If you have a soft spot for cookies packed with a crazy-good mix of ingredients and a perfect chewy texture, you are in for such a treat with this Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars bring together chewy oats, crunchy pecans, rich chocolate chips, and a touch of coconut sweetness all baked into one irresistible pan. It’s like the ultimate cozy snack that’s just waiting to become a new favorite in your baking rotation. Trust me, once you try this bar, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret here. Each one plays a starring role in creating layers of texture and flavor—from the butter’s richness to the oats’ hearty chewiness.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup: Softened for easy creaming; it adds luscious moisture and a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar, 1 cup packed: Provides deep caramel notes and keeps the bars wonderfully chewy.
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Balances sweetness and helps with structure.
- Eggs, 2 large: The binding agents that hold it all together while adding richness.
- Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Elevates every ingredient with a warm, comforting aroma.
- All-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups: Gives the bars their sturdy base without weighing them down.
- Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: A little lift here ensures the bars aren’t dense.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats, 3 cups: The heart of the cookie bars, bringing chew and nutty flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup: Sweet chunks that melt into pockets of gooey goodness.
- Shredded sweetened coconut, 1 cup: Adds a tropical hint and subtle chew.
- Chopped pecans, 1 cup: For buttery crunch and extra texture contrast.
How to Make Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then grease your 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make sure your bars come out clean and beautiful.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture and caramel flavor.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure even mixing, then stir in the vanilla extract to bring all those sweet aromas to life in the batter.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry components separately helps distribute the leavening agent evenly for perfect rise.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet batter, mixing just until everything comes together. Over-mixing can toughen the bars, so gentle is the way to go here.
Step 6: Fold in the Goodies
Now for the fun part—fold in the oats, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. These ingredients truly make the Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe stand out with their mix of textures and flavors.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You know they’re done when the edges turn a lovely golden brown and a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Make sure to let your bars cool completely right in the pan. This helps them set up perfectly so they cut cleanly without crumbling.
How to Serve Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are fantastic on their own, you can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before baking to highlight the sweetness. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a lovely finishing touch as well.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a hot cup of coffee or tea—each pairing brings out a different vibe, from indulgent dessert to comforting snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a rustic wooden board for a casual party platter. For a special treat, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two bars and roll the edges in chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Cowboy Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to five days, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. When stored this way, they’ll keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy a warm bar, reheat leftovers in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them briefly in a toaster oven. The chocolate will soften again, making your treat feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute nuts in the Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans add a rich, buttery crunch, feel free to swap them with walnuts, almonds, or even leave them out if you have a nut allergy. The bars will still taste amazing.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best chewy texture, but quick oats can work in a pinch. Just know the texture may be a bit softer and less substantial.
Do I have to use sweetened shredded coconut?
You can use unsweetened shredded coconut if you prefer less sweetness, but sweetened coconut complements the chocolate and brown sugar really well, adding a subtle tropical sweetness.
Are these Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe gluten-free?
The classic recipe uses all-purpose flour and oats that may contain gluten. To make them gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan, or divide the batter between two 9×13 pans. Watch the baking time closely, as it may vary slightly with thicker or thinner layers.
Final Thoughts
There is something really special about the Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe—it’s like a warm hug of flavors and textures all rolled into one simple bar. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these bars deliver that satisfying combination of sweet, nutty, and chewy that keeps you coming back for more. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cookie bars.
Print
Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cowboy Cookie Bars are a delightful treat combining the chewy texture of oats with the sweetness of chocolate chips, coconut, and the crunch of pecans. Perfect for snacking or dessert, these bars offer a flavorful and satisfying bite with a rich, buttery base.
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
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender bar texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure even incorporation, followed by stirring in the vanilla extract for flavor depth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fold in Add-ins: Carefully fold in the rolled oats, semi-sweet chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans to evenly disperse these tasty inclusions throughout the batter.
- Prepare for Baking: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 24 bars for serving, which will help them set properly and maintain shape.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats.
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
