If you have a craving for something that strikes the perfect balance between chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite treat: the Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars capture the heart of a classic cookie jar with the ease of a simple pan-baked dessert. Imagine biting into a sweet, buttery crumb studded with toasted pecans, melty chocolate chips, hearty oats, and a touch of coconut that brings an unexpected tropical twist. Whether you’re packing them for lunch, sharing at a potluck, or just sneaking a bite or two (or five) at home, these bars will instantly become your go-to comfort snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right mix of ingredients is the secret to nailing this recipe. Each component not only adds its own layer of flavor but also creates a fantastic texture combination that makes the Cowboy Cookie Bars so irresistibly good.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Soft butter is crucial for creaming with sugar to achieve that light, fluffy base.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to keep the bars chewy.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all ingredients together and add structure.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors with its warm, aromatic depth.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the bars, providing structure and body.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough to keep them soft but not cakey.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for balanced leavening.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds hearty chewiness and a rustic texture.
- 1 cup shredded coconut: Provides a subtle sweetness and light chew; either sweetened or unsweetened works beautifully.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Brings crunch and nutty flavor; can swap for walnuts or omit for a nut-free treat.
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: The melty chocolate bits that take these bars over the top.
How to Make Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it well or line it with parchment paper for a clean pull-out after baking. This step sets the foundation for even baking and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key to that soft, tender crumb that makes these bars so addictive.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, mix in the eggs, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This liquid mix binds your dry ingredients and gives the bars their wonderful richness and flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, which results in perfectly textured bars.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough, so keep it gentle and careful.
Step 6: Stir in the Oats, Coconut, Pecans, and Chocolate Chips
Now comes the fun part—fold in the oats, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips. Make sure these goodies are evenly distributed throughout the batter to get delicious bites in every square.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Spread the dough evenly in your prepared baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 22 to 26 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few crumbs attached.
Step 8: Cool Before Cutting
Patience here pays off! Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing so they set properly and don’t crumble apart. Then cut into squares and get ready for a rewarding bite.
How to Serve Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars shine all on their own, but feel free to sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking to heighten the sweetness. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty touch for special occasions.
Side Dishes
For a snack or casual dessert, serve these with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair wonderfully with hot coffee or a creamy chai latte for cozy afternoons.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to dress up the presentation? Layer the bars in a clear glass jar or on a rustic wooden board for gatherings. You can also sandwich them with softened cream cheese frosting or peanut butter for an indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cowboy Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them perfectly moist and chewy without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars on hand longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
For a freshly baked flavor and that warm, gooey chocolate feel, pop a single bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a low oven for 5 minutes. Just watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I make these Cowboy Cookie Bars nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans or swap them for your favorite seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds to keep things crunchy without nuts.
What if I don’t have shredded coconut on hand?
You can leave it out or replace it with extra oats or chopped dried fruit like raisins or cranberries. Each swap adds its own twist to the bars.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Quick oats will work in a pinch but won’t provide the same hearty chew or texture that rolled oats give these bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a toothpick test—insert into the center, and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter, they’re ready to cool.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it back to room temperature and spread it evenly before popping it in the oven.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Cowboy Cookie Bars Recipe enough for anyone who loves a dessert that feels like a warm hug. It’s simple, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Once you give these bars a try, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, sharing it with friends, and maybe even sneaking an extra bite when no one’s looking.
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 hearty, chewy dessert bars loaded with oats, coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips. These bars combine the best flavors and textures in a convenient sheet, perfect for slicing and sharing. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, they make a delicious treat for any occasion.
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 Oven and Prepare Pan: 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 the mixture is light and fluffy. This ensures a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate fully. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can toughen the bars.
- Add Oats, Coconut, Pecans, and Chocolate Chips: Stir in the rolled oats, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Spread and Bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 24 bars. This helps them set and hold together when cut.
Notes
- You can swap pecans for walnuts or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer chocolate flavor or add butterscotch chips for extra sweetness.
