Cowboy Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened or sweetened, based on preference)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
Preheat Oven & Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add Egg & Vanilla: Beat in the egg followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring they’re well combined.
Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
Stir in Goodies: Now, the fun part! Fold in the oats, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and pecans.
Drop & Bake: Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool & Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Achieving the dreamy, chewy consistency and a burst of flavors in every bite requires a touch of baking know-how. Here are a few secrets to elevate your Cowboy Cookie game:
Cook Note
Room Temperature Butter: This allows for easier mixing and results in a creamier texture.
Fresh Ingredients: Always ensure that your baking soda and baking powder are fresh for the perfect rise.
Chill the Dough: If you have some extra time, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This enhances the flavors and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Watch the Oven: All ovens vary slightly. It’s essential to keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes to prevent over-baking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats in place of old-fashioned rolled oats.
However, keep in mind that the texture of the cookies might be slightly different.
Quick oats are smaller and more finely cut, so the cookies may be less chewy.
Can I use different types of nuts in these cookies?
Absolutely! You can use different nuts like walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
You can also omit the nuts if you have allergies or preferences.
Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the cookies to your preference.
Just keep an eye on the baking time; smaller cookies might need less time, while larger cookies might need a bit more time.
Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?
Yes, you can use sweetened coconut if you prefer a sweeter taste in your cookies.
However, keep in mind that using sweetened coconut might make the overall cookie a bit sweeter.
How do I store Cowboy Cookies?
To keep the cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
If you want to store them for a longer period, you can also freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bags.
Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?
While butter provides the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine for a similar result.
However, the taste and texture might vary slightly.
Can I omit the shredded coconut from the recipe?
Yes, you can omit the shredded coconut if you prefer. The cookies will still be delicious with the other mix-ins.
Can I use a different type of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips.
The choice of chocolate will influence the sweetness and flavor of the cookies.
How can I make sure the cookies stay chewy?
To maintain the chewiness of the cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
You can also add a slice of bread to the container to help keep them soft.
Can I make the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 72 hours before baking.
This can enhance the flavor as the ingredients meld together.
Just let the dough sit at room temperature for a short while before scooping and baking.