Hearty Oatmeal Cowboy Cookies
These delightful cookies are a wholesome twist on classic oatmeal cookies, perfect for satisfying cravings while packing a nutritious punch. Inspired by a family member needing more fiber in her diet, I set out to create a recipe that is both delicious and health-conscious. Adapted from The Fannie Farmer Cookbook, this recipe offers two variations: simple oatmeal cookies and the heartier cowboy cookies loaded with chocolate chips and coconut. Whether you're enjoying them as a sweet snack or a dessert, these cookies are sure to be a hit with friends and family. Try making your cowboy cookies big for a truly rustic experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
1 1/2 cups (All-purpose flour)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Egg
1 (Slightly beaten)
Sugar
1 cup (Granulated)
Shortening
1/2 cup (Melted (can substitute with butter))
Molasses
1 tablespoon (None)
Milk
1/4 cup (None)
Oatmeal
1 3/4 cups (Uncooked)
Raisins
1/2 cup (None)
Sweetened coconut, flaked or shredded
3/4 cup (Flaked or shredded, reduce oatmeal by 1/4 cup if used)
Chocolate chips
1/2 cup (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well blended.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the beaten egg, sugar, melted shortening (or butter), molasses, and milk. Mix well until smooth.
4
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until fully combined.
5
Fold in the uncooked oatmeal, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.
6
For the simple oatmeal cookies, scoop teaspoonfuls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. They will spread slightly during baking.
7
For the cowboy cookies version, gently fold in the sweetened coconut and chocolate chips before dropping heaping tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets, pressing them down slightly.
8
Bake the cookies: for simple oatmeal cookies, bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. For cowboy cookies, bake for 14-17 minutes or until they are mostly brown.
9
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hearty Oatmeal Cowboy Cookies?
These cookies are a wholesome and health-conscious twist on classic oatmeal cookies, offering a hearty texture with options for chocolate chips and coconut.
What inspired the creation of this cookie recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a family member who needed more fiber in her diet, leading to a more nutritious version of a classic treat.
Is this recipe based on an existing cookbook?
Yes, this recipe is adapted from The Fannie Farmer Cookbook.
What are the two variations of cookies I can make with this recipe?
You can make simple oatmeal cookies or heartier cowboy cookies which include chocolate chips and coconut.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare my baking sheets?
You should line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I substitute shortening in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/2 cup of melted shortening with an equal amount of melted butter.
What dry ingredients are mixed together first?
The flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt should be whisked together in a large mixing bowl until well blended.
How should the egg be prepared for the wet mixture?
The egg should be slightly beaten before being combined with the other wet ingredients.
What type of oatmeal is required?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of uncooked oatmeal.
How do I form simple oatmeal cookies?
Scoop teaspoonfuls of dough onto the cookie sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
How do I form the cowboy cookie version?
Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets and press them down slightly after folding in coconut and chocolate chips.
How long do simple oatmeal cookies take to bake?
Simple oatmeal cookies typically bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
What is the baking time for the cowboy cookie variation?
Cowboy cookies require a longer baking time of 14 to 17 minutes.
How do I know when the simple oatmeal cookies are done?
They are done when the edges are lightly browned.
How do I tell if the cowboy cookies are finished baking?
The cowboy cookies are finished when they are mostly brown.
What is the cooling process for these cookies?
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Should I adjust the oatmeal if I use coconut?
Yes, if you use sweetened coconut, you should reduce the oatmeal by 1/4 cup.
What type of flour is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Is there molasses in these cookies?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of molasses for flavor and texture.
What type of sugar is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of granulated sugar.
Can I add raisins to these cookies?
Yes, you can add 1/2 cup of raisins to the mixture.
How much cinnamon is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much milk is required for the dough?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of milk.
What kind of coconut should I use for cowboy cookies?
You can use 3/4 cup of sweetened coconut, either flaked or shredded.
How much chocolate chips are added to the cowboy version?
You should add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for the cowboy cookie variation.
Do these cookies spread during baking?
Yes, the simple oatmeal cookies will spread slightly during baking, which is why 1 inch of space is recommended.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They are described as hearty and wholesome, providing a rustic eating experience.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
The recipe utilizes a total of 13 ingredients.
Are these cookies suitable for a dessert or a snack?
Yes, they are perfect as either a sweet snack or a health-conscious dessert.