If you’re craving a cookie that’s packed with flavor and texture, look no further than peanut butter cowboy cookies. These hearty treats combine the creamy richness of peanut butter with the chewy goodness of oats, chocolate chips, and a hint of coconut. Originating from the wide-open spaces of the American West, cowboy cookies were designed to be a filling snack for long days on the trail.
Ingredients
To create these irresistible peanut butter cowboy cookies, gather the following ingredients. Make sure everything is measured and ready to go before you start mixing:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. - 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
Take them out of the fridge ahead of time to reach room temperature. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
You can swap these for walnuts or omit them if you prefer.
With these ingredients, you are ready to embark on the creation of your peanut butter cowboy cookies, ensuring to mix in the proper order for the best results.
Equipment Needed
For making peanut butter cowboy cookies, having the right equipment is crucial. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Mixing Bowls: At least two, preferably one large for the main mixture and one medium-sized for the dry ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: A stand mixer with a paddle attachment works best, but a hand mixer can also be used.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure you have a full set for precise measurement of both dry and wet ingredients.
- Rubber Spatula: Essential for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Baking Sheets: Two large, rimmed baking sheets to accommodate multiple cookies and ensure even baking.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: To line the baking sheets, preventing sticking and making cleanup easier.
- Cooling Racks: Necessary for allowing the cookies to cool evenly after baking.
By having these tools ready, you’ll streamline the baking process and ensure your peanut butter cowboy cookies come out perfectly every time.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cowboy Cookies
Making peanut butter cowboy cookies is straightforward with these step-by-step instructions. Let’s dive into the process to create these delectable treats.
Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Mixing the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- Add:
- 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Adding Mix-Ins
- Gradually beat in these dry ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Gently fold in:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Forming the Cookies
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto prepared baking sheets. Aim for uniform size for even baking.
- Slightly flatten each dough ball with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Place baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies are golden brown around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
- Transfer cookies to cooling racks to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cowboy Cookies
Achieving the perfect peanut butter cowboy cookies involves some handy tips and tricks. Follow these guidelines to elevate your cookies from great to exceptional.
Using Instant Oats vs. Old-Fashioned Oats
When it comes to oats, choosing between instant oats and old-fashioned oats can make a significant difference. I recommend using old-fashioned oats for a chewier texture. Instant oats tend to break down more and result in a softer cookie, which might not give you the desired bite that cowboy cookies are known for.
Chilling the Dough
Chilling your dough before baking is a game-changer. It allows the flavors to meld together and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. I typically chill the dough for at least one hour. This step minimizes spreading and results in thicker, chewier cookies that are packed with flavor.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Storing Baked Cookies
To keep your peanut butter cowboy cookies fresh and chewy:
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Airtight Container: Place the cookies in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Room Temperature: Store the container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing Baked Cookies
For longer storage, the cookies can be frozen:
- Initial Freeze: Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour.
- Transfer to Bags: Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container.
- Label and Store: Label the bag with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thaw: To serve, remove from the freezer and allow to thaw at room temperature.
Making Ahead
You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and bake as needed:
- Prepare Dough: Follow the recipe to prepare the dough.
- Portion and Chill: Scoop the dough into portions, place on a baking sheet, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Freeze for Later: After chilling, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Bake from Frozen: Bake frozen dough balls directly from the freezer. Preheat the oven to the recipe’s temperature and add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your peanut butter cowboy cookies fresh anytime, whether they’re fresh from the oven or stored for later cravings.
Conclusion
Creating peanut butter cowboy cookies is a delightful experience that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter, oats, and chocolate chips. With a few simple steps and some handy tips, you can whip up a batch of these delicious treats. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So go ahead and try this recipe – your taste buds will thank you!