Cowboy Cookies Recipe

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Whip up a batch of Cowboy Cookies, a delicious twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. These treats pack a unique punch with oatmeal and coconut flakes folded into the batter, creating a perfectly balanced taste and irresistible texture, making them great for any occasion!

Overhead look at cowboy cookies a cooling rack.

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What Are Cowboy Cookies?
Chocolate Coconut Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients For Cowboy Cookies
How To Make Cowboy Cookies
Baking Tips
Flavor Variations and Substitutions
Storing & Freezing
FAQ
More Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes
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Cowboy Cookies Recipe

What Are Cowboy Cookies?

Move over chocolate chip cookies; these Cowboy cookies offer a little extra something that elevates your typical cookie to the next level! Cowboy cookies are an American cookie that is said to be a favorite of cowboys because they are rich and filling and make a tasty fuel for long cattle drives! These chunky, loaded cookies combine oats, coconut, chocolate chips, and sometimes nuts, offering a satisfying crunch and rich flavor, and they’re super easy to make.

Just heat your oven to 350℉, prepare your baking sheets, and mix margarine, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and hot water. Next, add baking soda, powder, salt, oats, coconut, and flour. Fold in the chocolate chips, scoop the dough onto the sheets, and bake for 12-15 minutes. Let them cool a bit after baking, and you're all set to enjoy!

Enjoy them at parties, picnics, movie nights, or even as a special lunchbox treat. Pair them with milk, coffee, or tea for a tasty snack. These cookies will be a hit no matter what the occasion!

Chocolate Coconut Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal cookies with coconut blend chocolate, oatmeal, and coconut for a delicious taste.
Easy to make, this recipe is great for beginner bakers.
These cookies perfectly satisfy your sweet tooth with their unique taste and texture.
With oats and coconut, they're a bit more filling than regular chocolate chip cookies.
Their unique flavor is best to serve at parties, school events, or as a tasty snack at home!

Close up of a chocolate chip cookie with a bite taken out of it.

Ingredients For Cowboy Cookies

Margarine - Provides a rich, creamy base for the cookies, adding moisture and helping to create a tender texture.
Sugar (brown and white) - Brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor, while white sugar contributes to the sweetness and helps create a crispier edge.
Eggs - Act as a binding agent, giving the cookies structure and helping to combine all the ingredients smoothly.
Vanilla Extract - Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies, adding a subtle depth and aromatic sweetness.
Hot Water - Helps to dissolve the baking soda when mixed with the wet ingredients to mix it throughout the dough for consistent rising.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder - leavenings agent that reacts with acidic ingredients, creating bubbles of carbon dioxide and giving the cookies lift and lightness.
Salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
Flour - Provides the fundamental structure for the cookies, giving them shape and a chewy texture.
Oatmeal - Adds a hearty texture and a nutty flavor, making the cookies more filling and satisfying.
Coconut Flakes - Offer a tropical twist with a chewy texture and sweet, nutty flavor, enhancing the cookie's complexity.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips - Add rich, chocolatey bursts in every bite, creating a delightful contrast with the other textures and flavors.

How To Make Cowboy Cookies

Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Mix the wet ingredients: Add the margarine to the bowl of a stand mixer along with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, hot water, and vanilla extract. Mix with the paddle attachment until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Add the dry ingredients: To the wet ingredient mixture, add the baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Add the oatmeal, coconut, and flour and mix well. Slowly fold in the chocolate chips, being careful not to over-mix.

Bake and cool: Use a two-inch cookie scoop to place each ball of cookie dough on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2½ inches between each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies start to turn a slight golden brown color. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before placing them on a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Overhead look at cowboy cookies stacked on top of each other.

Baking Tips

Soften the margarine at room temperature before mixing for smoother and easier blending with other ingredients. Cream the margarine and sugars thoroughly until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air and gives the cookies a better texture.
Beat the eggs one at a time into the sugar mixture, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next for a more cohesive batter.
Use a consistent-sized cookie scoop for even baking and to ensure all cookies are the same size.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Avoid overmixing the dough once the flour is added, as it can lead to tough cookies.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack, which helps them set properly.

Flavor Variations and Substitutions

Replace margarine with unsalted butter for a richer, more traditional cookie flavor.
Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber.
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips or chunks to add a deeper chocolate taste.
Mix in a half cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nuttiness.
Replace coconut flakes with dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.
Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a subtle almond flavor that pairs well with chocolate and coconut.
Stir in a half cup of white chocolate chips for a creamy, contrasting chocolate flavor.
Add a zesty twist by including the zest of one orange to the dough for a citrusy note.

Six cowboy cookies stacked on top of each other.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: To keep your cowboy cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you're in a humid climate, slip a piece of bread into the container; the bread absorbs excess moisture, keeping the cookies from getting too soft.

Freezing: Once they're completely cool, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually. After a couple of hours, transfer the frozen cookies into a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven for that just-baked taste.

FAQ

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

You can use quick oats as a substitute for old-fashioned oats. However, keep in mind that quick oats will give the cookies a softer texture compared to the chewier texture of old-fashioned oats.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

The cowboy cookies are done when they are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to cook and set as they cool on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time and bake it later?

You can absolutely prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out in the fridge.

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