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    Home » Desserts » Cowboy Cookies

    Cowboy Cookies

    Published: Mar 5, 2019 · Modified: Apr 12, 2022 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Best cowboy cookies! This easy cowboy cookie recipe makes chewy oatmeal cookies packed with coconut, pecans, and chocolate chunks.

    Rows of wire cowboy cookies on a wire cooling rack.

    Sometimes it's nice to make just a basic oatmeal cookie. Something simple and comforting and easy.

    Other times, it's nice to make a cookie that's loaded with all sorts of good things - like monster cookies or these cowboy cookies.

    These cowboy cookies are soft, chewy oatmeal cookies that have plenty of chocolate chunks, pecans, and coconut in them.

    What are cowboy cookies?

    Cowboy cookies are a kind of cookie mashup. They're like an oatmeal cookie crossed with a chocolate chip cookie with coconut thrown in for extra texture and flavor.

    There are lots of variations, and some recipes include peanut butter, corn flakes, M&M's, or other ingredients.

    This cowboy cookie recipe, though, is a traditional recipe that just has the basics in it.

    How to make cowboy cookies

    Butter in a glass dish for cowboy cookies

    Step 1: Begin by melting the butter in a large bowl. I recommend melting the butter most of the way and then whisking it to finish melting.

    Top tip >> It takes 40 seconds in my microwave. You don't want the butter to be hot and sizzling. It should look like the butter in the second picture once it's melted.

    Step 2: Add the brown sugar.

    Brown sugar and butter in a glass bowl for cowboy cookies

    Step 3: Whisk in the brown sugar until combined.

    Step 4: Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Whisk in until combined.

    Cowboy cookie dough in a glass bowl

    Step 5: Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk in until combined.

    Step 6: Whisk in the oats until combined.

    Cowboy cookie dough on a silicone baking mat

    Step 7: Add the pecans, coconut, and chocolate chunks. Mix in until incorporated.

    Step 8: Scoop the cookie dough and place the cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2-inches apart.

    Step 9: Bake.

    A blue plate with cowboy cookies stacked on it.

    Recipe FAQs

    Do I have to use chopped baking chocolate?

    No, you can use 10-12 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or bittersweet chocolate chips instead.

    Can I use a different type of nut?

    You can! You can use walnuts or even omit the nuts.

    Can I freeze the cookies?

    Yes, the baked cookies can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

    A plate of cowboy cookies next to a wire cooling rack.

    How to store 

    Store the cookies in an airtight container or resealable bag.

    How long will the cookies keep?

    The cookies will keep for 3-4 days.

    A cowboy cookie broken in half on top of each other.

    More cookie recipes!

    • Easiest Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
    • Brownie Cookie Recipe
    • Lofthouse Cookies Copycat Recipe
    • Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

    If you’ve tried this cowboy cookie recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who've made my recipes!

    You can subscribe to receive my latest recipe newsletters or follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for even more delicious food.

    Rows of wire cowboy cookies on a wire cooling rack.

    Cowboy Cookies

    Chewy oatmeal cookies packed with pecans, coconut, and chocolate chunks. Check out the step-by-step photos and tips above the recipe. 
    5 from 19 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 8 minutes
    Total Time: 23 minutes
    Servings: 36 cookies
    Calories: 171kcal
    Author: Kate @ I Heart Eating

    Ingredients

    • ¾ cup butter melted¹
    • 1 ½ cups light brown sugar packed
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 egg yolk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour²
    • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt³
    • 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
    • 4 ounces semisweet baking chocolate⁴ chopped
    • 1 cup shredded coconut
    • 1 cup chopped pecans
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside. 
    • Add the melted butter and brown sugar to a large mixing bowl, and whisk until well-combined.
    • Whisk in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla until well-combined. 
    • Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk in until just combined. 
    • Whisk in the oats just until incorporated. 
    • Add the baking chocolate, pecans, and coconut, and whisk in until combined. 
    • Drop by 1.5 tablespoon scoops (medium cookie scoops) 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet. 
    • Bake 8-14 minutes. The cookies should be light golden brown at the edges but look underdone in the middle. This will help to keep them soft and chewy.⁵

    Video

    Notes

    1. I recommend melting the butter most of the way and then whisking to finish melting the butter. It takes about 40 seconds in my microwave. 
    2. Be sure to either weigh or sift or stir the flour, lightly spoon into the measuring cup, and then level to avoid packing in the flour. 
    3. Or ¼ teaspoon table salt. 
    4. Or 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
    5. Overbaking the cookies will give you a crunchier cookie. 
    6. Nutrition values are estimates. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 92mg | Potassium: 91mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 135IU | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Rate it below. Mention @i_heart_eating on Instagram & tag #ihearteating!
    « Homemade Whipped Cream
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    About Kate

    Kate got her first cookbook when she was five years old, and she hasn't stopped cooking since then! Her delicious recipes have been featured on Food Network, MSN, Better Homes & Gardens, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, and more. When she's not cooking or baking, she can be found on her mini farm with her husband and her five kids.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Merita Pierce

      April 26, 2022 at 4:54 pm

      5 stars
      Thank You for the recipe. My cookies came out great and chewy. Blessing

      Reply
      • Kate

        April 27, 2022 at 11:41 pm

        You're welcome! I'm glad you liked them!

