If you have a craving for a hearty, chewy treat that packs in all your favorite cookie flavors in a convenient bar form, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe. It combines the rustic charm of rolled oats and coconut with the rich indulgence of semisweet chocolate chips and pecans, delivering a cookie bar that’s both satisfying and deeply comforting. Whether you’re packing snacks for a road trip, looking for an easy-to-share dessert, or simply want a sweet pick-me-up, these bars hit all the right notes with their buttery texture and just-right sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each plays a crucial role in building the texture, flavor, and irresistible appeal of the Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe. From the rich, creamy butter to the crunchy pecans and soft coconut, every element works harmoniously to create a perfect balance.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Softened butter gives the cookie bars their tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep caramel notes and moisture for chewiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Contributes to a subtle crispness along the edges.
- Large eggs (2): Bind all the ingredients and add richness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances flavor complexity and sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The base that holds everything together with just the right structure.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise and become tender.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a gentle lift for a soft texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 1/2 cups): Adds hearty chew and rustic charm.
- Shredded coconut (1 cup): Brings natural sweetness and a tropical twist.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): For crunch and buttery nutty flavor; you can swap for walnuts if you prefer.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): The star sweet surprise in every bite.
How to Make Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish or lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures your bars won’t stick and come out perfectly shaped when cooled.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and creamy. This aerates the mixture and sets a deliciously tender base for your bars.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This step enriches the batter with moisture and flavor, giving your bars that classic cookie taste.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix is crucial for even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning, which lends to the perfect texture and balanced taste.
Step 5: Mix Dry Into Wet
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. A gentle hand here ensures your bars stay tender and not tough.
Step 6: Fold in the Goodies
Now it’s time to stir in the oats, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and semisweet chocolate chips evenly. This combination of textures and flavors is what makes the Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Spread the dough evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares to ensure clean cuts and the best texture.
How to Serve Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet elegant touch, dust the top of your cookie bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or gently press a few extra chocolate chips or chopped pecans on the surface right after baking. This adds visual appeal and a little extra flavor burst.
Side Dishes
These bars are fantastic on their own but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns them into a decadent dessert experience. A cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee also complements the chewy, nutty goodness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these cowboy cookie bars as part of a dessert platter with fresh fruits like sliced strawberries and oranges. For a fun twist, sandwich two bars with some peanut butter or cream cheese frosting in the middle. They also travel well, making them a hit at picnics or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Cowboy Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed preserves their chewy texture and rich flavors, so they taste just as fresh as on day one.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars for longer, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, a quick 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave softens the bars and melts the chocolate chips just enough to bring back that freshly baked goodness. Avoid overheating to keep them from drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! You can simply omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds for a nut-free twist without losing that satisfying crunch.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
While quick oats can work in a pinch, old-fashioned rolled oats give the bars a better chewy texture and more structure, which is key to the Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe.
What can I substitute for shredded coconut?
If you’re not a fan of coconut or need a substitute, chopped dried apricots or additional oats add flavor and texture without overpowering the other ingredients.
Can I add other mix-ins like butterscotch chips?
Definitely! Adding butterscotch chips or white chocolate chips mixes up the classic flavor and adds a lovely sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the oats and pecans.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs—avoid a fully wet toothpick to prevent underbaking.
Final Thoughts
The Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe is truly one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. It’s comforting, packed with wholesome ingredients, and easy enough to whip up on a busy day yet special enough to share with friends and family. Give these bars a try — I guarantee they’ll become one of your go-to treats for any occasion.
Print
Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cowboy Cookie Bars are a deliciously chewy and hearty dessert bar packed with oats, coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips. These bars offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors with a rich buttery base, perfect for a sweet treat or snack any time of the day. Easy to prepare and bake, they make a great addition to your dessert repertoire or to bring to gatherings.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bars.
- Incorporate Add-ins: Fold in the oats, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and semisweet chocolate chips until these are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Spread and Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 22 to 26 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Cut: Remove bars from oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 24 bars and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free option.
- Use dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer cocoa flavor.
- For an extra sweet twist, try adding butterscotch chips along with or instead of chocolate chips.
