Everything’s bigger in Texas and these Cowboy cookies (sometimes called Texas Cow Chips) are no exception. They are crispy on the edges but chewy and moist in the middle, and have about a hundred mix-ins that all combine to create the Texas of all cookies. Originally posted August 23, 2017.
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Do you go all out for Back to School shopping? Charlotte is just going into kindergarten in a couple weeks (cue the tears…cheers?) so I have zero experience in this field.
But this morning I noticed that her extremely worn, hand-me-down pajama pants only reach halfway down her shins, and the long-sleeve arms are about 6 inches short. When she sits her cute little crack shows. I’m pretty sure I have a kindergartener who’s wearing 3T pajamas on the regular.
This particular pair of pajamas is from a hand-me-down haul that I picked up 3 years ago. A friend of a friend announced that she was getting rid of a bunch of little girl clothes and did anyone want them. So I show up at this person’s house that I do not know and start bagging it up, hunter-gatherer style.
I remember her saying, “I know a lot of this stuff is in good shape, but I figure if we have another girl, all these clothes will be out of style anyway.” This is the part where I try to keep my eyes from widening, nod my head “mm-hmm,” and just start shoveling free out-of-style clothes in my garbage bag like a good little scavenger.
This is lazy parenting 101, by the way. Wait to buy clothes until someone gives you some of theirs. I guess I should, like, start providing for my children or something? (In my defense, this is often my own strategy for obtaining clothes. Remember the hand-me-down incident where my sister-in-law gave me a shirt that wasn’t even hers?)
You know what else makes a good hand-me-down? COOKIE RECIPES.
What are Cowboy Cookies?
Cowboy Cookies (also known as cow chip cookies) are one of those amazing cookies where you throw a ton of delicious extras in some dough. This is a popular recipe in Texas that my sister, who lives there, texted to me a while back. A friend of hers had posted it on a mutual friend’s Facebook page. I think she had gotten the recipe from her mom. Like I said, hand-me-down recipes means tried and tested.
I changed it up a little to suit my taste (threw out the raisins, because gross), and you can too. I almost called them Everything But The Kitchen Sink Cookies, because there are so many mix-ins. (Pecans, peanut butter chips, coconut, oats, corn flakes…) Somehow it all comes together and makes a fabulous cookie that is just so interesting to eat (in a good way, not a weird way).
Why you’ll love this recipe for Cowboy Cookies
Have you heard the saying “less is more?” I’m kind of a “more is more” girl.
Chocolate chips? Oh yeah. Oats? Sure thing. Pecans? My fave. Coconut flakes, corn flakes, peanut butter chips…yes yes YES. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up. Just 10 minutes of hands-on time and a few basic ingredients needed for this crispy-on-the-edges, soft-in-the-middle, perfectly thick cookie.
Cowboy Cookies Recipe ingredients
See the recipe card below for a full ingredients list and instructions!
- Butter
- White sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla
- Flour
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Old-fashioned oats
- Corn flakes
- Pecans
- Coconut flakes
- Baking chips (peanut butter chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips)
How to make this Cowboy Cookie Recipe
I really love these cookies! Because of all the mix-ins they tend to spread out a bit more. But don’t worry. They are crispy on the edges and perfectly soft and chewy in the middle. I love how BIG they are. I mean you have to make them big, they are Texas cookies. Everything’s bigger in Texas, right?
(**Where are all my Texas readers? Do y’all have this recipe? Did your mom/grandma make it?**)
Notice that these are fairly finely chopped. We don’t need them minced, we don’t need them in big pieces. Just about the size of a chocolate chip is perfect, but the cookies are forgiving, so don’t worry if you’ve got some relatively Texas-sized pecan pieces in there.
Like trail mix, but way, way better.
Big cookies. Because why would you make little cookies when TEXAS is right there in the name?
And this goes without saying (because I think this is true for every cookie recipe ever), but THE DOUGH. Oh man. I have leftover shaped cookie dough balls in the freezer and sometimes I pull one out and just eat it, or microwave it for a few seconds so it gets all gooey. DO IT!
Cowboy Cookies Recipe Tips
Why are my cookies flat?
There could be a few reasons that your cookies came out flat. Here’s how to avoid a cookie-puddle disaster.
- Chill the dough. Cold dough means cold butter, and cold butter won’t leave your cookies spread out into sad puddles.
- Measure the flour carefully. If you don’t have enough flour, the dough will not have enough structure to keep the cookie from flattening out. You can weigh the flour if you like, or simply fluff the flour, spoon it into the measuring cup, and draw a knife across to the top of the measuring cup to level it out.
- Use cool cookie sheets. After your cookie sheet comes out of the oven, it’s a good idea to let it cool before you use it again. You can rinse it off with cold water and dry it if you’re in a hurry, or use another cookie sheet while the first one is cooling.
How do I make my cookies thicker?
Let’s go back to the thick cookie checklist:
- Measure the flour carefully
- Chill the dough
- Put the cookie dough on cool sheets
If you’ve done all this and your cookies still come out a bit flat, don’t worry! You can thicken them up again. Just grab two spoons and gently push the edges back towards the center right after they come out of the oven, while the cookies are still hot. You can also use a drinking glass wider than the cookie to gently push the edges back toward the center.