        Reply
    2. brielle

      July 24, 2021 at 6:17 pm

      5 stars
      fourth time making these beauties! absolutely in love with them and so is my family based on how fast they’re gone. 100% recommend!

      Reply
      • Kate

        July 26, 2021 at 5:11 pm

        Thank you! I'm so glad that you like the cookies!

        Reply
    3. Connie

      May 01, 2021 at 5:36 pm

      5 stars
      I just baked a batch and they were gone before they could cool. Everyone gave them two thumbs up.

      Reply
      • Kate

        May 05, 2021 at 10:54 pm

        Yay! I’m glad that they were a hit!

        Reply
    4. Kara

      January 28, 2021 at 11:12 am

      Can you simply omit the oats if you only have instant oats?

      Reply
      • Kate

        January 30, 2021 at 10:01 am

        No, unfortunately, that won't work. The ratios will be off, and you'll end up with runny cookies. You can try using the instant oats, or I'd be happy to recommend a different recipe for you.

        Reply
    5. Amanda

      January 27, 2021 at 7:52 pm

      Can I freeze the dough?

      Reply
      • Kate

        January 30, 2021 at 10:00 am

        You can! I recommend freezing the scoops on a tray and then putting them in a freezer-safe container once they're frozen. The baked cookies also freeze well.

        Reply
    6. Lisa

      December 29, 2020 at 7:10 pm

      5 stars
      I made these with Bob’s redmill paleo flour (almond based) for a gluten free version. Also used Lilly’s sugar free chocolate chips and unsweetened shaved coconut. They were AMAZING!!! So many wonderful flavors together in one cookie. This is now my favorite cookie of all time! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Kate

        December 30, 2020 at 10:26 am

        Yay!! I'm so glad that they worked out well for you! Thank you for sharing your notes!

        Reply
        • Lynne

          September 23, 2021 at 5:04 pm

          Is it 4 ounces semi sweet baking chocolate and 12 oz chocolate chips, or is it one or the other?

          Reply
          • Kate

            September 23, 2021 at 10:39 pm

            It's one or the other. Feel free to use chips, chunks, or chopped chocolate.

    7. MaryAnn

      December 03, 2020 at 7:25 am

      What can you use if you do not have kosher salt?

      Reply
      • Kate

        December 09, 2020 at 10:09 am

        Hi! You can use table salt. You'll want to use half the amount, so you'll only need to use 1/4 teaspoon.

        Reply
    8. Angela Quintero

      August 25, 2020 at 9:35 am

      Hello!! Thank you for this amazing recipe , do you know long the batter can be kept on the refrigerator

      Reply
      • Kate

        August 25, 2020 at 2:08 pm

        Hi! Thank you! The cookie dough is best used within 3 days (in the fridge). The cookie dough *can* be kept in the fridge for longer than that, but the quality starts to deteriorate after 3 days. Hope that helps!

        Reply
      • Chantel H

        November 15, 2020 at 11:21 am

        Hi! Just wondering if "minute oats" can be used in this recipe? Thanks!

        Reply
    9. Linda Steinquist

      July 31, 2020 at 9:43 am

      5 stars
      The Cowboy Cookie recipe. I have yet to make Today is Friday July 31,2020. I'm a Senior Citizen and Disabled. I can't get around too well. But this Cowboy Cookirecipe sounds so yummy! I do have a question for you. If you don't have Coconut can you add more Chocolate C hips in place of the Coconut?

      Reply
      • Kate

        August 01, 2020 at 2:09 pm

        Thank you! You can omit the coconut if you don't have it. I'm afraid that if you have too much chocolate in the batter that the cookies may want to break apart.

        Reply
    10. Teri

      July 12, 2020 at 9:35 am

      5 stars
      AMAZING cookies! I love the flavor combination and texture of these. I was looking for something with a little more flavor than the standby chocolate chip cookie, and this is it!! I didn't have any issues with the dough or baking them, but also I didn't follow the recipe exactly (typical!). I added 2 eggs and a tbsp more butter to make sure the dough was soft. Definitely a keeper!

      Reply
      • Kate

        July 13, 2020 at 9:59 am

        Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked the cookies. =)

        Reply
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