Name: Christmas Cowboy Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 43 min
Ingredients: 2 and 1/4 cups All-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon Baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon; 3/4 teaspoon Salt; 2 cups Old-fashioned oats; 1 cup Unsalted butter; 1 and 1/2 cups Light brown sugar; 1/4 cup Granulated sugar; 2 large Large eggs; 1 large Large egg yolk; 1 Tablespoon Vanilla extract; 7 ounces Semi-sweet chocolate; 1 cup Holiday M&Ms; 3/4 cup Pecans; 3/4 cup Toffee bits; 1/2 cup Sweetened flaked coconut; 2 teaspoons Flaky sea salt

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The moment I first tasted Christmas Cowboy Cookies, I was transported to a cozy holiday gathering filled with laughter and joy. These cookies, bursting with flavors and textures, have become a cherished tradition in my home. Each bite offers a delightful combination of sweet and salty, crunchy and chewy, making them the ultimate festive treat. When I bake a batch, the aroma of brown butter fills the air, and it instantly evokes warm memories of Christmases past. Friends and family eagerly await their turn to indulge in these delicious cookies, and I can’t help but feel a sense of pride when watching their faces light up with happiness. The secret is in the rich ingredients that come together to create a cookie that’s not just a dessert, but a symbol of togetherness and joy during the holiday season.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
43 mins

Prep Time:
30 mins

Cook Time:
13 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
200 kcal

Protein:
3g g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
9g g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Whisk, Oven, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon, Baking Sheet

Why You Need This Christmas Cowboy Cookies

1. Unique Flavor Profile

What sets Christmas Cowboy Cookies apart from other cookies is their unique flavor profile. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate, pecans, and toffee bits creates an irresistible harmony of sweetness and crunch. The occasional burst of holiday M&Ms adds a festive touch, making every bite a surprise!

2. The Joy of Brown Butter

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is the use of browned butter. It brings a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the cookies to a whole new level. The process of browning the butter is simple yet transformative and fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma that calls everyone to the kitchen.

3. Perfect for Gifting

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or attending one, these cookies make for a wonderful gift. They can be packaged beautifully in a festive box or simply shared on a platter. No one can resist a homemade treat, especially when it looks as good as it tastes!

4. Easy to Make

Don’t let the impressive flavor fool you; these cookies are surprisingly easy to make. The straightforward steps allow even novice bakers to create a cookie that looks and tastes gourmet. With just a little time, you can whip up a crowd-pleaser!

5. Customizable Ingredients

If you have any dietary preferences or restrictions, Christmas Cowboy Cookies can easily be customized. You can swap out the nuts for seeds, use dairy-free chocolate, or even add in dried fruits. This versatility ensures that everyone can enjoy them.

Ingredients Overview for Christmas Cowboy Cookies

When it comes to baking, the ingredients are more than mere components; they are the heart of the dish. In Christmas Cowboy Cookies, a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients come together to create a delightful treat. The key players—all-purpose flour, butter, and a mix of delightful add-ins—work in harmony to provide a cookie that is both chewy and crunchy, rich and satisfying.

All-purpose flour – 2 and 1/4 cups (270 grams): The backbone of any cookie, providing structure and texture.
Baking soda – 1 teaspoon (5 grams): This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and achieve a fluffy texture.
Ground cinnamon – 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams): Adds warmth and a hint of spice that complements the sweetness.
Salt – 3/4 teaspoon (6 grams): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Old-fashioned oats – 2 cups (178 grams): Provides hearty texture and chewiness, making these cookies more satisfying.
Unsalted butter – 1 cup (227 grams): The star ingredient, especially when browned, for a rich, nutty flavor.
Light brown sugar – 1 and 1/2 cups (319 grams): Contributes moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
Granulated sugar – 1/4 cup (50 grams): Adds sweetness and helps create a nice crisp edge.
Large eggs – 2 at room temperature: Binds the ingredients together and provides moisture.
Large egg yolk – 1 at room temperature: Helps create a richer cookie with a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract – 1 tablespoon (14 grams): Adds depth and a pleasing aroma to the cookies.
Semi-sweet chocolate – 7 ounces (200 grams): The chocolate chunks provide bursts of sweetness and richness.
Holiday M&Ms – 1 cup (200 grams): Adds color and a fun twist, making these cookies festive.
Pecans – 3/4 cup (85 grams): Adds crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the chocolate.
Toffee bits – 3/4 cup (124 grams): Provides a delightful crunch and a sweet, buttery flavor.
Sweetened flaked coconut – 1/2 cup (40 grams): Adds a chewy texture and a hint of tropical flavor.
Flaky sea salt – 2 teaspoons: A finishing touch that enhances the sweetness and adds complexity.

