One bite of a cowboy cookie, and you know it’s not just any regular chocolate chip cookie.
The oats add chew, the coconut gives a little texture, and the pecans bring in a nutty crunch.
A key trick is using old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats—the texture is way better, and they hold up during baking.
I swap half the butter for shortening to help them hold their shape.
I always make a double batch because these babies are just waaay too good!
How to Make Martha Stewart’s Cowboy Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 3/4 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 cup Old Fashioned Oats
- 1 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- 3/4 cup Pecan Halves (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Coconut (shredded)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 Large Eggs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
This prevents the cookies from sticking.
Step 2:
Cream together the unsalted butter, sugar, and packed light brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
You can use an electric mixer on medium speed for best results.
Step 3:
Add in the eggs, one at a time.
Make sure each is incorporated well into the batter.
Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4:
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Slowly add this to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Over-mixing can make the cookies tough.
Step 5:
Stir in oats, chocolate chips, pecans, and shredded coconut.
Spoon the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients
Always use fresh baking soda and baking powder to help your cookies rise as they should and have the perfect texture.
Chill the Dough
Chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies hold their shape better and gives them a chewier texture.
Rotating Baking Sheets
Remember to rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure that all cookies bake evenly.
Adjusting for Altitude
If you live at a high altitude, you might need to add a little more flour to keep the cookies from spreading too much.
Experiment with an extra tablespoon of flour until you see the best results.
Substitute the Nuts
Feel free to substitute pecans with another type of nut like walnuts or almonds if preferred, or leave them out if there are nut allergies in the family!
What to Serve with Martha Stewart Cowboy Cookies Recipe
Glass of Milk
Start by pairing these cookies with a classic glass of milk.
The creaminess and coolness of milk complement the chewy and sweet flavors of the cowboy cookies perfectly.
It’s the traditional pairing that’s hard to beat!
Vanilla Ice Cream
You could serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The cold, creamy texture combined with the warm, chewy cookie creates a delicious contrast.
It’s a simple addition that makes dessert time a bit more fun.
Fresh Berries
Consider having some fresh berries along with your cookies.
The natural tartness and juiciness of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries work well with the sweetness of the cookies.
It’s a refreshing combination that adds a little something extra to your cookie snack time.
Cheese Platter
For something a bit unexpected, try adding a small cheese platter.
The savory, salty flavors of cheeses like cheddar or brie balance the sweetness of the cookies.
Coffee
Pairing cowboy cookies with a cup of coffee can be a real treat.
The rich, bold flavors of coffee accentuate the sweet notes in the cookies.
It’s a perfect way to enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up!
Variations and Substitutions
Nuts and Add-Ins
You can change the pecans to walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different kind of crunch.
It’s fun to add a hint of unexpected flavor with some dried cranberries or cherries.
A handful of mini marshmallows can create a gooey surprise with each bite!
Sweetener Options
Try swapping some or all of the white sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly different sweetness.
Adding a tablespoon of molasses will add a richer flavor and a deeper color to your cookie.
If you want, you can sometimes substitute maple syrup for a portion of the sugars.
Flour Choices
For a different texture and taste, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose.
Using half whole wheat and half oat flour adds a nutty flavor that’s just delicious!
A gluten-free baking mix can often work well if you’re looking to avoid gluten.
Flavor Twists
Mix in a tablespoon of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
A teaspoon of espresso powder can intensify the chocolate flavor nicely if that’s your thing.
You might love the warmth of adding a little bit of nutmeg along with cinnamon.
How to Store Leftover Cowboy Cookies
Storing leftover cowboy cookies is easy and keeps them fresh for your next snack break!
You can store the cookies at room temperature, ideally in an airtight container or a ziplock bag.
Cookies stored this way usually stay fresh for about five days, and you can enjoy the deliciousness anytime!
Freezing Cowboy Cookies
If you made a big batch and want to save some for a later date, freeze them!
First, wrap each cookie in plastic wrap or foil to keep them from sticking together.
Next, place them in a ziplock bag and stash them in the freezer for up to three months.
Thawing Cookies
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, let them defrost on the counter.
Take them out of the freezer and place them on the counter at room temperature.
In a couple of hours, they should be ready to eat and enjoy!
Cookie Freshness Tips
To keep your cookies fresh, try placing a piece of bread in the container with them.
The bread helps maintain moisture, keeping the cookies nice and soft.
This trick works wonders if you find your cookies drying out sooner than expected!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect Oven Temperature
Make sure your oven temperature is set accurately to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. I
f your oven runs hot or cold, it might cause uneven baking or burnt cookies.
Use an oven thermometer for accuracy and adjust as needed!
Skipping the Toasting of Nuts
Never skip toasting the pecans before adding them to the dough.
Toasting brings out their flavor and adds a little crunch.
You’ll want them to darken slightly and release a fragrant aroma, which takes about 10 to 13 minutes.
Overmixing the Dough
Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies instead of the perfectly tender result you’re aiming for.
When you combine your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated.
Keep an eye out, and stop as soon as everything is combined!
Martha Stewart Cowboy Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 3/4 cup Light Brown Sugar packed
- 1 cup Old Fashioned Oats
- 1 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- 3/4 cup Pecan Halves chopped
- 1/2 cup Coconut shredded
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 Large Eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- This prevents the cookies from sticking.
- Cream together the unsalted butter, sugar, and packed light brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
- You can use an electric mixer on medium speed for best results.
- Add in the eggs, one at a time.
- Make sure each is incorporated well into the batter.
- Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Slowly add this to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Over-mixing can make the cookies tough.
- Stir in oats, chocolate chips, pecans, and shredded coconut.
- Spoon the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.