Cowboy Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Hearty, Chewy Treat
Brown butter transforms ordinary bars into a deep, nutty delight with every hearty bite.
Cowboy Cookie Bars: Hearty, Chewy & Irresistible
If you’re searching for a truly crowd-pleasing dessert, cowboy cookie bars are your new go-to. These bars bring together classic cookie flavors—rich chocolate, hearty oats, crunchy pecans, and sweet coconut—baked into a sliceable pan for maximum convenience. Whether you want a lunchbox surprise, a bake sale winner, or just a comforting sweet snack, these bars pack the big, bold flavors of an old-fashioned cowboy cookie in every bite.
Why Call Them ‘Cowboy’ Cookie Bars?
The name evokes images of robust, all-in-one treats hearty enough to fuel a hardworking cowboy. While the origin of cowboy cookies themselves is often linked to Texas and gained national fame when former First Lady Laura Bush’s cowboy cookies became a sensation during a 2000 presidential bake-off, cowboy cookie bars are a modern, time-saving riff. By baking the dough into one big batch, you get chewy centers and crisp edges—minus the hassle of portioning individual cookies. Plus, they’re loaded with protein and flavor from nuts, oats, and coconut, fitting for any hungry adventurer.
Ingredients: What Goes in Cowboy Cookie Bars?
The magic of these bars lies in their mix of textures and flavors. Each ingredient brings something special:
- Unsalted Butter: Browning the butter intensifies its nutty, caramel notes.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses sweetness and extra chewiness.
- All-Purpose Flour: For a sturdy but tender crumb.
- Baking Powder: Gives the bars light lift.
- Ground Cinnamon: Provides warmth and complements the oats.
- Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens overall flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A classic aromatic finishing touch.
- Large Eggs: Bind everything together for that perfect bar structure.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds chew and natural sweetness.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Deliver hearty texture and earthy flavor—quintessential to cowboy-style cookies.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: For melty pockets of chocolatey goodness.
- Chopped Pecans: Bring a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone.
Full Ingredient List
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 2 sticks (1 cup) |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Baking Powder | 1 tsp |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1/2 tsp |
| Kosher Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Dark Brown Sugar (packed) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tbsp |
| Large Eggs (room temp) | 2 |
| Sweetened Shredded Coconut | 1 cup |
| Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats | 3/4 cup |
| Semisweet Chocolate Chips | 1 1/4 cups, divided |
| Chopped Pecans | 1 cup, divided |
| Cooking Spray & Parchment | for pan |
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cowboy Cookie Bars
- Brown the Butter:
Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it develops a golden brown hue and a nutty aroma—about 3 to 5 minutes. Immediately pour it into a large, heatproof bowl to prevent burning. Swirl a few times, then let it cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes). This step compounds the flavor, giving your bars a toasty, decadent richness.
- Prep the Pan and Dry Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Spray the parchment as well.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix the Chilled Brown Butter and Wet Ingredients:
Stir the brown sugar into the cooled brown butter. Add vanilla and the lightly beaten eggs, mixing until smooth and glossy.
- Combine Wet and Dry:
Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—over-mixing can make the bars dense.
- Add the Mix-Ins:
Stir in the coconut, oats, 1 cup of the chocolate chips, and 3/4 cup of the pecans. The remaining chips and pecans are reserved for the topping, giving the finished bars a bakery-style finish.
- Spread and Top:
Evenly spread the thick, chunky batter into your prepared pan. Scatter the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips and 1/4 cup pecans over the top, pressing in slightly for even distribution.
- Bake:
Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the bars are golden on top and just firm in the center. Be careful not to overbake if you prefer a chewy texture.
- Cool and Cut:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack—this helps them set for the best texture. Use the parchment overhangs to lift the bars out, then cut into squares or rectangles as desired.
Why Brown Butter?
Browning the butter is a simple chef’s trick that elevates baked goods with a layer of nutty, toasty complexity. As the milk solids turn golden, they release an aroma and depth of flavor that makes these bars far more interesting than an average cookie bar. Be sure to keep a watchful eye on the butter; once it turns golden brown and smells fragrant, it’s ready.
Tips for the Best Cowboy Cookie Bars
- Let Brown Butter Cool: Hot butter can cook your eggs or melt chocolate chips prematurely, affecting the bar’s texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir flour in until just combined. Overworking develops gluten and leads to a tougher bar.
- Customize the Mix-Ins: Change pecans for walnuts, use dark or milk chocolate chips, or try unsweetened coconut for less sweetness.
- Bake Time = Texture: Undercook for gooey centers, or add a minute or two for firmer, cakier bars.
- Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and enjoy as if just baked!
Serving Suggestions & Occasions
Cowboy cookie bars are multi-purpose treats:
- Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, and parties
- Pack great in lunchboxes or as after-school snacks
- Pair with coffee for a decadent afternoon pick-me-up
- Bring to holiday gatherings when you want a respite from traditional cookies
They travel well and taste just as amazing several days after baking, thanks to the richness of butter, molasses-like brown sugar, and those chewy oats.
What others are reading
Variations: Make It Your Own
- No Pecans? Use walnuts or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free option.
- Extra Chocolatey? Swap in a combo of semisweet, dark, and milk chocolate chips.
- Different Sweetener: Try light brown sugar for a milder flavor or a touch of honey for complexity.
- Texture Tweaks: Use quick oats for a finer crumb, or throw in some dried cranberries or raisins for fruitiness.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Nutrition Snapshot
Although decadent, these bars offer some satiety thanks to the oats, nuts, and eggs. A typical square provides:
- Calories: 250-300
- Carbs: 30-35g
- Fats: 14-17g
- Protein: 3-4g
Values vary depending on cut size and ingredient brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
A: Yes, quick oats will create a finer, more uniform crumb, while old-fashioned oats bring a heartier, rustic texture and chew.
Q: Is it possible to make these bars nut-free?
A: Absolutely. Omit pecans and increase coconut or oats slightly for a similar bulk, or try sunflower seeds for a crunchy, nut-free alternative.
Q: Can I freeze cowboy cookie bars?
A: Yes, wrap bars well in plastic or freezer bags. Thaw at room temperature before serving—they maintain flavor and texture beautifully.
Q: How do I know when the bars are done?
A: The surface will turn light golden brown and a tester inserted at the center should come out with a few moist crumbs—but not raw batter. They will firm up further as they cool.
Q: What’s the difference between cowboy cookies and cowboy cookie bars?
A: Both feature chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and nuts; bars are simply baked as one slab then cut, providing a chewy interior and crisp top with half the effort of individual cookies.
More Cowboy-Approved Treats
- Cowboy Cookies: The original inspiration—a classic drop cookie loaded with the same hearty mix-ins.
- Pecan Pie Bars: Gooey, nutty, and perfect for the holidays.
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars: Great when you’re short on time but craving a rich, nutty dessert.
Baker’s Bonus: Make-Ahead & Gifting Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance, cover, and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking. Chilled dough creates even thicker, chewier bars.
- Gifting: Wrap squares individually in parchment and twine. Pack in festive tins for the ultimate homemade gift.
References
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