If you’ve been craving that perfect combination of chewy, crunchy, sweet, and nutty all wrapped up in a dessert bar, then you are absolutely going to love this Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars take everything delightful about traditional cowboy cookies and transform them into an easy-to-slice treat packed with oats, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and pecans. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for potlucks, after-school snacks, or a cozy night in with a cup of coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe plays an important role, from the buttery richness to the chewy oats and the crunch of pecans. Using simple pantry staples means you can whip these bars up anytime without a last-minute grocery store run.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Softened to create a creamy base and provide rich flavor.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a deep caramel sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances the sweetness and helps with that perfect chewy texture.
- Large eggs (2): Bind all the ingredients together for a sturdy bar.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure without weighing the bars down.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives just enough lift to keep the bars tender.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness perfectly and brings out the other flavors.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): The star ingredient for that hearty, chewy texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melty pockets of chocolate that everyone adores.
- Shredded sweetened coconut (1 cup): Adds a subtle tropical chew and lovely texture contrast.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Brings a satisfying crunch and nutty depth.
How to Make Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready when your bars are prepped, which is crucial for even baking. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make clean-up a breeze and ensure your bars come out perfectly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a mixer or a strong spoon to cream together softened butter with brown and granulated sugars. This step is key for creating a light and fluffy base that will translate to tender, chewy bars. Don’t rush—take your time until you see the mixture become pale and cloud-like.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate them smoothly, then stir in the vanilla extract. These add moisture and depth of flavor, helping unify all the wonderful elements that make cowboy cookies so irresistible.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This blend not only provides structure but also balances the sweetness and ensures your bars have just the right texture—never dense or cakey.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Over-mixing can make the bars tough, so be gentle here. You want everything evenly combined without losing that tender crumb.
Step 6: Fold in the Goodies
Now comes the fun part—fold in the oats, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. This creates an exciting blend of textures and flavors that defines the Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe. The oats give chewiness, the coconut adds a touch of exotic sweetness, and the pecans add a satisfying crunch.
Step 7: Spread and Bake
Spread your batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake it for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will start filling your kitchen, making it nearly impossible to wait!
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This step lets them set up just right, making sure they hold together beautifully when you cut them into squares. Patience here leads to perfect bars every time.
How to Serve Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are delicious as-is, you can elevate them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top. A sprinkle of toasted coconut or a few extra chopped pecans gives a lovely finishing touch that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cowboy Cookie Bars with a cold glass of milk or a cozy mug of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness and enhance each bite. They also work wonderfully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings and parties, arrange these bars on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and pecans nearby so guests can customize. You can also wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming gift or lunchbox surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Cowboy Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keeping them sealed maintains their moisture and chewy texture while preventing them from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze your bars tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge and enjoy the same deliciousness as fresh-baked.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your bars again, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm briefly in a low oven. This brings back that soft, gooey, fresh-from-the-oven feel that makes them so comforting.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans in this recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work beautifully in this recipe and provide a slightly different nutty flavor and texture. You can even omit nuts if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version.
Is it important to use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats?
Yes, old-fashioned rolled oats give these bars the hearty chew and texture they’re famous for. Quick oats tend to be softer and might make the bars more cakey, so sticking to rolled oats is ideal.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy this Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe without concerns about gluten.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a toothpick that comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The center should be set but still soft to touch, giving that perfect chewy texture once cooled.
Can I add other mix-ins to the Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe?
Of course! Feel free to experiment by adding dried cranberries, butterscotch chips, or even a handful of mini pretzels for a salty twist. Just keep the total mix-in quantity about the same to maintain balance.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a great bar cookie, and these Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe bars hit every note perfectly. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor and texture, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself, these bars will quickly become a treasured favorite. So grab your ingredients and get baking—your taste buds are in for a fantastic ride!
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
Description
Cowboy Cookie Bars are a delightful, chewy treat combining classic cookie flavors with hearty oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans. These bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, ideal for sharing or enjoying as a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract to add depth of flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter which can lead to tough bars.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the rolled oats, semi-sweet chocolate chips, shredded sweetened coconut, and chopped pecans. These give the bars their signature texture and flavor.
- Spread Batter: Evenly spread the cookie batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform thickness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the bars comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set before cutting into 24 squares, ensuring clean edges and easy serving.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, you can toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the batter.
- Substitute coconut flakes with chopped dates or raisins for a different texture and flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for best creaming results.
- If you prefer chewier bars, slightly underbake by a couple of minutes.