Texas Cookies Recipe variations
- Use other baking chips. You definitely can’t go wrong with other baking chips! Try white chocolate, butterscotch, cinnamon, you name it.
- Swap the nuts. Feel free to use chopped walnuts or almonds in place of the pecans. You could also leave the nuts out entirely for a nut-free option.
- Add other mix-ins. Get creative! Anything sweet or even salty is fair game. Try crushed up pretzels or potato chips, chopped candy bars, etc. Just keep the amounts the same (for example, sub in 1 cup crushed pretzels for the 1 cup corn flakes). Too many mix-ins will cause the cookies to fall apart.
How to store leftovers
Finished cowboy cookies will last in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to serve them again, bring to room temperature or warm in the microwave if desired.
How to Freeze This Recipe For Cowboy Cookies
Freezing these cookies is as easy as popping them in a Ziplock bag or a tupperware and tossing them in the freezer. They’ll stay fresh for 2-3 months as long as their container is tightly sealed (and you don’t accidentally leave it open when you’re sneaking a cookie).
If you want to freeze the dough for making warm cookies later (yes please), use a cookie scoop to plop balls of dough onto a parchment or silicone mat lined baking sheet and let them freeze for 30 minutes or more before throwing them all into a ziplock. You can bake them from frozen: same temperature, just might take a few more minutes.
If you’re like me, you can also eat those cookie dough balls straight from the freezer (or microwaved for a few seconds for maximum gooeyness).
Frequently Asked Questions
Brown sugar is a chewy cookie’s best friend. Not only does it sweeten the cookies, but it also contains more moisture than regular granulated sugar. This creates a super moist, dense, chewy texture.
Even MORE cookies you will love!
- Skinny Texas Cowboy Cookies << These same delicious cookies, just skinnier!
- Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies << I love these. All the good things about Mint Chip Ice Cream, but in a warm gooey cookie.
- 30 Minute Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies << A staple you must have!
- Lemon Crinkle Cookies with Lemon Frosting: << this is a reader favorite!
- Skinny Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies << One of the most popular recipes on my blog! Healthy(-ish) but delicious
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies << Milk is a must for these
- Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies (Chocolate Snickerdoodles)
- The Best Bakery Style Double Chocolate Chip Cookies << Puffy. Chocolatey. Mmmmmm…
- Banana Oatmeal Cookies from Life Love and Sugar
- Molten Lava Caramel Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies from Chelsea’s Messy Apron
- Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies from Sprinkle Some Sugar
If you make this recipe, share it on Instagram using the hashtag #TheFoodCharlatan so I can see it! I love that.
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Cowboy Cookie
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 cup corn flakes
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped (and toasted!)
- 1/2 cup coconut flakes
- 1 (6-oz) cup peanut butter chips, (I used Reese's)
- 1 (6-oz) cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- If you want to toast your pecans (you do! you do!) chop them up and throw them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, until fragrant. Don’t let them burn! Remove from heat and let cool while you make the dough.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter until it is light and fluffy.
- Add both sugars and beat well, scraping sides and bottom.
- Add eggs and vanilla, beat well.
- Add the flour but don’t mix it in. Add the salt, baking powder, and baking soda to the flour and use a small spoon to blend it with the flour a bit. Then mix in the flour, but stop before it’s fully incorporated.
- Add the oats, corn flakes, pecans, and coconut to the bowl. Mix in gently.
- Add the peanut butter chips and chocolate chips and mix until everything is incorporated. Don’t over mix, it will make your dough tough.
- Chill the dough in the fridge for at least an hour, or up to 24 hours.*
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a couple baking sheets with a silpat or parchment paper.
- Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup (THINK TEXAS, YA’LL)* to scoop these onto the pan. Leave at least a couple inches in between each ball of dough.
- Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes, until the cookies are golden on the edges and they are not too shiny in the middle. (A little shine is okay.)
- Let cool as long as you can before stuffing your face! These are great dipped in milk.
I haven’t make this recipe yet, but I can already tell the cookies are going to be great. My Bible study ladies would prefer smaller cookies, so I’m going to use 1/8C scoops and maybe smooth them down a bit. I’m sure, with those ingredients, they will be delicious. Thanks.
I am dying to make these fabulous looking cookies, I have all the ingredients with the exception of flaked coconut however I do have shredded. Can shredded coconut be used in placed of the flaked. Thanks for your great recipes.
Darlene
Hi Darlene! In this recipe we do actually mean shredded coconut (which some people also call coconut flakes, but it’s confusing because that’s so close to “flaked coconut” a totally different thing!). Proceed with shredded coconut and enjoy :-)
This recipe is a keeper! I have added it to our families recipe book. We love to add white chocolate chips with dried chopped apricots and cran-raisins to this. I always keep a batch of frozen dough balls in my freezer – ready to bake at a moments notice! My sister who comes to stay over, loves to grab them out of the freezer and bake fresh to eat – hot out of the oven. Thank you for the best cookie recipe!!!
