Christmas Cowboy Cookies Recipe

Introduction:

Christmas Cowboy Cookies are the perfect festive treat, blending the rustic charm of cowboy-style cookies with the magic of the holiday season. These cookies are rich, buttery, and filled with the delicious goodness of classic ingredients like oats, chocolate chips, and festive add-ins like red and green sprinkles or dried cranberries. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie exchange, serving guests at a Christmas party, or just enjoying a cozy night at home, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Packed with flavor and texture, they embody the warmth and joy of Christmas in every bite!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup shredded coconut (optional but adds great texture)
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• ½ cup red and green sprinkles (for that festive touch)
• Optional add-ins: Dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, or toffee bits

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Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will ensure the cookies bake evenly and prevent them from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

• In another large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important for creating the perfect texture in your cookies.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

• Add the 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Add the Mix-ins

• Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold in the 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 ½ cups of semisweet chocolate chips, 1 cup of shredded coconut (if using), 1 cup of chopped nuts, and ½ cup of red and green sprinkles. You can also add optional ingredients like dried cranberries or white chocolate chips at this stage for more flavor.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

• Scoop out the cookie dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon and place it on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. The dough will spread slightly while baking, so give them enough room.

Step 8: Bake

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. Avoid overbaking, as the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool

• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Cooking Notes:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them incorporate better and results in a more even texture for your cookies.
• Add-ins: Feel free to swap out or customize the mix-ins to your liking. Dried fruits, chocolate chunks, or even pretzels can add an extra layer of flavor.
• Storing the Dough: If you don’t want to bake all the cookies at once, you can freeze the dough! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.

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Serving Suggestions:

These Christmas Cowboy Cookies are best served warm, right out of the oven, with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa. They make a wonderful addition to any holiday cookie platter, and you can also package them up in festive cookie tins for a thoughtful homemade gift. If you’re hosting a Christmas party, arrange the cookies on a platter with other holiday treats like fudge, gingerbread men, or peppermint bark for a beautiful dessert spread.

For an extra festive touch, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the cookies and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. It adds a pepperminty flavor and a bright holiday feel!

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Tips:

1. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients can make your cookies dense. Mix just until the flour is incorporated.
2. Chill for Thicker Cookies: If you want thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
3. Use Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, use high-quality chocolate chips or chunks. You can even use a mix of dark and milk chocolate for a more complex taste.
4. Watch the Baking Time: Cowboy cookies can go from perfectly chewy to overbaked very quickly, so keep an eye on them. It’s better to underbake slightly than to overbake.
5. Make Ahead: These cookies are perfect for making ahead. The dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking, or frozen for up to 3 months.

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Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

10-12 minutes per batch

Total Time:

25-30 minutes

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Nutritional Information (per cookie, based on 24 cookies):

• Calories: Approximately 210 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 140mg

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Conclusion:

Christmas Cowboy Cookies are a delightful way to bring the joy of the holidays to your kitchen. They’re packed with flavor and texture from the oats, chocolate chips, and festive sprinkles, making them an irresistible treat for all ages. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones, adding them to a cookie swap, or savoring them by the fireplace, these cookies will add a touch of homemade warmth to your holiday season. Bake a batch today and enjoy the sweet, comforting flavors of Christmas!

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