Name: Cowboy Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts; 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

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If you’re searching for the ultimate cookie that’s hearty, chewy, and absolutely bursting with flavor, Cowboy Cookies are just the thing. Packed with oats, chocolate chips, crunchy nuts, and sweet coconut, every bite delivers pure comfort straight from the oven. These cookies are as big on personality as they are on taste, and they never fail to draw a crowd—whether you’re packing lunchboxes, feeding a hungry crew, or just treating yourself to an afternoon snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the perfect mix of ingredients for Cowboy Cookies is quick and easy. Each player in this all-star lineup brings something irresistible to the table, combining for chewy centers, crisp edges, and plenty of rich, decadent flavor.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This is the secret to a tender, rich cookie with beautifully golden edges.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create that classic chewy texture.
Packed light brown sugar (1 cup): Infuses a deep, caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the other mix-ins.
Large eggs (2): The binding magic that keeps everything together and adds moisture.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Offers warmth and enhances the complexity of the other flavors.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The essential base, giving structure while keeping the cookies tender.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Makes the cookies rise just right for fluffiness without excess puff.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures that classic Cowboy Cookies thickness and softness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the sweet and brings everything into harmony.
Old-fashioned rolled oats (2 cups): The heart of these cookies—chewy, filling, and delightfully rustic.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Melty pockets of chocolate in every bite, you can’t go wrong!
Chopped pecans or walnuts (1 cup): For a toasty crunch that adds depth (use your favorite or a mix of both).
Shredded sweetened coconut (1 cup): Lends chewiness and a subtle tropical sweetness that makes Cowboy Cookies sing.

How to Make Cowboy Cookies

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Begin your Cowboy Cookie adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to guarantee cookies that bake evenly without sticking. This little bit of prep work ensures you’re ready to scoop, bake, and enjoy with minimal fuss.

Step 2: Cream the Butters & Sugars

In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and irresistible (try not to sneak a spoonful!). This step is essential for creating the chewy, bakery-style texture that makes Cowboy Cookies such a classic.

Step 3: Eggs & Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix again. You’ll notice your dough taking on a creamy, luscious consistency—this adds moisture and helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Doing this ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed, so every Cowboy Cookie bakes up just right with a perfect rise and a balanced flavor profile.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined (be careful not to over-mix, or your cookies may lose their signature softness). Now comes the fun part: stir in the oats, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and shredded coconut. It might look like a lot, but all those mix-ins are what make Cowboy Cookies so wonderfully chunky and satisfying!

Step 6: Scoop & Bake

Scoop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie for room to spread. Slide them into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye out for those beautifully golden edges and just-set centers. Underbake ever-so-slightly for chewier cookies or extend the bake for a crispy finish!

Step 7: Cool & Enjoy

After baking, let the Cowboy Cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes (they’ll firm up as they cool). Then transfer to a wire rack, allowing the centers to settle into perfectly chewy goodness. Now’s the hard part—waiting until they’re cool enough to handle before diving in for a taste!

How to Serve Cowboy Cookies

Garnishes

Taking your Cowboy Cookies to the next level is as easy as a little garnish! A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the hot cookies amps up the flavor, while a drizzle of melted chocolate looks and tastes heavenly. For a playful touch, tuck a few extra chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the tops just before baking for that bakery finish.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving a batch at a gathering, try pairing Cowboy Cookies with bowls of fresh seasonal fruit, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or a simple cold glass of milk for dunking. Coffee and hot cocoa also make cozy companions, especially on a chilly afternoon!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to really wow? Stack Cowboy Cookies in mason jars as edible gifts, tie a ribbon around a bundle for a bake sale, or create a “cookie board” with other homemade treats. For parties, you can cut each cookie into wedges for sharing, or use them as bookends for a scoop of ice cream in a dreamy homemade ice cream sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep extra Cowboy Cookies as fresh as day one by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Slip a slice of bread into the container to help retain softness—just replace it if it starts to stale.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! You can freeze baked Cowboy Cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to three months. Alternatively, scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet to freeze individually, so you can bake off fresh cookies whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

For that just-baked experience, warm leftover Cowboy Cookies in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes, or give them a quick zap in the microwave. This brings back their gooey centers and revives all the chocolatey, nutty aromas.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

Yes, though the texture will be a bit softer and less hearty. Old-fashioned rolled oats lend Cowboy Cookies that signature chewy bite, but quick oats will still taste delicious in a pinch.

What are the best nuts to use?

Pecans and walnuts are both perfect choices, lending a buttery crunch. Feel free to mix and match, or even swap in almonds if that’s your favorite!

Can I make Cowboy Cookies without coconut?

Of course! While sweetened coconut adds extra chew and flavor, the cookies will still be wonderful without it. You can substitute extra oats or even dried fruit if you prefer.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden and the centers just set (they’ll look a touch underdone but firm up as they cool). For crispier Cowboy Cookies, leave them in the oven for another minute or two.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Absolutely! This Cowboy Cookies recipe scales up or down with ease. Just be mindful to adjust baking times accordingly and keep an eye on your first batch if you’re using a different size scoop.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for big, bold flavor and a nostalgic treat with a little something for everyone, you owe it to yourself to bake a batch of Cowboy Cookies. They’re the kind of cookie that sparks conversation, conjures up comfort, and always disappears in a flash—so don’t be surprised if you find yourself making them again and again!

Cowboy Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cowboy Cookies are hearty, chewy cookies loaded with oats, chocolate chips, nuts, and coconut. They are easy to make and perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth!

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Mix-Ins:

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Incorporate Mix-Ins: Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, nuts, and coconut until evenly distributed.
Bake: Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden around the edges. Cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.