If you’re looking for the ultimate homemade cookie with a perfect balance of chewiness, crunch, and chocolatey goodness, Cowboy Cookies are a must-try! Packed with oats, chocolate chips, and walnuts, these hearty cookies have a rich, buttery flavor with a satisfying texture. Perfect for lunchboxes, holiday gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home, this classic cookie recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
Mix-Ins
2 cups chocolate chips
Walnuts, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps create the perfect cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Oats and Mix-Ins
Stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats until evenly distributed in the dough. Then, fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts to add that signature crunch and sweetness.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk!
Tips & Variations
Customize Your Cowboy Cookies
Nut-Free Version: Skip the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free cookie.
Extra Crunch: Add shredded coconut or a handful of chopped pecans for even more texture.
Chewier Cookies: Use more brown sugar than white sugar for a softer, chewier cookie.
Darker Chocolate: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks to add depth to the flavor.
Storage & Freezing
Store at Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze the Dough: Scoop cookie dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, pop them in the oven straight from the freezer—just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Thick & Chewy – The combination of oats, chocolate, and walnuts creates the perfect cookie texture.
✅ Easy to Make – No fancy ingredients or equipment needed—just a mixing bowl and an oven!
✅ Versatile & Customizable – Swap in different mix-ins like pecans, coconut, or even dried fruit.
✅ Great for Sharing – These cookies are a hit at bake sales, potlucks, and holiday parties!
Enjoy baking these Cowboy Cookies, and don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly!