Name: Cowboy Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

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If you’re looking for a cookie that’s loaded with texture, flavor, and a whole lot of heart, Cowboy Cookies are about to become your new baking obsession. These treats are legendary for their chewy centers, crisp edges, and a glorious mix of oats, chocolate chips, nuts, and coconut in every bite. Whether you’re gearing up for a potluck, family gathering, or just want something special to dunk in your afternoon coffee, Cowboy Cookies always deliver on taste, nostalgia, and pure cookie joy. Trust me, after one batch, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for every occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cowboy Cookies lies in simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something unforgettable. Each one plays a unique role in building the perfect bite—crisp, chewy, chocolatey, and just a little bit nutty. Here’s what you need and why you need it!

Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it creates the rich, tender base every great cookie needs.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread for those perfect crispy edges.
Light brown sugar: Brings deeper caramel notes and a chewier texture.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for that soft, cakey bite.
Vanilla extract: A splash gives the cookies that warm, classic bakery aroma.
All-purpose flour: The structure that holds all the delicious mix-ins together.
Baking powder: Adds a little lift so your cookies aren’t too dense.
Baking soda: Ensures the cookies spread just right and develop a perfect golden color.
Salt: Balances sweetness and makes every flavor pop.
Ground cinnamon: A cozy, subtle warmth that ties all the other flavors together.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: Give the cookies their signature hearty chew and rustic look.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty pockets of chocolate goodness in every bite.
Chopped pecans or walnuts: Add a toasty crunch and nutty depth—choose your favorite!
Sweetened shredded coconut: Brings extra chew and a hint of tropical sweetness.

How to Make Cowboy Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This step guarantees easy cleanup and helps keep your Cowboy Cookies from sticking, so you get those perfect golden bottoms every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for creating cookies with that irresistible soft center and crisp edge—don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. This ensures each egg is fully incorporated, which gives your dough a smooth, luscious texture.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisking helps distribute all the leavening and seasoning, so every Cowboy Cookie bakes up evenly and full of flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Resist the urge to overmix—this is the secret to keeping your cookies tender and not tough.

Step 6: Fold in the Goodies

Gently stir in the oats, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and shredded coconut. These mix-ins are what make Cowboy Cookies so delightfully chunky and satisfying—every scoop of dough should look like a treasure trove!

Step 7: Scoop and Space

Use heaping tablespoons or a cookie scoop to portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each mound. Giving them space ensures your cookies can spread and get those lovely golden edges.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft. For a crispier cookie, leave them in for an extra minute or two. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—they’ll firm up beautifully as they cool.

How to Serve Cowboy Cookies

Garnishes

For a bakery-worthy look, press a few extra chocolate chips or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of each Cowboy Cookie right after they come out of the oven. It’s a simple trick that makes them look (and taste) extra special.

Side Dishes

Cowboy Cookies are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a hot mug of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For brunch spreads, try serving them alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a sweet and satisfying finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few Cowboy Cookies and tie with rustic twine for a charming homemade gift, or pile them high on a colorful platter for parties. For a fun twist, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for the ultimate ice cream sandwich that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Cowboy Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week. If you live in a humid climate, toss a slice of bread into the container to help maintain their soft texture.

Freezing

You can freeze Cowboy Cookies either before or after baking. For unbaked dough, portion it out onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Baked cookies freeze beautifully, too—just let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Reheating

To enjoy Cowboy Cookies warm, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until just heated through, or give them a quick zap in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

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

Old-fashioned oats give Cowboy Cookies their signature chewy texture, but if you only have quick oats, you can use them in a pinch. Just know the cookies may be a bit softer and less hearty.

What’s the best nut to use in Cowboy Cookies?

Both pecans and walnuts add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to Cowboy Cookies. Pecans are a bit sweeter and softer, while walnuts bring a more robust, earthy taste—choose whichever you love most or mix them!

Can I make Cowboy Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The cookies will still have all the hearty, chewy goodness you crave.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If your Cowboy Cookies are spreading more than you’d like, the butter may be too soft or your dough might be a bit warm. Try chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can cut back on the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cookie, but keep in mind that sugar affects not just sweetness but also texture and spread. Try reducing each sugar by 1/4 cup and see how you like the result.

Final Thoughts

Cowboy Cookies have a way of winning over just about everyone who tries them, with their hearty texture and irresistible mix of flavors. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, you’ll love how easy and rewarding this recipe is. Give it a whirl and see why these cookies have stood the test of time—your tastebuds (and friends!) will thank you.

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

Cowboy Cookies are hearty and delicious cookies packed with oats, chocolate chips, nuts, and shredded coconut. These classic American-style cookies offer a perfect balance of chewy and crispy textures with warm cinnamon flavor, making them an ideal dessert or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean-up.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create the perfect cookie texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate air. Stir in the vanilla extract to add depth of flavor.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can result in tough cookies.
Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats, semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and sweetened shredded coconut to ensure they are evenly incorporated throughout the dough.
Scoop Dough: Using a heaping tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing each 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 the centers appear just set but still soft.
Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their texture.

Notes

For crispier cookies, bake 1 to 2 minutes longer until edges are more golden brown.
You can substitute raisins for chocolate chips for a different fruity flavor.
Using dark chocolate chunks instead of semi-sweet chips adds a richer chocolate taste.
These cookies freeze well both before baking (as dough balls) and after baking – simply thaw before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American