Cowboy Cookies

These hearty, chewy cookies are loaded with everything you love! Oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans all come together in a delicious cookie that’s as satisfying as it is indulgent. Perfect for a sweet treat or a snack for any time of day, these cookies will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with flavor: A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors in every bite.
• Customizable: You can add or swap in your favorite mix-ins like dried fruit, M&Ms, or even pretzels.
• Chewy and Soft: These cookies are thick, soft, and chewy with a slight crunch from the oats and nuts.
• Perfect for sharing: Great for potlucks, cookie swaps, or just as a homemade gift.

Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter (softened): Provides richness and moisture.
• Brown Sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough.
• Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: A versatile flour for structure in baked goods.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent to help the dough rise.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Provides texture and chewiness.
• Chocolate Chips: Adds a rich, chocolatey finish.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds a sweet, tropical flavor and texture.
• Chopped Pecans: Adds a crunchy, nutty flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.

Step 5: Add the Oats and Mix-ins
Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to cook slightly as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use salted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter for better control over the salt in the recipe. If you use salted butter, reduce the added salt by ¼ tsp.

Q2: Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
Yes, feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or any nut of your choice.

Q3: Can I make these cookies without coconut?
If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can leave it out or substitute it with more oats or another mix-in like dried fruit.

Q4: How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.

Q5: Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze it, and then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Q6: How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week.

Q7: Can I add more chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to increase the amount of chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey treat.

Q8: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Old-fashioned oats are preferred for their texture, but if you only have quick oats, they can be substituted with a slight change in texture.

Q9: How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be golden brown around the edges, and the center should be set but still soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Q10: Can I make these cookies smaller?
Yes, if you prefer smaller cookies, just use a teaspoon to scoop the dough and adjust the baking time to about 8-10 minutes.

Enjoy these delicious, chewy Cowboy Cookies packed with all your favorite ingredients!

Print