How to Make Healthy Cowboy Cookies
Learn how to make healthy Cowboy Cookies with this easy recipe that reinvents the classic cookie by using whole grain flours and whole sweeteners.
And what exactly are Cowboy Cookies? Well, you may also know them by the name Kitchen Sink Cookies, but I’m not sure how they got that name since they have everything in them…except the kitchen sink! 😉
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Whole Grain Cowboy Cookies
Although the concept of Cowboy Cookies sounds healthy since this recipe is packed with oatmeal, chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, and coconut, when you peel back the layers, the bulk of the ingredients are white flour and white sugar. Both ingredients are void of nutrition.
But you can change these cookies into a truly nutritious treat by making them with whole grain flour, such as whole wheat flour or one of the ancient grains like whole einkorn flour or whole spelt flour. And you’ll never notice a difference in flavor! These types of cookies lend themselves beautifully to whole grain flours.
Whole Sweetened Cowboy Cookies
When it comes to replacing the white sugar, you’ll never miss it! You can sweeten these cookies with Sucanat, which is dried sugar cane juice rich in vitamins and minerals. You can also use maple sugar, coconut sugar, or date sugar.
All of these whole natural sweeteners will give these cookies a great taste, and no one will know that they have not been made with white sugar. In actuality, whole sweeteners provide a richer flavor, giving your cookies something special that will have everyone asking for more.
Related Recipe Videos
By making Healthy Cowboy Cookies, you’ve taken a delicious step on your Traditional Foods Journey by adding whole grain into your baked goods.
To expand your Traditional Foods Kitchen repertoire with more recipes using whole grains, I’ve got you covered. And I make things super easy with these whole grain Make Ahead Mixes! Mix them up, put them on your pantry shelf, and next time you’re ready to bake, your mixes will be ready too!
When you’re looking for a savory Make Ahead Mix to get dinner on the table quicker, be sure to watch this video where I show you how to make a Shelf Stable Cream of Soup Mix. This is the perfect pantry staple!
Lastly, here are a few more healthier dessert recipes using whole grains.
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You can store your Make Ahead mixes in your Extended or Prepper Pantry. Learn more about what you can store in your Four Corners Pantry with my free downloadable 36-page pantry list.
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In the following members-only video, I talk about Whole Grain Baking for the Traditional Foods Kitchen.
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Healthy Cowboy Cookies
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups Whole sweetener, such as Sucanat Optional sweeteners include maple sugar, date sugar, or coconut sugar. A combination of half white sugar with half brown sugar (light or dark) may also be substituted.
- 2 Eggs, large
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 2 cups Whole wheat flour Optional flours include whole grain einkorn or spelt flours. Whole grain sprouted flours can also be used.
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon, optional
- 1 cup Old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup Chocolate chips, bittersweet or semisweet
- 1 cup Raisins or other dried fruit
- 1 cup Nuts, chopped I used pecans, which are traditional to cowboy cookies.
- 1/2 cup Shredded coconut, unsweetened
Instructions
- Place the oven rack in the middle part of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Line a half-sized baking sheet with parchment paper (or butter the baking sheet) and set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together for 5 minutes with a handheld mixer or stand mixer.
- To the bowl, add one egg at a time and incorporate fully for approximately 30 seconds.
- To the bowl, add vanilla and mix to incorporate.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Whisk together.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until no flour is visible.
- Add oats and mix until all are incorporated with the batter.
- Switch to using a spatula or wooden spoon and add all remaining ingredients. Mix to incorporate.
- Using a 2-inch ice cream scoop or a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop out the dough and transfer it to the baking sheet. Place dough scoops at least 3 inches apart. Place only 6 scoops of dough on the baking sheet.
- Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake cookies until they are golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the middle. This will take approximately 14-16 minutes.
- Remove cookies from the oven when done and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Cookies will stay fresh for one week.
Video
Notes
Shop for items used in this blog post or video
Favorite Cookie Making Supplies
- 10-Piece Glass Bowl Set
- Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Electric Hand Held Mixer
- Spatula Spoon
- Whisk
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Favorite Aprons
Favorite Whole Sweeteners
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**Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, a medical professional, a dietician, or a nutritionist. All content found on the MarysNest.com website, including text, images, videos, eBooks or eGuides, social media, or other formats, were created solely for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or proper nutritional advice. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have watched in a video or read on this website. Use caution when following the recipe in this video. The creator and publisher of this video and website will not be held responsible for any adverse effects that may arise from the use of this recipe and method or any other recipe and method on this website or corresponding video channel.
Can you substitute coconut oil for the butter? If so, would you use the same amount of coconut oil as listed for the butter?
Hi Donna,
Yes. You can substitute the same amount of coconut oil for butter in the recipe.
Thanks for your comment, and I hope you enjoy the cookies!
Love and God bless,
Mary
My family loved these cookies! I used half coconut sugar and half brown sugar, and they had a great flavour! Every one of your recipes have turned out great for me, Mary! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Traci, So happy to hear this!! Love, Mary
These are excellent! The only changes I made was I only had 1 cup coconut sugar. For other 1/2 cup used organic white sugar. I left out the raisins. ( we are not fans) Husband and kids loved them!
Oh Angel! I am so happy to hear this!! Love, Mary
Kinda like kitchen sink chocolate chip cookies lol looks divine and I must try it! TY
Hi Helene,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, you are right! In the eastern part of the United States, these are called Kitchen Sink Cookies because everything goes into them except the kitchen sink!
But you know us Texans: everything here is bigger and better! And this variety of fully-loaded cookies are called Cowboy Cookies. They are actually made bigger in size than the traditional kitchen sink cookies.
Love and God bless,
Mary
What a wonderful cookie! Theses are absolutely fabulous. I know I will be making these again and again. Thank for this fantastic recipe.
Hi Dora,
Thanks so much for your kind comment. Yea! I’m so glad you enjoy these cookies!
Love and God bless,
Mary