Pretty tasty – I added cinnamon and ground cloves because I love putting cinnamon and cloves in everything my hubby likes them so I’m happy 😊 thank you!
Ooh I love the spice addition Lynsie! That sounds so amazing! Thanks for sharing 🖤
These are insanely delicious! Just as described, crispy around the edges and soft in the middle. Made them as is except I used chopped milk chocolate instead of semi sweet choc chips and dried cranberries instead of peanut butter chips. The oats and coconut make them so chewy, they are the perfect cookie except next time I will double the milk chocolate.
Question…could I use cornflake crumbs? I have an unopened box of crumbs but don’t have a box of cereal.
Hi Michelle! We haven’t tested this recipe with cornflake crumbs, but it sounds like it could work. If you try it, come back and let us know how it turns out!
OMG,
Karen your COOKIES were AMAZING.
This has improved my cooking and baking skills so much!
Thank you and many endless thoughts about you and your COOKIES.
Hi,
The recipe doesn’t say if you use Sweetened or Unsweetened Coconut. Please advise. Thank you
Hi Melinda! This recipe uses sweetened coconut. Enjoy!
Came out great! I used Cup4Cup gluten free flour. I put in mini M&M’s along with everything else. Chilled the batter then off to the oven for 12 mins. Great treat for after dinner.
Love this recipe. I add toasted coconut. For cops I used 1c dark chocolate, 1c butterscotch. Everyone loves these!!
I bake a TON of cookies for my little baking business. I’ve tried this recipe a couple times, and I appreciate how versatile it is! This time, I made these tweaks (the cookies turned out fabulously!) and want to share:
– I didn’t have cornflakes, so I subbed a cup of crushed Ritz crackers. Woweee wow! Salty and sweet and scrumptious!
– Among the people who will enjoy these cookies is a chocolate-hater. Ridiculous, right? I subbed caramel bits and white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet.
– One of my favorite oatmeal cookie recipes includes a tablespoon of molasses. I think it adds a touch of something extra and makes the cookie centers just slightly more gooey/chewy.
– I didn’t have time to chill the dough before baking. The cookies spread a bit because of this, but I used a spoon and smooshed the edges inward immediately after taking out of the oven.
The contrasting textures and flavors make this cookie a stand-out! Finally…TOAST THOSE PECANS, PEOPLE!
Well, I’ve made the dough but I’m a firm believer in refrigerating the dough because it really helps keep the cookies from spreading. So, I will leave a remark tomorrow as to how good they are.
What I really wanted to say was how the heck does your sister spell Ya’ll? Because, we’re from Texas, San Antonio actually, and everybody around here spells it like you did and like our family and friends do. This could get right interesting!!! Okay, so I’ll let you know tomorrow how the cookies taste, in our humble opinion anyway! Thanks
Okay Ellie now you’ve got me wondering! Now we will never know! 😂😂😂 Hope the cookies turned out awesome, good tip on chilling!
These are the best Cowboy cookies I’ve ever had, and I’ve made two or three recipes! I took them for a Christmas cookie exchange at work and people lost their minds.
(It’s spelled “y’all” — it’s a contraction of “you all”. The apostrophe takes the place of the o and u in you. I’m from Georgia.)
Frozen the cookies dough in balls in ziploc. Do I cook them the same temperature and time straight from freezer? Or do they need to sit out some before going in oven? (There are a few less than when they went in freezer because that tip to microwave one was too good 😊?
Hi Mary! You can bake frozen dough balls without thawing them at all, at the same temperature. They might require a few more minutes, so keep an eye on them! (Also, yes, of course there are a few less, this just proves you are human haha)
I am a native Texan. The word is spelled “y’all”. ☺️
Me again! Here’s the rule – The only proper way to spell the contraction of “you” and “all” is “y’all.” Put together “you all,” and you get “y’all,” just as “cannot” becomes “can’t” and “do not” becomes “don’t.” Think about the term in this sense, and you’ll be less likely to misspell it. BTW – my cookie dough is chilling in the refrigerator.
I spell it y’all. Cookies look fantastic, will be trying soon.
Y’all is the correct spelling
When you make a contraction the apostrophe takes the place of the missing letters. For example, do not – don’t the missing o is replaced by the apostrophe.
Y’all is a contraction of you all. Therefore, y’all because the apostrophe is for the missing ou.
Hope that helps!
So, I made these cookies, but I changed them a bit. Subbed cornflakes for honey bunches of oats, subbed peanut butter chips for butterscotch chips. Absolutely amazing! Maybe the best cookies I have ever made!
#1 – The cookies are delicious. I made them with gluten free flour and they tasted like regular gluten filled cookies.Yum!
#2 – Y’all is a contraction of “you” and “all”. The apostrophe goes in place of the missing letters “o” and “u”. It has nothing to do with Texas. I’m just a grammar nerd from Georgia.
Made this last night & officially my new favorite cookie! I adjusted some of the mix-ins based on what I had on hand (just mini chocolate chips & rice crispies instead of corn flakes). The coconut & pecans really make them amazing. This one’s a keeper!