The Best-Ever Cowboy Cookies (With Variations That Will Make Everbody Happy)!!
Do you have a favorite recipe? I have several!! But one of my favorites are these cowboy cookies! This is such a great go-to recipe!! And it’s turned into a true family favorite!
Cowboy cookies are a delightful fusion of classic chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal cookies, often enhanced with a variety of mix-ins that can cater to everyone’s taste. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a school event, or simply to satisfy a sweet tooth. In this blog post, we’ll explore not only the traditional recipe but also some fun variations that you can try to make them uniquely yours!
As I flipped through my collection of recipes, I noticed how much joy these cookies have brought into my life. From baking them with my children to sharing them with friends, each batch brings with it a memory that adds to the flavor of these cookies. The beauty of cooking is that it not only fulfills hunger but also creates a sense of belonging and love.
Years ago, I started collecting recipes, long before I got married & had children. I have a stack of hand written recipes, as well as ones I tore out of magazines when I could. Once, I even photocopied recipes from my aunts’ cookbooks! (I may have been a little overboard!?!)
Since discovering cowboy cookies, I’ve made it a point to experiment with different ingredients. For example, I’ve tried adding shredded coconut for a tropical twist or using peanut butter chips instead of chocolate for a nutty flavor. Each variation tells a different story and caters to unique preferences, making them a beloved treat in our household.
Why Are They Called Cowboy Cookies?
Did you know that cowboy cookies were traditionally made by ranchers and cowboys who needed a hearty snack to sustain them during long days on the ranch? These cookies are packed with energy and can be easily transported, making them the perfect companion for outdoor adventures. They represent a connection to the past, celebrating a simple yet fulfilling aspect of life that resonates even today.
When my children help in the kitchen, I love to watch their faces light up as they mix the ingredients. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an opportunity for us to bond, share laughs, and create something delicious together. Teaching them the importance of cooking and baking instills valuable life skills while creating cherished family moments that we’ll remember for years to come.
When gathering the ingredients for cowboy cookies, it’s essential to consider high-quality products. For instance, using organic oats and pure vanilla extract enhances the flavors significantly. Additionally, choosing semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can elevate the cookie experience, providing a rich taste that complements the sweetness of the dough. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different brands to find the perfect combination for your palate.
An important tip I learned over the years is to let the butter soften at room temperature before starting the recipe. This step is crucial as it allows for better incorporation of ingredients, leading to a fluffier and more evenly baked cookie. Patience in this early step pays off in the final result!
The best part is that now, I have my own little cowboys (and a cowgirl) to make these for! I hope that you love this recipe as much as our family does!
Best Cowboy Cookies Recipe Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 2 sticks salted butter softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup walnut, chopped or your preference of nut
Tips For Making The Best Cowboy Cookies
This recipe makes a large batch of cookies, which is great because you’re going to want to share (or maybe others are going to want you to share!?!). Be sure you use a large sheet pan so you can bake several large cookies at a time! (This one is my favorite because it is SO sturdy…I’ve had it forever!).
This recipe makes approximately 4 dozen cowboy cookies. These are also great to pre-portion out and flash freeze. Flash freezing means allowing something to freeze individually first (place scoops of cookie dough on a baking sheet & put them in the freezer). You can then remove the individual frozen cookies place them in a freezer bag and return them to the freezer to be taken out and baked later.
These cookies are wonderful to have on hand for unexpected company or even just a weeknight dinner that needs a special ending! Be sure to check out my homemade ice cream & homemade hot fudge sauce recipes! They would make perfect companions to these yummy cowboy cookies!!
The cookies above are about to go into the freezer to be flash-frozen! If you are baking them, leave about 1 1/2-2 inches between each cookie. If you bring them straight out of the freezer, you will need to add a little extra to the baking time.
Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, the process of making cowboy cookies is straightforward. It all begins with creaming the butter and sugars, which is a fun task for kids. The light, fluffy mixture creates the perfect base for the rest of the ingredients. After mixing in the eggs and vanilla, the dry ingredients come next, followed by the oats and mix-ins. This order helps create a well-blended dough that bakes beautifully.
After you prepare the dough, allow it to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, which results in a delightful texture. If you prefer a chewier cookie, you might want to experiment with chilling times to find your ideal balance.
Best Ever Cowboy Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 2 sticks salted butter softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup walnut, chopped or your preference of nut
Instructions
- Stir together the first 6 ingredients in a small bowl.
- In a separate larger bowl, blend butter and both kinds of sugar with a mixer for 2 minutes.
- Start slowly adding flour mixture to the butter mixture and incorporate well before adding more of the flour mixture.
- Half at a time, add chocolate chips and walnuts.
- Refrigerate dough for about 5 minutes before baking.
- Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes (watch your cookies closely until you know how your oven bakes, these are best when you taken them out when they are just starting to brown.
Notes
Coconut Cowboy Cookies– add 1 cup of flaked coconut.
Cranberry White Chocolate Cowboy Cookies– Replace one of the cups of chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and add 1 cup of dried cranberries.
Peanut Butter Cowboy Cookies– Add 1 cup of peanut butter to the butter and sugar and mix together. You can also replace one of the cups of chocolate chips with peanut butter chips if wanted.
Tuxedo Cowboy Cookies– Add 1 cup of sweetened flaked coconut and replace one of the cups of chocolate chips with white chocolate and use pecans instead of walnuts.
Have you made these Cowboy Cookies? What do you think of the recipe? Let me know in the comments below!
Chewy Cowboy Cookies Variations
For those who want to explore further, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough. It might sound unusual, but it adds a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies. Similarly, you can use different nuts like pecans or almonds to add a unique crunch that complements the soft texture of the oatmeal.
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step prevents them from breaking apart and ensures they retain their deliciously soft center. For an extra special touch, drizzle some melted chocolate or a simple icing on top of the cooled cookies for a beautiful presentation!
Finally, remember that sharing is caring! Whether you package up some cookies as a thoughtful gift for a friend or host a cookie party at your home, these treats bring joy and happiness to everyone who tastes them. Don’t forget to snap some pictures to capture these sweet moments, and share them with your loved ones on social media!
