Cowboy Cookies Recipe: Chewy, Chunky, and Packed with Flavor

There’s something about the aroma of cookies baking that instantly brings back memories of my grandmother’s farmhouse kitchen—flour-dusted aprons, a wooden spoon in hand, and a batch of chewy Cowboy Cookies cooling on the counter. These cookies weren’t just dessert—they were edible hugs. With hearty oats, crunchy pecans, sweet coconut, and melty chocolate chunks, they were the kind of treat that made you feel like a cowboy after a long day on the prairie (or a kid after school).

Unlike your basic oatmeal or chocolate chip cookie, cowboy cookies are extra. They’re loaded, chunky, and deeply satisfying. Think of them as the overachievers of the cookie world—part chewy oatmeal cookie, part chocolate chip, with an irresistible coconut twist.

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What Are Cowboy Cookies?

Cowboy cookies are the trailblazing cousins of the classic chocolate chip cookie. Born in the American South and beloved across generations, they bring together the chew of oatmeal cookies with the richness of semisweet chocolate and the nutty crunch of pecans.

Their key ingredients include:

• Rolled oats for chew and structure
• Shredded coconut for sweetness and texture
• Pecans (or other nuts) for crunch
• Chocolate chunks for gooey indulgence

They’re also endlessly customizable. Craving something nuttier? Try a peanut butter cowboy cookie. Need a school-safe version? Go with a nut-free cookie recipe. Some folks even toss in M&Ms or cornflakes for a pop of color or crunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s round up what you’ll need to bake a batch of these hearty dessert cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1½ cups brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks (or chips)
• ¾ cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Tip: Proper flour measurement matters! Always spoon and level—don’t pack it down!

How to Make Cowboy Cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Let it cool until just warm (not hot).
2. Whisk in brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
6. Fold in the oats, chocolate chunks, shredded coconut, and pecans.
7. Use a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion dough. Place cookies 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–14 minutes, until edges are golden but centers are soft.

Baking Tips

• Use room-temperature eggs for better emulsification.
• Cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when you pull them out—they’ll finish setting on the tray.
• Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips & Variations

Want to shake things up a bit? Here are a few crowd-pleasing ideas:

• No nuts? Substitute chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, or just omit entirely.
• Chocolate swaps: Use white chocolate chips, bittersweet chunks, or a mix.
• Add a swirl of peanut butter or M&Ms for a colorful, chewy upgrade.
• Make them gluten-free: Swap in a 1:1 GF flour blend and certified GF oats.
• Try them as vegan cowboy cookies by replacing eggs with flax eggs and using dairy-free butter and chocolate.

Storing Cowboy Cookies

• Room temp: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Baked cookies can be frozen in a resealable bag for up to 2 months.
• Make-ahead: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for a convenient bake-anytime treat.

More Cookie Inspirations

If these cowboy cookies have you craving more delicious bites, check out these recipes next:

• Best homemade chocolate chip cookies
• Easy no-bake cookie recipes
• Bright and zesty lemon crinkle cookies
• Classic peanut butter cookies

Cowboy Cookie FAQs

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