Cowboy Cookies

Cowboy Cookies Recipe - Traditional American Sweet Treats

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Cowboy Cookies are a delicious and hearty treat that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Packed with oats, chocolate chips, and raisins, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone.

History

Cowboy Cookies are said to have originated in the American West, where cowboys would enjoy these hearty treats on the trail. The combination of oats, chocolate chips, and raisins provided a satisfying and energy-boosting snack for the cowboys during their long days of work.

Ingredients

1 cup of soft shortening or margarine
0.75 cup of packed brown sugar
0.75 cup of granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp of vanilla extract
2 cups of flour
0.5 tsp of baking soda
0.5 tsp of salt
1.5 cups of quick cooking oatmeal
0.5 cup of coarsely chopped nuts or wheat germ
6 oz (170 g) of chocolate chips
1 cup of raisins

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, cream the shortening. Add the sugars and beat well until combined.
Add the eggs and vanilla to the mixture and stir until well blended.
Add all the dry ingredients to the bowl at once. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Next, stir in the oatmeal, nuts, chocolate chips, and raisins. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a cookie sheet.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 13–15 minutes.
Once baked, the dough can also be frozen and sliced later to make fresh cookies.

Variations

Add in chopped nuts or coconut for extra texture and flavor.
Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a different twist.

Notes

Cook Time: About 35 minutes
Serves: 48

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the shortening and sugars well to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Be sure not to overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to prevent tough cookies.

- For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Cowboy Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for a perfect snack or dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the shortening and sugars together creates a light and fluffy texture in the cookies.

- Mixing the dry ingredients in all at once helps to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be used in place of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Raisins can be swapped out for dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for Cowboy Cookies can be made ahead of time and frozen. Simply slice and bake when ready for fresh cookies.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Cowboy Cookies on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cowboy Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert or snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Cowboy Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cowboy Cookies contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cowboy Cookies contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cowboy Cookies contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cowboy Cookies contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cowboy Cookies contain small amounts of iron and calcium from the oats and wheat germ.

Alergens

Cowboy Cookies contain wheat, eggs, and may contain nuts.

Summary

Cowboy Cookies are a delicious treat that provide a good source of carbohydrates and fats, making them a great energy-boosting snack.

Summary

Cowboy Cookies are a delicious and hearty treat that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Packed with oats, chocolate chips, and raisins, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy them as a snack or dessert, and don't forget to share with friends and family!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Cowboy Cookies. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha out in the countryside. Martha was known for her delicious baking, and she had promised to teach me one of her favorite cookie recipes that day.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods, Martha began to tell me the story behind the recipe for Cowboy Cookies. She explained that she had first learned to make them from her grandmother, who had grown up on a ranch in Texas. The cookies were a staple in their household, enjoyed by cowboys and ranch hands alike.

Martha's grandmother had passed down the recipe to her, and Martha had been making them ever since. She described the cookies as hearty and wholesome, filled with oats, chocolate chips, and nuts. They were the perfect treat to pack for a long day of work out on the ranch.

As Martha guided me through the steps of making the cookies, I couldn't help but marvel at how simple and yet delicious the recipe was. The ingredients were basic pantry staples, but when combined together, they created a magical blend of flavors and textures.

I watched as Martha expertly mixed the butter, sugar, and eggs, before adding the dry ingredients and folding in the chocolate chips and nuts. The dough came together in a sticky, delicious mess, and Martha scooped it onto a baking sheet, shaping each cookie with care.

As we waited for the cookies to bake, Martha regaled me with stories of her grandmother and the ranch where she had grown up. She described the long days of hard work under the hot Texas sun, and how the cowboys would eagerly anticipate the smell of fresh cookies wafting from the kitchen.

When the cookies emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, Martha and I couldn't resist sampling one while they were still warm. As I took my first bite, I was transported back in time to the ranch where Martha's grandmother had once lived. The flavors of oats, chocolate, and nuts mingled together in a perfect symphony of taste.

From that moment on, Cowboy Cookies became a staple in my own baking repertoire. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just as a special treat for myself. Each time I baked a batch, I would think of Martha and her grandmother, and the shared love and tradition that had been passed down through the generations.

Now, whenever I make Cowboy Cookies, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the friendship and camaraderie that led me to discover this wonderful recipe. It's a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to keep traditions alive.

And so, as I sit here in my own kitchen, mixing together the butter, sugar, and eggs, I can't help but smile as I think of Martha and her grandmother, and the legacy of Cowboy Cookies that they have left behind. I am grateful for the opportunity to carry on their tradition, and to share the joy of these delicious cookies with my own loved ones.