Hearty Cowboy Cookies loaded with oats, pecans, coconut & chocolate—perfect for backyard barbecues, campouts, and cookouts.
The Perfect Cookies for a Cookout
When you think of backyard barbecues, you probably imagine smoky ribs, charred burgers, or sizzling steaks. But what about dessert?
Every cookout deserves a sweet ending, and these Cowboy Cookies are just the thing. Packed with oats, coconut, pecans, and chocolate, they’re as bold and rugged as a chuckwagon dinner under the stars.
Best of all, they’re sturdy enough to pack for picnics, tailgates, or long afternoons by the grill. If you want a cookie that can hold its own after a barbecue feast, this one’s ready to ride.
A Little History of Cowboy Cookies
Cowboy Cookies have been around for generations, with roots tracing back to chuckwagon cooking in the Old West. Cowboys needed hearty food that would keep them full on long cattle drives, and these cookies fit the bill. Packed with oats, nuts, and plenty of sweetness, they were sturdy enough to travel and gave ranch hands quick energy for long days on the trail.
Some say the name comes from their rugged, “everything but the kitchen sink” ingredients. (I’ve called them this.) Other folks say it’s because they were a favorite treat in Texas ranch country.
Either way, Cowboy Cookies have earned their place as a classic American bake—chewy, hearty, and perfect for sharing after a day of hard work…or a night of backyard grilling.
At a Glance
• Main Ingredients: Old-fashioned oats, pecans, coconut, chocolate chips, brown sugar & butter
• Prep + Cook Time: ~15 minutes prep + ~12-15 minutes bake time per batch
• Flavor Profile: Buttery, nutty, sweet & chewy with a hint of coconut texture
• Best Served With: Cold milk, coffee, as a dessert or snack
I’ll tell you more about my thoughts on this cookie later, but right now let’s look at what you’ll need to make them.
Ingredients (makes about 24 cookies)
You will find a recipe card at the end of the post. But I wanted to go ahead and let you know what you’ll need in order to make these. They’re baked in the oven (haven’t tried them on the grill) but they are really simple ingredients. Hopefully you have most of these in your kitchen right now.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chunks)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
How to Make Cowboy Cookies
These have a bunch of ingredients but in spite of that they are so easy to make!
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter + sugars in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add eggs + vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- Whisk together dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt) in a separate bowl. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in oats, coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans. Dough will be thick and chunky—just like a cowboy cookie should be!
- Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon portions, spacing 2 inches apart. Press down with your palm to slightly flatten the balls of dough.
- Bake 12-14 minutes, or until edges are golden brown but centers are still slightly soft. (I put in two trays at once and swapped them out at the 6-minute mark.)
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for 4-5 days.
Optional Add-Ins (for extra “campfire” flair)
- A pinch of cinnamon
- Butterscotch chips in place of chocolate
- Dried cranberries or raisins
- Sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top
What to Expect from These Cookies
They’re hearty, they’re packed full of flavor, and (for the most part) these are actually pretty good for you. Blame it on those oats. Or maybe the nuts. Or the coconut. They really pack a punch!
I’ve enjoyed these cookies for years, but I definitely think your guests (or family) will devour them at your next BBQ. They’re simple to grab, and really good. There’s something so satisfying about a filling cookie, and this really hits the spot!
Serving Tip
Serve these cookies at the end of a barbecue feast—they’re rugged enough to stand next to ribs and brisket, but sweet enough to be the grand finale. They pack well for outdoor gatherings, campouts, and tailgates, too. I put mine in a cast iron skillet to give that campfire vibe. They didn’t last long, that’s for sure!
Thanks for stopping by. Check back soon for more recipes, grilling tips, and info about the Lone Star State.
Cowboy Cookie Mix in a Jar – The Perfect Holiday Gift
Share a little Texas sweetness this season with a Cowboy Cookie Mix in a Jar! This festive, layered mix features hearty oats, chocolate chips, dried coconut, and pecans — all the flavor of your favorite Cowboy Cookies in a beautiful, giftable package.
Ingredients to Layer (1-quart jar):
1 cup all-purpose flour (mixed with ½ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon salt)
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup granulated sugar
½ cup chocolate chips
½ cup dried (desiccated) coconut
½ cup chopped pecans
Directions for Assembly:
- Layer ingredients in the order listed above in a clean, dry quart-sized jar.
- Seal tightly and decorate with a ribbon or scrap of holiday fabric.
- Attach a tag that reads:“To bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream ½ cup butter, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add cookie mix and stir until combined. Drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes.”
Storage Tips:
- Use dried (unsweetened) coconut to prevent spoilage.
- Ensure pecans are completely dry and fresh. Store the mix in a cool, dry place and gift or bake within 4–6 weeks.
- If gifting early, consider sealing the pecans separately in a small plastic bag inside the jar for extra freshness.
💡 Pro Tip: Add a small spoon or holiday tag that says “Just add butter, egg, and love!” for an extra Southern touch.
Serve These Cowboy Cookies With. . .
Wondering what to serve these with? They’ll go great with any of the following BBQ mains and sides:
Smoked Meatloaf: Smokey and delicious, and so simple to make! The great complement to these delicious Cowboy Cookies!
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken: We love this dish and think it deserves an equally delicous dessert, so serve it up with these cookies next time around.
If you enjoy these cookies, you’ll love these Delicious Pumpkin Oatmeal cookies from Out of the Box Baking.
Before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards?
About the Grill Master
Zach is the pitmaster and recipe creator behind this blog, where he shares his love of all things grilled, smoked, and flame-kissed. Whether it’s ribs on the smoker, burgers on the grill, or a hearty cookie baked for dessert, Zach believes every great meal is meant to be shared around the table. When he’s not experimenting with new flavors, you’ll find him tending the fire, swapping grilling tips, and helping others bring big taste to backyard cooking. Learn more about Zach!