If you’re craving a cookie that’s hearty, chewy, and absolutely packed with irresistible mix-ins, look no further than Cowboy Cookies. These legendary treats combine oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans into a dessert that’s as bold and satisfying as its namesake. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them a crowd-pleaser for bake sales, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself to something special. Whether you grew up with Cowboy Cookies or are discovering them for the first time, this recipe is your ticket to cookie bliss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Cowboy Cookies is a breeze, and each one plays a starring role. From buttery richness to nutty crunch, these staples come together to create that classic, chewy texture and memorable taste.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their rich flavor and soft, chewy crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create those golden, crisp edges.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Brings a caramel depth and extra moisture for chewiness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add tenderness to the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure that holds all the mix-ins in place.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures a gentle rise and lightness.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an extra lift for a perfectly thick, soft cookie.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
- Old-fashioned oats (2 cups): The heart of Cowboy Cookies, delivering chewy texture and rustic charm.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Melty pockets of chocolate in every bite!
- Shredded sweetened coconut (1 cup): Provides a subtle tropical sweetness and chewy bite.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Bring nutty crunch; swap for walnuts or omit for a nut-free version.
How to Make Cowboy Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Prepping your equipment now makes the process smooth and stress-free later.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for that classic Cowboy Cookie texture, so take your time—creaming properly adds air and helps the cookies bake up thick and tender.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well-blended. The eggs add structure and moisture, while the vanilla rounds out the flavors with that cozy, home-baked aroma.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, so every Cowboy Cookie rises just right.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand. Stop as soon as everything comes together—overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of chewy.
Step 6: Fold in Oats, Chocolate Chips, Coconut, and Pecans
Now for the fun part! Gently stir in the oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and chopped pecans. Make sure all the goodies are evenly distributed, so each cookie is loaded with delicious mix-ins.
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each mound. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. Remember, slightly underbaking keeps them extra chewy!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (they’ll be delicate at first), then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This helps them set up perfectly while staying soft and luscious inside.
How to Serve Cowboy Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each Cowboy Cookie right after baking. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or scatter a few extra chocolate chips or chopped pecans over the warm cookies for a bakery-worthy look.
Side Dishes
Cowboy Cookies are fantastic with a cold glass of milk, a hot mug of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. If you’re serving them at a party, add a platter of fresh fruit or a tray of assorted nuts for a fun and satisfying spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Cowboy Cookies in a rustic tin or tie them up in parchment with twine for a homemade gift. For gatherings, arrange them in a pile on a wooden board with small bowls of toppings like extra coconut or mini chocolate chips for a DIY cookie bar experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep Cowboy Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay chewy and delicious for up to 5 days—though with their irresistible flavor, they rarely last that long!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the raw cookie dough in scooped portions on a tray. Once firm, transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. You can also freeze baked cookies; just wrap tightly and thaw at room temperature whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked magic, warm a Cowboy Cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The chocolate will get melty and the cookie will regain a just-baked softness—like a little bite of nostalgia.
FAQs
Can I make Cowboy Cookies without nuts?
Absolutely! If you prefer a nut-free version, simply leave out the pecans. The cookies will still have plenty of texture and flavor from the oats, coconut, and chocolate chips.
What’s the difference between Cowboy Cookies and regular chocolate chip cookies?
Cowboy Cookies are heartier, thanks to the addition of oats, coconut, and pecans. These extra mix-ins give them a chewy, chunky texture and a more complex flavor than classic chocolate chip cookies.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
You can, but old-fashioned oats provide the best chew and rustic texture. Quick oats will make the cookies a bit softer and less hearty, but they’ll still taste delicious.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for golden-brown edges and centers that are just set. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so don’t wait for them to look completely dry in the oven.
Can I add other mix-ins to this Cowboy Cookies recipe?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with dried fruit like cranberries or raisins, swap in white chocolate chips, or try different nuts. Cowboy Cookies are wonderfully adaptable to your favorite flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking a batch of Cowboy Cookies—maybe it’s the irresistible aroma, the chewy centers, or the fact that they’re bursting with all your favorite cookie mix-ins. However you enjoy them, I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your home and brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Happy baking!
Print
Cowboy Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cowboy Cookies are a delightful American dessert combining old-fashioned oats, semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened coconut, and chopped pecans. These chewy, nutty cookies have a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them a favorite treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is fully incorporated.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine dry and wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until blended to avoid overworking the dough.
- Incorporate add-ins: Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and centers are set but still soft for chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake them and let them finish setting on the tray.
- You can swap pecans for walnuts or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
- Dough freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
