I put a recipe up years ago for some fun and simple Cowboy Cookie Bars. They are so yummy and have proven to be a big hit with readers. I realized recently that I had never shared the actual recipe for the cookies. They are very similar…practically identical, but I wanted to make sure I got the cookie version posted, too. It’s been a while since I’ve made Cowboy Cookies, so I made a big batch to photograph for this post. My kids were so happy and asked me why I don’t make this kind of cookie more often. Check your cupboard for ingredients, and surprise your kids or loved ones with a batch of these unique and delicious cookies!
One thing that is really fun about these cookies is that they are basically kitchen-sink cookies. If you don’t have any rice crispies, crush some cornflakes or add in extra oatmeal or nuts. I use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips in this recipe, but if you have remnants of other flavors you want to get rid of, throw them in. It’s always nice to have a cookie recipe that you can make with almost any combination of what you have on hand. (Tip: Did you know if you are out of brown sugar you can make a substitution of 1 cup granulated sugar + 2 tsp molasses?)
My Kids’ Favorite Cookie and Bar Recipes
- Snickerdoodle Bars
- S’more Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Triple Chocolate Cookies
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars
- Homemade Cake Mix Oreo Cookies
- Swig Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Classic No-Bake Cookies
Step-by-step pictures for how to make Cowboy Cookies
Frequently Asked Questions for how to make Cowboy Cookies
Can I substitute Quick oats for rolled oats?
In this recipe, the consistency of the cookie will be much better if you use old-fashioned oats. If you are in a bind and don’t have any, you can use quick, but I suggest cutting it from 2 cups to 1 3/4.
Can I substitute Coconut OIl or shortening for the Butter?
Yes. Both of those fats make great substitutions in this recipe. However, I prefer to only use half coconut oil and either shortening or butter for the other half. You can experiment to see what ratio you prefer.
How many cookies will this recipe make?
That will depend on how big you make the cookies, but you should be able to get 3-4 dozen.
Do I need to toast the nuts before adding them to the cookies?
No. You can if you want, but I never take the time to do that.
Does this Cowboy Cookie dough need to be REFRIGERATED before baking?
No. It wouldn’t hurt if you wanted to refrigerate it, but it is not necessary. These cookies can be baked right after mixing up the dough.
baker’s tools:
More Cowboy Recipes
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt (I prefer coarse sea salt.)
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup rice crispies cereal
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare two rimmed cookie sheets with parchment paper, Silpat mats, or cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugars for 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla. Mix until well combined, about 1 min.
- In a separate bowl, add the flour, old-fashioned oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
- Pour the flour mixture into the creamed mixer and mix until well combined.
- Next, mix in the coconut, rice crispies cereal, chopped nuts, and chocolate chips until just combined.
- Use a cookie scoop or two spoons to place dough balls 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet. If making regular-sized cookies, you should be able to fit 12 on a cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 9-12 minutes or until cookies are starting to lightly brown on the edges.
- Remove from oven and allow cookies to sit on cookie sheet for 1-2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Repeat until all the dough is gone.
- Enjoy!
Baked Oatmeal Recipes You've Gotta Try!
Where are the nutrition facts that I had asked for?
Hi Betty, I apologize but I don’t provide nutritional facts with any of my recipes.