Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe
Cowboy Cookie Bars are the ultimate answer when you want something chewy, chunky, and outrageously delightful to share (or keep all to yourself—no judgment here!). Packed with gooey chocolate chips, sweet coconut, hearty oats, and crunchy pecans, these easy-to-make cookie bars taste like a cross between your favorite chocolate chip cookie, granola bar, and a bite of home-baked nostalgia. In less than an hour, you’ll have a tray of golden goodness that is adored at potlucks, bake sales, or just a spontaneous cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cowboy Cookie Bars lies in their simplicity—each ingredient brings something unique to the table, from rich, buttery flavor to irresistible texture. Don’t skip a single one for the full cowboy experience!
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is the secret to that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and adds rich flavor.
- Brown Sugar (packed): Provides a deep, caramelized sweetness and extra chewiness—don’t skimp on packing it in your measuring cup!
- Granulated Sugar: Balances out the brown sugar with a brighter sweetness and helps with the perfect bar structure.
- Large Eggs: Two eggs bind everything together and add moisture for luscious, never-dry bars.
- Vanilla Extract: Boosts all the other flavors with its warm, familiar aroma—real vanilla makes a world of difference.
- All-Purpose Flour: The essential sturdy base that holds these chunky bars together.
- Baking Soda: Gives your Cowboy Cookie Bars a little lift and ensures a tender crumb.
- Baking Powder: Works together with the baking soda to create just the right amount of fluffiness.
- Salt: A pinch of salt sharpens the sweet flavors and keeps everything in balance.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Bring hearty chew, classic cowboy texture, and a touch of homey charm.
- Shredded Coconut: Sweetened or unsweetened works! Coconut adds depth, moisture, and a subtle tropical note.
- Chopped Pecans: Pecans add crunch and nutty richness; feel free to sub walnuts or leave them out for a nut-free treat.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Little bursts of chocolate goodness that melt into every bite—swap for dark or butterscotch if you’re feeling adventurous!
How to Make Cowboy Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—that way it’s ready to go when your dough is. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or, for easy lifting and no-fuss cleanup, line the pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step sets the foundation for a soft, pillowy texture, so don’t rush it—beat for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing until each is fully incorporated and the batter looks glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract, breathing in that sweet scent as it hits the bowl. This combo keeps your bars moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. You want to avoid over-mixing for the most tender Cowboy Cookie Bars!
Step 5: Add the Mix-Ins
Now comes the fun part: fold in the rolled oats, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips. Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed and the dough looks absolutely loaded.
Step 6: Spread and Bake
Spoon the thick, luscious dough into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, taking care to smooth it into the corners. Bake for 22–26 minutes—watch for golden, slightly crisped edges and a center that passes the toothpick test with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let your Cowboy Cookie Bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This patience pays off: you’ll get perfect slices that hold together and showcase all those glorious layers! Lift out using the parchment paper, and cut into 24 bars.
How to Serve Cowboy Cookie Bars
Garnishes
Dress up your Cowboy Cookie Bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a scattering of extra chocolate chips and toasted coconut right as they come out of the oven. Not only does this make them look bakery-ready, but it also adds a bit of pizzazz that’s irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert that feels decadent. A tall glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or even your favorite coffee makes these bars feel like a special treat no matter the occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Cowboy Cookie Bars into bite-size squares for a potluck, serve them stacked on a rustic wooden board for a western-themed gathering, or wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for the world’s most charming lunchbox surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cowboy Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They hold onto their irresistible chew and flavor, so you’ll always have a sweet snack ready to go.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature whenever a cookie craving strikes.
Reheating
If you love warm, melty treats, pop a Cowboy Cookie Bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This gently revives the chocolate chips and softens the bar without making it dry. For that just-baked crisp edge, a quick stint in a 300°F oven will do wonders.
FAQs
Can I make Cowboy Cookie Bars without coconut?
Absolutely! If coconut isn’t your thing, just leave it out—you’ll still have deliciously hearty and chunky bars. You can add extra oats or pecans to keep the volume the same.
What can I substitute for pecans?
Walnuts are a great swap if you want a different nutty note. For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or use sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
Are Cowboy Cookie Bars gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, use your favorite 1-for-1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free too.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a center that looks set but not dry. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your bars are ready. They’ll continue to set up as they cool.
Can I double the recipe?
If you want even more Cowboy Cookie Bars (who doesn’t?), you can double the recipe and bake it in two separate pans for even baking. Just don’t overcrowd a single pan or the texture will be off.
Final Thoughts
Cowboy Cookie Bars are destined to become a go-to recipe whenever you crave something hearty, sweet, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you bake them for a special gathering or just a whimsical weeknight treat, there’s something magical about the way oats, coconut, pecans, and chocolate come together. Give them a try and savor the rustic charm—your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Print
Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of these Cowboy Cookie Bars, a delightful twist on classic oatmeal cookies. Packed with coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips, these bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-Ins:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add Mix-Ins: Stir in the oats, coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- You can swap pecans for walnuts or omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor, or add a few butterscotch chips for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
