Best Cowboy Cookies Recipe Loaded with Coconut and Pecans

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, especially when it’s a batch of these irresistible cowboy cookies. Packed with chewy coconut, crunchy pecans, gooey chocolate chips, and hearty oats, this recipe is like a sweet escape to cookie heaven. Honestly, these cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a combination of textures and flavors in every bite.

My love affair with cowboy cookies started years ago when I stumbled upon the recipe in an old church cookbook. Over time, I’ve tweaked and tested it to create what I believe is the best version out there. These cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or just indulging in on a lazy afternoon with a cup of coffee. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a regular in your baking rotation!

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cowboy cookies deliver on all fronts. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and how you can whip up a batch in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Loaded with Flavor: The coconut and pecans add a unique twist, making these cookies stand out from the rest.
• Perfect Texture: Soft and chewy with just the right amount of crunch from the nuts and oats.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items here—everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday potluck, a bake sale, or a quiet weekend, these cookies fit the bill.
• Family-Approved: Both kids and adults go wild for these cookies. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

What sets this recipe apart is the balance between the rich butteriness of the dough and the nutty-sweet combo of coconut and pecans. Plus, the oatmeal gives it a hearty feel without being overwhelming. If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s equal parts nostalgic and indulgent, this is it.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a cookie masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, giving it structure.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay light.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a bit of crispness to the edges.
• Brown sugar: Provides moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor.
• Eggs: Acts as the binder and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract: For that classic cookie flavor.
• Old-fashioned oats: Gives the cookies a chewy, hearty texture.
• Shredded sweetened coconut: Adds chewiness and a hint of tropical sweetness.
• Chopped pecans: For a nutty crunch that complements the other flavors.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Because no cookie is complete without chocolate!

Pro tip: Use high-quality vanilla extract and fresh pecans for the best flavor. If you’re a fan of darker chocolate, feel free to swap the semi-sweet chips for bittersweet ones.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to whip up these delicious cowboy cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A large mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
• Cooling rack

If you don’t have a stand mixer, no worries—a hand mixer works just as well. And for those who prefer to go old-school, you can mix the dough by hand with a sturdy wooden spoon.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the wet ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, making sure everything is well combined.
5. Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Fold in the goodies: Stir in the oats, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon.
7. Scoop the dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm when the chocolate is still melty, but they’re just as delicious at room temperature.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Use room temperature butter: It creams better with the sugars and ensures even mixing.
• Don’t skip the chilling: If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
• Toast the pecans: For extra flavor, lightly toast the chopped pecans before adding them to the dough.
• Measure your flour properly: Too much flour can make the cookies dry, so spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.

And remember, every oven is different! Keep an eye on the cookies during the last couple of minutes to avoid overbaking.

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
• No Nuts: Substitute the pecans with sunflower seeds or simply omit them.
• Extra Sweetness: Add white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a fun twist.
• Seasonal Add-Ins: Mix in dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a fruity variation.

Feel free to get creative! This recipe is flexible enough to handle your favorite mix-ins.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cowboy cookies are best served at room temperature with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. If you’re feeling fancy, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

To store, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you baked them!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s an estimate for one cookie (based on a yield of 24):

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g

The oats provide fiber, while the pecans offer healthy fats. It’s a treat, but one with a little extra goodness packed in!

Conclusion

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie recipe that’s a little bit nostalgic, a little bit indulgent, and 100% delicious, these cowboy cookies are calling your name. Packed with coconut, pecans, and chocolate, they offer the perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and sweet.

So grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake your new favorite cookie. Don’t forget to share your creations—whether it’s with friends, family, or even on social media. I’d love to hear how you make them your own!

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Old-fashioned oats provide more chewiness.

Do I have to use sweetened coconut?

No, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut if you prefer a less sweet cookie.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

What can I use instead of pecans?

You can substitute walnuts, almonds, or even skip the nuts entirely.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading.

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