter extract, and rum extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 2: Shape & Bake the Cookies

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie, rolling it into balls, and place them on the baking sheet, a few inches apart.
  3. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand to create a cookie shape.
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking; the cookies should remain soft in the center.
  5. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Step 3: Make the Butterbeer Icing

  1. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, butterscotch sauce, vanilla extract, and milk. Start with 1 tbsp of milk and slowly add more until you reach a thick but drizzle-able consistency.

Step 4: Decorate the Cookies

  1. Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the Butterbeer icing over each cookie in the classic Keebler fudge-stripe design.
  2. Let the icing set for about 20-30 minutes to harden slightly, making the cookies easier to store.

Tips for Perfect Butterbeer Cookies

  • Use good-quality butterscotch sauce for maximum flavor. If you can’t find butterscotch, caramel sauce works as a substitute in a pinch!
  • Chill your cookie dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker cookies that spread less during baking.
  • To mimic the crisp edges of Keebler Butterbeer Cookies, use a silicone baking mat instead of parchment paper.
  • For added magic, sprinkle a pinch of edible gold dust or crushed toffee on top of the icing for a wizard-worthy finish!

What to serve with

Keebler Butterbeer cookies are decadent, magical treats that pair perfectly with a variety of beverages, desserts, and even themed snacks.

  • English Breakfast Tea: A classic choice that balances the sweetness of the Keebler Butterbeer Cookies.
  • Chai Tea: Its warming spices, like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg, complement the butterscotch notes.
  • Butterbeer-Inspired Tea: Brew a simple butterscotch-flavored tea or add butterscotch syrup and vanilla extract to your favorite black tea for an aromatic Butterbeer twist.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating magical Keebler Butterbeer Cookies at home can be fun, but finding the right ingredients isn’t always easy.

For the Cookie Base

1. All-Purpose Flour Substitute

If you don’t have all-purpose flour or need a gluten-free option:

  • Substitute with Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Choose a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that already includes xanthan gum for structure.
  • For Whole Wheat Flavor: Use a 50/50 mix of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour for a nutty and hearty flavor.
  • Almond Flour: While not a 1:1 replacement, almond flour adds a naturally sweet, nutty flavor. Combine it with a gluten-free flour blend for the best results.

2. Unsalted Butter Substitute

Butter adds richness to cookies, but you can substitute it if needed:

  • Salted Butter: Just skip the additional salt in the recipe.
  • Vegan Butter: For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter sticks, such as Earth Balance or Miyoko’s.
  • Coconut Oil: Use refined coconut oil (to avoid a coconut flavor) at a 1:1 ratio.
  • Applesauce: Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a slightly healthier option. Keep in mind the texture will be softer.

3. Brown Sugar Substitute

Brown sugar gives cookies their caramelized flavor and chewiness. If you don’t have it:

  • Granulated Sugar + Molasses: For every cup of brown sugar, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses.
  • Coconut Sugar: This natural sweetener has a similar flavor but is less moist, so you may need to slightly increase the wet ingredients.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup: Use these in equal parts but reduce other liquids in the recipe to maintain the proper dough consistency.

4. Granulated Sugar Substitute

If you want to replace traditional white sugar:

  • Coconut Sugar or Raw Cane Sugar: These work as exact replacements and add a slightly caramel-like flavor.
  • Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Use a baking-specific version with a 1:1 substitution ratio. This reduces sugar content but may alter texture slightly.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup: These can work too—use less since they’re liquid sweeteners.

5. Egg Substitute

For those who are vegan, have an egg allergy, or simply don’t have eggs on hand:

  • Flax or Chia Eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
  • Unsweetened Applesauce or Mashed Banana: Replace each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. This will make the cookies slightly sweeter and denser.
  • Yogurt: Use ¼ cup of plain Greek or dairy-free yogurt per egg as a binding agent.
  • Aquafaba: Whip 3 tablespoons of the liquid from a can of chickpeas to replace 1 egg.

6. Butter & Rum Extract Substitutes

Butter and rum extracts are key to the Butterbeer flavor, but if you don’t have them:

  • Butter Extract: Replace it with an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract or skip it entirely. You can also mimic the buttery flavor with a tablespoon of melted butter (if your recipe can take additional liquid).
  • Rum Extract: Substitute with dark rum or brandy (1 teaspoon for every ½ teaspoon of extract). For a non-alcoholic substitute, vanilla extract with a tiny splash of almond extract works well.

For the Frosting/Icing

1. Powdered Sugar Substitute

If you’re out of powdered sugar for the icing:

  • Blend Granulated Sugar: Make your own powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar with a touch of cornstarch (1 cup sugar + 1 tablespoon cornstarch).
  • Coconut Sugar: Blend coconut sugar to achieve a fine “powdered” texture for a natural alternative.

2. Butterscotch Sauce Substitute

This is a key ingredient for the Butterbeer flavor in the icing, but there are swaps:

  • Caramel Sauce: It offers a similar richness and sweetness.
  • Homemade Butterscotch Sauce: Make your own by simmering butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and a splash of vanilla extract.
  • Maple Syrup or Honey: While slightly different in flavor, these can work if butterscotch sauce is unavailable.

3. Milk Substitute

Milk helps thin the icing, but you can use:

  • Non-Dairy Milks: Almond, oat, coconut, or soy milk will work just fine.
  • Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: For a richer icing.
  • Water: Use water for a lighter option, but the icing may not be as creamy.

Final Thoughts

Keebler Butterbeer cookies are versatile enough to pair with beverages, desserts, or even savory options for a magical dining experience.

More Cookies Recipes:

Keebler Butterbeer Cookies Recipe

Keebler Butterbeer Cookies

Serves: 4 Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 140 calories 4 grams fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp butter extract 
  • ½ tsp rum extract 

For the Butterbeer Icing/Stripes:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp butterscotch sauce
  • 1-2 tbsp milk 
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, butter extract, and rum extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 2: Shape & Bake the Cookies

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie, rolling it into balls, and place them on the baking sheet, a few inches apart.
  3. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand to create a cookie shape.
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking; the cookies should remain soft in the center.
  5. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Step 3: Make the Butterbeer Icing

  1. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, butterscotch sauce, vanilla extract, and milk. Start with 1 tbsp of milk and slowly add more until you reach a thick but drizzle-able consistency.

Step 4: Decorate the Cookies

  1. Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the Butterbeer icing over each cookie in the classic Keebler fudge-stripe design.
  2. Let the icing set for about 20-30 minutes to harden slightly, making the cookies easier to store.

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