Introduction
Cowboy Cookies are hearty, chewy, and loaded with texture—packed with oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts. These oversized, rustic cookies are famous for their rich flavor and satisfying bite, making them perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or sharing with friends and family.
Origin & Background
Cowboy Cookies are often associated with American home baking traditions and became widely known after Laura Bush shared her version during a presidential baking contest. Their sturdy texture and filling ingredients made them popular for long days on the trail—hence the name.
Ingredients (Makes about 18 large cookies)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-Ins
- 1½ cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup shredded coconut
Optional Add-Ins
- Raisins or dried cranberries
- White chocolate chips
- Toffee bits
- Pumpkin seeds
Tips for Success
✔ Use room-temperature butter for better creaming
✔ Don’t overbake—centers should look slightly soft
✔ Chill dough 30 minutes for thicker cookies
✔ Toast nuts for deeper flavor
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat to 350°F / 175°C and line baking sheets with parchment.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
In another bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla
Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
5. Combine
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until combined.
6. Fold in Mix-Ins
Stir in chocolate chips, nuts, and coconut.
7. Scoop Dough
Drop large spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheet, leaving space between.
8. Bake
Bake 12–15 minutes until edges are golden and centers soft.
9. Cool
Let cookies cool on rack for best texture.
Description
These cookies are thick, chewy, and loaded with flavor in every bite. The oats add heartiness, the chocolate brings sweetness, and the nuts provide crunch—creating the perfect balance of textures.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per cookie)
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Protein: 4 g
Conclusion
Cowboy Cookies are the ultimate rustic treat—big, bold, and packed with delicious ingredients. They’re perfect for bake sales, road trips, or whenever you want a cookie that feels homemade and comforting.
Serving Suggestions
- With a glass of milk
- Crumbled over ice cream
- Packed for picnics or travel snacks
- With coffee or hot cocoa
Healthful Indulgence Tip
Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly for a more wholesome version while keeping the chewy texture.