Packed with oats, chocolate chips, and pecans, these cowboy cookies are a hearty snack that’ll satisfy any sweet tooth. Perfect for rodeos, picnics, or just because, they’re as rugged and delightful as the Lone Star State itself.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of oats and flour gives these cookies a satisfying chewiness that’s hard to resist.
- Chocolate chips and pecans add a rich, nutty flavor and a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Brown sugar brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that elevates the overall taste.
- These cookies are versatile and can be customized with different add-ins to suit any preference.
- They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing, making them a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet without a fuss. Tip: Letting your butter soften at room temperature makes it easier to cream with the sugars.
Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes. The fluffiness is key for a tender cookie. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears. Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, and pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Tip: For uniformly sized cookies, use a scoop. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy Your Creation
Once cooled, these cowboy cookies are ready to enjoy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Tip: These cookies freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead for future cravings or events.
Tips and Tricks
For those looking to take their cowboy cookies to the next level, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the dough. This enhances their flavor and adds an extra crunch. If you’re a fan of texture, try mixing in some coconut flakes or dried fruit for a surprising twist. And for a perfectly round cookie, use the back of a spoon to gently shape the cookies right after they come out of the oven while they’re still soft.
Recipe Variations
- Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Add a cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Mix in some dried cranberries or cherries for a tart contrast to the sweet chocolate.
- For a decadent version, use white chocolate chips instead of semisweet.
- Make them gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of nuts or have an allergy, you can simply leave them out. The cookies will still be delicious with the oats and chocolate chips providing plenty of texture and flavor.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?
Yes, quick oats can be used in place of old-fashioned oats, but keep in mind that the texture of the cookies will be slightly different. Quick oats are more finely cut, which can result in a less chewy cookie.
Summary
Laura Bush Cowboy Cookies are a hearty, flavorful treat that combines the best of oats, chocolate, and pecans into one delicious bite. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for any occasion.
