Cowboy Cookies

—

### Instructions for Making Cowboy Cookies

#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.

#### Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the **softened butter**, **brown sugar**, and **granulated sugar** until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer or stand mixer.

#### Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the **eggs**, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the **vanilla extract**. The wet ingredients should be well combined and creamy.

#### Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking soda**, and **salt**. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

#### Step 5: Add the Oats, Chocolate Chips, Coconut, and Nuts
Stir in the **oats**, **chocolate chips**, **shredded coconut**, and **chopped nuts** (if using). You can also add **M&M candies** at this stage for an extra pop of color and sweetness. The dough will be thick and chunky, filled with all the good stuff!

#### Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about **2 inches apart**. For larger cookies, use a generous scoop; for smaller ones, go for a teaspoon.

#### Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for **10-12 minutes**, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them—baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your cookies.

#### Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool, leaving you with a perfect mix of chewy and crisp textures.

—

### Tips for the Perfect Cowboy Cookies

– **Chill the Dough**: If you have the time, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much while baking.
– **Add-Ins**: Cowboy Cookies are very versatile, so feel free to get creative with your add-ins. Try adding **raisins**, **dried cranberries**, or even **peanut butter chips** for a twist on the traditional recipe.
– **Use Room Temperature Ingredients**: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to ensure they incorporate evenly into the dough.
– **For Chewier Cookies**: To make your cookies extra chewy, try using **old-fashioned oats** instead of quick oats. They give a heartier texture that holds up beautifully during baking.

—

### Why Cowboy Cookies Are a Crowd-Pleaser

These **Cowboy Cookies** bring together everything we love about classic cookies and combine them into one hearty, delicious treat. With their chewy oats, melty chocolate, nutty crunch, and tropical coconut flavor, they’re a surefire way to delight your family and friends.

Perfect for an afternoon snack, a bake sale, or a picnic treat, these cookies are as satisfying as they are tasty. Whether you prefer them with nuts, colorful M&M’s, or just the simple classic ingredients, Cowboy Cookies are versatile enough to suit any taste.

Grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of cookies that’s anything but ordinary—**Cowboy Cookies** are a sweet, satisfying treat that will have everyone asking for more!