Directions for Christmas Cowboy Cookies

Making Christmas Cowboy Cookies is a delightful experience that fills the kitchen with warmth and festive cheer. Follow these steps for a cookie that is sure to impress. Begin by preparing your ingredients and getting into the holiday spirit!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is essential for achieving that perfect cookie texture. While the oven warms up, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, and old-fashioned oats. Whisk them together until well mixed, and set the bowl aside for later. This dry mixture will give your cookies the structure they need.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir it frequently with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until the butter smells nutty and turns a light golden brown, with tiny golden specks at the bottom. This browning process enhances the flavor and is well worth the wait!
Once browned, remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully scrape the browned butter into a large mixing bowl. Make sure to include those delicious brown bits; they pack a lot of flavor!
In the bowl with the browned butter, whisk in both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar along with the vanilla extract. Beat well for about two minutes until everything is combined and creamy.
Add in the large eggs and large egg yolk, whisking until they are fully incorporated into the batter. The eggs help provide moisture and create a rich cookie.
Now it’s time to fold in the dry ingredients. Gently combine the flour mixture with the batter, being careful not to overmix. Once combined, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate, holiday M&Ms, pecans, toffee bits, and sweetened flaked coconut. Ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Using a large spring-loaded scoop or spoon, scoop about three tablespoons of cookie dough into the palm of your hands and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake the cookies one tray at a time for 12 to 13 minutes. You want them to spread out and become lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary in temperature!
As soon as they come out of the oven, press extra M&Ms and pecans on top of the warm cookies for that added festive touch. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before sprinkling with flaky sea salt. Enjoy them warm, or transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Things Worth Knowing

Butter Browning: When browning the butter, watch closely for the color to change. It can go from perfect to burnt quickly. You want a light golden brown for the best flavor.
Cookie Spacing: Ensure enough space between cookie dough balls on the baking sheet to allow for spreading. If they’re too close, they may merge into one big cookie!
Cooling Time: Letting the cookies cool on the sheet helps them set properly. They might seem soft at first but will firm up as they cool.
Mix-Ins Flexibility: Feel free to get creative with the mix-ins! You can substitute chocolate with dried fruits or other nuts, according to your taste.

Customization Ideas

If you want to take Christmas Cowboy Cookies to the next level, customization is key. Here are some ideas to add your own twist:

Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay deliciously chewy!
Freezing: You can freeze unused dough balls. Just scoop them onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Variations: Experiment with different types of chocolate, like dark or white chocolate, to change the flavor profile.
Holiday Themes: Change the color of the M&Ms according to the season or occasion—use pastel colors for spring or red and blue for Independence Day!
Oat Substitutes: For a gluten-free version, replace the regular oats with certified gluten-free oats.
Extra Crunch: Add crushed pretzels for a salty crunch that complements the sweetness.

What to Serve Alongside Christmas Cowboy Cookies

Pairing your delicious Christmas Cowboy Cookies with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some wonderful options!

Hot Cocoa: Nothing beats enjoying these cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa. The rich chocolate flavor complements the cookies perfectly.
Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
Fruit Platters: For a refreshing touch, offer a platter of seasonal fruits like berries or citrus. The acidity balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Cheese Board: A cheese board with assorted cheeses and nuts can create a beautiful balance of flavors when sharing these cookies at a gathering.
Holiday Punch: Consider pairing with a festive non-alcoholic punch. The fruity and spicy flavors will enhance the holiday spirit!
Nutty Coffee: Brew a pot of nutty coffee or a spiced chai latte to complement the cookie’s crunchy pecans and cozy spices.

FAQ

Christmas Cowboy Cookies stand out due to their unique blend of flavors and textures. The combination of rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and chewy oats brings out a delightful taste that’s perfect for the holidays. The addition of brown butter gives these cookies a nutty flavor, elevating them far beyond the average cookie. Each bite is a celebration, making them a cherished part of my holiday traditions!

Absolutely! One of the best things about Christmas Cowboy Cookies is their versatility. You can substitute the nuts with your favorite seeds or even add in dried fruits for a different twist. Additionally, if you have dietary preferences, feel free to swap regular chocolate for dairy-free options. The recipe is forgiving and allows for creativity, ensuring you can make the cookies your own while still keeping that festive spirit!

To keep your Christmas Cowboy Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should remain deliciously chewy for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies or even the cookie dough. Just make sure to layer them between sheets of parchment paper to avoid sticking. This way, you can enjoy them anytime you have a craving!

Christmas Cowboy Cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of treats! They are especially delightful alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also serve them with a platter of seasonal fruits for a refreshing contrast. Don’t forget a festive non-alcoholic punch to enhance the holiday spirit. These cookies can easily transform any gathering into a festive celebration!

Conclusion

The Christmas Cowboy Cookies are not just cookies; they’re a celebration of flavors and a warm reminder of holiday cheer. With every batch, you create memories and joy that last beyond the holidays. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share it with loved ones. You won’t regret adding this delightful treat to your holiday traditions!