Name: Cowboy Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486244H6M17S
Total time: PT-486244H6M17S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1 cup shredded coconut; 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these Cowboy Cookies because they are the perfect balance of sweet, chewy, and crunchy. The oats provide a hearty base, while the chocolate chips add indulgence, and the coconut and nuts bring extra texture and flavor. Every bite is a bit of everything—there’s no need to choose between chocolate, coconut, or oats when you can have them all in one cookie! Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, and they’ll fill your kitchen with the most wonderful smell as they bake. These cookies are perfect for sharing or keeping around as a satisfying treat when you’re craving something substantial and delicious.

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add in 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Stir in 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, 1 cup shredded coconut, and 1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans). The dough should be thick and chunky.
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 24 cookies, depending on the size you make them. Prep time is around 15 minutes, and baking time is 10-12 minutes per batch. These cookies are perfect for enjoying fresh out of the oven or storing for later.

Variations

These Cowboy Cookies are wonderfully customizable, and I love playing around with different mix-ins:

If you’re a fan of dried fruit, you can add 1 cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the dough.
For an extra crunch, I sometimes add a tablespoon or two of chia seeds or flaxseeds.
If you want a richer chocolate flavor, you can swap the semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips or add a mix of both dark and milk chocolate.

Storage/Reheating

These cookies store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave them for a few seconds or warm them up in a low-temperature oven for a couple of minutes to soften them back up.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While I prefer the flavor and texture of butter in these cookies, margarine can be used as a substitute. Just keep in mind that it may affect the overall taste and texture slightly.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. I recommend using a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix to maintain the right texture.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

To make these cookies dairy-free, you can use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips. The flavor and texture will still be delicious, with a slight difference in creaminess.

Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?

Absolutely! If you prefer smaller cookies, just use a teaspoon or smaller scoop to drop the dough. For larger cookies, you can increase the size and adjust the baking time accordingly (they may need an extra 1-2 minutes in the oven).

How can I make these cookies chewier?

To make the cookies chewier, I recommend slightly underbaking them. Once they’re golden around the edges but still soft in the center, take them out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. This will keep them from becoming too crunchy.

Conclusion

These Cowboy Cookies are the perfect combination of hearty oats, chocolate, coconut, and nuts in every chewy, satisfying bite. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or storing them for later, these cookies are always a crowd favorite. With their bold flavors and chewy texture, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion, and they’ll leave everyone asking for more!