Jennifer Garner’s Cowboy Cookies are big, bold, nostalgic cookies loaded with everything good. Packed with oats, pecans, chocolate chips, chocolate-coated candies, and shredded coconut, these cookies are chewy, chunky, and impossible to eat just one. They’re the kind of classic, feel-good bake that’s perfect for sharing—whether it’s a bake sale, family gathering, or a cozy afternoon at home.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
- Extra-large, bakery-style cookies
- Loaded with chocolate, nuts, oats, and coconut
- Perfect balance of chewy centers and crisp edges
- Easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins
- Comforting, nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing
What Are Cowboy Cookies?
Cowboy cookies are a classic American cookie known for their hearty size and loaded ingredient list. Traditionally made with oats, nuts, chocolate, and sometimes coconut, they’re rustic, indulgent, and built to satisfy big appetites. Jennifer Garner’s version leans fully into that spirit—generous scoops, lots of texture, and plenty of chocolate in every bite.
Baking Tips
- Use cold butter for thicker, chewier cookies.
- Don’t overmix once the flour is added—this keeps the cookies tender.
- Scoop large portions for that signature cowboy-cookie look.
- Let cookies cool on the pan to set before moving.
- Swap pecans for walnuts or peanuts if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are these cookies so big?
Cowboy cookies are meant to be oversized and hearty—¼-cup scoops give them that classic bakery feel.
Can I make them smaller?
Yes. Use a 2–3 tablespoon scoop and reduce baking time by 2–3 minutes.
Can I chill the dough?
You can, but it’s not required. Chilling for 30 minutes will make the cookies slightly thicker.
What kind of oats should I use?
Old-fashioned oats work best for chew and texture. Avoid quick oats.
How to Store
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay chewy and flavorful.
How to Freeze
Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Thaw baked cookies at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ cups old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup pecans, roughly chopped
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chocolate-coated candies
- ½ cup shredded coconut
How to Make Jennifer Garner’s Cowboy Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a stand mixer, beat cold butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and oats.
- Make the dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a dough forms.
- Fold in the goodies: Stir in pecans, chocolate chips, chocolate candies, and shredded coconut.
- Scoop: Drop dough in ¼-cup portions onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
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