Cowboy Cookies Recipe

4.85 from 19 votes

Published on January 25, 2023

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There is a lot to love about these popular Cowboy Cookies. From the chocolate chips and pecans to the oats, coconut and more, each bite is heavenly.

Cowboy Cookies

These loaded cookies are massive and pack a ton of flavor in each bite. They are packed with some really delicious ingredients.

One bite of these cookies and you will be hooked.

What are cowboy cookies?

Cowboy Cookies are oatmeal cookies loaded with chocolate chips, shredded coconut and pecans. They are baked until golden brown and so delicious.

These tasty cookies rose to popularity during the Presidential Cookie Bake Off in 2000. Laura Bush submitted her recipe for Cowboy Cookies which most preferred to Tipper Gore’s Ginger Snaps.

Also try Coffee Cookies and Sweet Potato Cookies.

Ingredients:

All Purpose Flour
Baking Soda
Baking Powder
Ground Cinnamon
Salt
Unsalted Butter, softened
Granulated Sugar
Brown Sugar
Large Eggs, room temperature
Vanilla Extract
Old-Fashioned Oats
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Chopped Pecans
Sweetened Coconut Flakes

How to make cowboy cookies:

Step 1. Preheat the oven. It needs to be set to 350 degrees F.

Step 2. Prepare the pan. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 3. Combine the dry ingredients. In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, powder powder, ground cinnamon and salt. Then set aside.

Step 4. Cream the butter and sugar. Using a mixer, cream together the butter with the sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then add in the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients together. Gradually add in the flour mixture, mixing after each addition, until just combined. Be careful not to over mix.

Process photos of bowls combining mixture.

Step 6. Mix in the chocolate and oats. Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, pecans and coconut.

Step 7. Scoop into dough balls. Use a cookie scoop to drop balls of the cookie dough onto the baking sheets.

Step 8. Bake the cookies. Bake for 11-13 minutes until the edges of the cookies are set and lightly browned.

Process photos of mixing ingredients and forming cookie balls.

Step 9. Allow to set. Let the cookies set on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then move them to cooling racks to cool completely.

Jump to recipe below for complete instructions.

How to store:

Store the leftover cookies at room temperature in an airtight container or bag. We like to place a slice of bread in the container to keep the cookies soft.

Cowboy cookies piled together on platter.

How to freeze

These cookies freeze well and there are two options you can choose from. You can freeze the dough which is the method we prefer.

After forming the dough balls, flash freeze on a baking sheet for 1 to 2 hours. Then freeze in bags or freezer containers until ready to bake.

This method makes it super easy to enjoy fresh baked cookies any day of the week. Just note that frozen cookies will need a few extra minutes to bake.

The other option is to freeze the cookies after they are baked. I suggest placing parchment paper in between the layers when freezing. You can use a freezer container or bag and freeze up to 3 months.

Get all the step by step instructions to freeze cookie dough.

Tips for Easy cowboy cookie recipe

Don’t overmix. The batter should be mixed until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.
Line the baking sheets. Parchment paper makes clean up easy and helps the cookies to bake evenly without spreading a bunch.
Allow the cookies to set. The cookies need to remain on the baking sheet for 5 minutes prior to moving to the cooling rack. This will help them to set and not crumble when moved.
Cookie Scoop. The cookies will be the same size and cook evenly if you use a cookie scoop. This also helps to make the process super fast.
Room temperature. Make sure the butter is room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture. The eggs should also be room temperature.
Old Fashioned Oats. We prefer these instead of Quick Oats. They provide a better texture in the cookie mixture and make them chewy.
Good quality chocolate. Try to use a good quality chocolate in this recipe. You will taste the difference.
Don’t overbake. The cookies should be baked until just lightly browned. They will finish baking on the cooking sheet once you take them out of the oven.
Chill the dough. You can chill the dough before rolling into balls to make it easier to shape. Refrigerating for 15 to 20 minutes should do the trick.

Cowboy cookies piled together on cookie sheet.

Substitutions and Additions

Add ins. Try including more favorites such as raisins, cranberries or dates.
Coconut. We love shredded coconut but this can be omitted if you do not care for it.
Nuts. Substitute walnuts, almonds or macadamia nuts instead of chopped pecans.
Sea Salt. Top the cookies with flaky sea salt for another layer of flavor.
Chocolate. You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate or semi sweet chocolate. You can even use white chocolate or try a mix of different types.

Cowboy Cookies will be a huge hit.

These flavor packed cookies are absolutely delicious. They are loaded with a ton of really tasty ingredients that result in fabulous cookies.

Once you make these, everyone will go crazy. Be prepared to make them for potlucks and lots of occasions. They will definitely be a highly requested dessert.