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Cowboy Cookies
I’m a big fan of BIG cookies. Those dainty ones that you find on doily-lined dessert trays? They aren’t for me. The bigger, the chunkier the better. I have found quite a few that fit the bill, such as the Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies (my all-time favorite), Chewy Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies and Monster Cookies, and these Cowboy Cookies meet all the requirements of the big-cookie club. First, let’s talk size. These bad boys have some serious heft and they are over 4 inches in diameter. Then, the thick, chunky factor is in full effect here. When you include oats, chocolate chips, pecans and coconut, you are certainly not lacking in flavor or texture with each and every bite. In fact, their size and heft make them perfect for satisfying cowboy-sized cravings!
This recipe was submitted to a Family Circle cookie bakeoff by Laura Bush during the 2000 Presidential campaign. They went up against Tipper Gore’s ginger snaps, and these babies won hands-down. My 90-year-old Grandma is a staunch Democrat and for 8 years she never held her tongue when it came to sharing her thoughts on George Bush. I shared one of these cookies with her and when she went on and on about how delicious they were, I said, “Grandma, do you want to know where I got this recipe?” “Where?” she said. “It’s from Laura Bush – George’s wife.” She paused, thought, then said, “Hmm, well, I have to say then – she must be a very good baker.” She gave me quite the chuckle :)
Now, these cookies make 3 dozen massive cookies. I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to cut the recipe in half (although you could always freeze the balls of dough or the baked cookies). This recipe scales down rather nicely except for one unfortunate ingredient – it calls for 3 eggs. Not the easiest thing to cut in half, but totally doable and I’m going to show you how!
How to Cut a Recipe in Half with an Odd Number of Eggs:
1. Take the full amount of eggs called for in the recipe (in this case, 3) and break them into a measuring cup.
2. With a fork, lightly beat the eggs so they are combined, and then note what the volume level is (in this case, a little less than 2/3 cup).
3. Pour out some of the eggs until you’re at half the original amount (in this case we’re aiming for a tad less than 1/3 cup). Don’t waste the eggs! You can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Save them for scrambled eggs for breakfast :)
4. That’s it! Add the eggs to the recipe as instructed.
These cookies lend themselves exceptionally well to adaptions with your favorite add-ins. How would you customize them?
One year ago: Lemon-Limoncello Cupcakes
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These cowboy cookies are so good, you have to try them!
- 3
cups
all-purpose flour
- 1
tablespoon
baking powder
- 1
tablespoon
baking soda
- 1
tablespoon
ground cinnamon
- 1
teaspoon
salt
- 1½
cups
unsalted butter, at room temperature
((3 sticks ))
- 1½
cups
granulated sugar
- 1½
cups
packed light brown sugar
- 3
large eggs
- 1
tablespoon
vanilla
- 3
cups
semisweet chocolate chips
- 3
cups
old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2
cups
sweetened
(flaked coconut)
- 2
cups
chopped pecans
((8 ounces ))
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or line with a silicone baking mat.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the sugars and continue to beat until light and fluffy, scraping the bowl as necessary, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. With a wooden spoon or large rubber spatula stir in the chocolate chips, oats, coconut and pecans.
4. For each cookie, drop ¼ cup dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Bake until the edges are set but the middles still look light and puffy, about 12-15 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through. Cool cookies on the baking sheets.
Calories: 355kcal
Fat: 19g
Saturated fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 34mg
Sodium: 180mg
Potassium: 215mg
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 24g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 265%
Vitamin C: 0.1%
Calcium: 48%
Iron: 2.1%
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Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!
I make these all the time. Love these COWBOY COOKIES. I’ve made them for tailgates, friends, family. They are LOVED by all. My husband doesn’t like chocolate so I reserve some of the dough and put raisins in his. Absolutely the best COWBOY COOKIES ever!
Hello I am writing you to let you know that this recipe is NOT Cowboy Cookies. I have been making cowboy cookies since I was in my twenty’s I am now 70. I got this recipe from my mother-in-law and she also made them way before me. Cowboy Cookies are a cross between an Oatmeal Cookie and a chocolate Chip cookie. No raisins , no coconut. These are my husband and kids favorite cookies. Just thought I’d let you know. Thanks, Kathy
These cookies have been my go-to for years. I love them, and so do my colleagues, friends, and family!
I use chocolate chunks instead of chips. Sometimes, I use walnuts instead of pecans – both work well! I usually end up mixing the oats/chocolate/nuts/coconut in with my hands using food-safe gloves – these are so dense that it’s a freakin’ workout with a wooden spoon! I generally refrigerate the dough for an hour before baking. Also, I finish them with some flaky Maldon salt right after they come out of the oven. Yum.
Hello Michelle! I love these cookies and have made them many times. They are always a favorite of everyone who eats them. I have a question for you, please. Can I put the dough together, then cover it and pop it in the fridge and bake the following day? Thanks!
Hi Valerie, So glad you love the cookies! Chilling the dough overnight would be just fine.
I have made this many times, always changing a few things if I’m out of oatmeal, or out of chips, it is a wonderfully forgiving recipe? The family loves it
I put the dough together yesterday, and I scooped dough balls and froze them immediately. I baked some from frozen for breakfast. These cookies are fantastic. Now I have a freezer full of potential warm treats waiting for me. Thank you for another keeper.