If you’re searching for the ultimate, crowd-pleasing treat that’s equal parts nostalgic and irresistible, let me introduce you to Cowboy Cookie Bars. These bars are the definition of sweet comfort, blending all the best bits of a classic cookie—chocolate, oats, coconut, and nuts—into thick, chewy slabs that are wildly satisfying. Every bite hits that perfect balance of crunchy edges and soft, gooey centers, making these bars a recipe you’ll find every excuse to bake, share, and savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this recipe is how it transforms humble, pantry-friendly ingredients into something extraordinary. Each element in Cowboy Cookie Bars brings its own magic—richness, chewiness, a hint of spice, and bursts of chocolate—so don’t skip a thing!
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Lends richness and keeps the bars supremely tender; soften it for smooth mixing.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Adds caramel notes and chewiness, building that classic cookie flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and helps achieve crisper edges.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add structure, so your bars slice beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Layers in a sweet, aromatic depth—don’t be tempted to skimp!
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the sturdy base for thick, hearty cookie bars.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise and stay airy instead of dense.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures the bars remain soft and puffy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Punches up all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and homestyle aroma—totally essential!
- Rolled oats (1 1/2 cups): Provide chewy texture and rustic flavor, making every bite satisfying.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (1 cup): Contributes chewy sweetness and an unbeatable, toasty edge.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (3/4 cup): Offer a delightful crunch and nutty richness—pecans bring a buttery bite, while walnuts give mild bitterness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Deliver irresistible pockets of chocolate that melt into the bars.
How to Make Cowboy Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly and develop that gorgeous golden top. Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish or, for even easier cleanup, line it with parchment paper so you can lift the whole batch out effortlessly when cooled.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is pale and fluffy—this incorporates air, setting the stage for those crave-worthy chewy centers.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in your eggs, one at a time, and blend well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that classic cookie aroma you can’t wait to taste in the finished Cowboy Cookie Bars.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures all the leavening agents and spices are distributed evenly through your dough, preventing pockets of bitterness or blandness.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture. Stir gently and don’t overwork the dough—only mix until just combined for tender, thick bars.
Step 6: Fold in the Goodies
Now for the cowboy-approved mix-ins! Gently fold in the rolled oats, shredded coconut, chopped pecans or walnuts, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Ensure everything is evenly distributed so each bite is packed with flavor.
Step 7: Spread and Bake
Scrape the dough into your prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bars are set in the center and just turning golden. Remember—for the chewiest bars, slightly underbake and let them finish setting as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan; this patience pays off with neat slices and perfect chewy texture. Once cooled, lift the bars out (if you used parchment), and cut them into squares as big or small as you please.
How to Serve Cowboy Cookie Bars
Garnishes
Dress up your Cowboy Cookie Bars with an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a few more chocolate chips pressed on while still warm. Each garnish adds a playful, bakery-style finish and makes the bars look as inviting as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a cold glass of milk or a mug of freshly brewed coffee for the dreamiest snack break. If you’re serving them at a gathering, fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side creates a classic, crowd-pleasing dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking Cowboy Cookie Bars in mini towers and tying them with bakery twine for gifts, or arrange them in a rustic basket lined with parchment for a picnic. For parties, cut the bars into bite-sized pieces and skewer them with toothpicks for a grab-and-go treat table—guaranteed to disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cowboy Cookie Bars stored in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay chewy and delicious for up to four days. Add a slice of bread to the container to help the bars retain their soft texture.
Freezing
Want to savor these treats later? Cowboy Cookie Bars freeze beautifully. Once cooled, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
Reheating
For that just-baked magic, give chilled or frozen bars a quick zap in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This revives the gooey chocolate chips and brings out the best in every bite, almost as if they were fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats give Cowboy Cookie Bars their signature chewy texture, but if you only have quick oats, you can substitute them in a pinch. Just keep in mind, the bars may be a little softer and less rustic with quick oats.
What kind of nuts work best?
Both pecans and walnuts are fantastic choices for Cowboy Cookie Bars—pecans add a buttery crunch, while walnuts provide a subtle, earthy note. You can even mix and match, or swap in your favorite nut!
Can I leave out the coconut?
If coconut isn’t your thing, feel free to leave it out or replace it with extra oats or some dried fruit. Just know the bars will lose a bit of that signature chew and tropical vibe, but they’ll still taste incredible.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Cowboy Cookie Bars, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. Everything else stays the same, so you won’t sacrifice any flavor or texture.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking sheet or two standard 9×13-inch pans, and be sure to rotate them halfway through baking. Cowboy Cookie Bars are always a hit at big gatherings, so extra is never a bad idea.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up a batch of Cowboy Cookie Bars! There’s nothing quite like the medley of chocolate, coconut, nuts, and buttery oats to satisfy every sweet craving. Give these bars a try and watch them become an instant favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of these Cowboy Cookie Bars, a delightful twist on traditional cookies that are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Mix-Ins:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Add Mix-Ins: Fold in oats, coconut, nuts, and chocolate chips.
- Bake: Spread dough in prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until set.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the bars and allow them to finish setting as they cool.
- Consider using butterscotch chips or dried fruit for variation.
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