Gluten Free Cowboy Cookies are loaded with flavour.  These large cookies use gluten free oats, coconut, pecans and a hint of cinnamon to create a chewy, flavourful snack.

This recipe yields 31 very large cookies when using a four tablespoon scoop.

Every bite of these decadent cookies is loaded with texture and taste to please your palate.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!

The first thing I did was dump some softened butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar into a large mixing bowl.

I used an electric hand mixer to cream the butter and sugars together.

Then I added in some large eggs and vanilla extract.

Once the eggs and vanilla extract were beaten in I added the dry ingredients.

I measured in some Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour, gluten free quick oats, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon and salt.

Using the electric hand mixer I again beat the batter until combined.

Then I dumped in some chopped pecans, semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsweetened coconut flakes.

I used a large spatula to fold in the ingredients until they were well distributed in the batter.

Next I lined a cookie sheet with parchment paper and used a large 4 tbsp scoop to drop balls of dough onto the cookie sheet.

Be sure to space the dough balls a few inches apart as they will spread while baking.

Then I placed the cookie sheet in a preheated 350F oven for 18 – 20 minutes or until the cookies were golden brown.

After baking, I removed the cookie sheet from the oven and allowed the cookies to cool slightly.

Then I transferred the cookies to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

Serve them up for dessert or with a cup of tea.

You will find that one cookie is enough.  You could also use a smaller scoop for smaller cookies if that would fit your situation better.  Especially if you have young children and want to pack them for lunches!

These Gluten Free Cowboy Cookies are crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

More Cookies Recipes You Will Enjoy…

PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make these Gluten Free Cowboy Cookies:

• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs, large
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour
• 2 cups gluten free quick oats
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened flaked coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

How to Make Gluten Free Cowboy Cookies:

1. Preheat oven to 350F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Dump the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar into a large mixing bowl.
3. Use an electric hand mixer and beat until creamy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until smooth.
5. Measure in the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon and quick oats and beat until well combined.
6. Dump in the chocolate chips, pecans and coconut. Stir until just combined.
7. Scoop 1/4 cup (4tbsp scoop) of the dough for each cookie onto the prepared pan. Leave a few inches between each cookie and bake for 18 – 20 minutes or until golden brown.  They will be large cookies.
8. Allow to cool on pan for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
9. Serve and enjoy!

FAQS:

What substitutions can I make in cowboy cookies?

Cowboy cookies are a type of cookie that typically includes ingredients like oats, chocolate chips, nuts, and coconut. 

1. Gluten-Free Flour Blend:  There are many commercial blends available, or you can make your own using a mixture of flours like rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch.
2. Oats: Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. While oats themselves are gluten-free, cross-contamination during processing is common, so choose oats labeled as gluten-free.
3. Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These are usually gluten-free, but always double-check the labels to be sure.
4. Chocolate Chips: Most chocolate chips are naturally gluten-free, but read the labels to ensure they’re not produced in a facility that also processes gluten-containing ingredients.
5. Nuts: Nuts are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always wise to check for cross-contamination if you have severe gluten sensitivity.
6. Coconut: Unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut is naturally gluten-free.
7. Butter: Regular butter is typically gluten-free, but some individuals with celiac disease prefer to use butter from a brand that explicitly labels its products as gluten-free to avoid any potential cross-contamination.
8. Sweeteners: Sugar and brown sugar are gluten-free. However, if you’re using alternative sweeteners, make sure they’re gluten-free as well.
9. Egg: Eggs are naturally gluten-free.
10. Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is gluten-free.

Always remember to check labels and, if you’re serving these cookies to someone with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, ensure that all your ingredients are certified gluten-free and have been processed in a gluten-free environment to prevent cross-contamination.

Lastly, remember that gluten-free baking can sometimes yield different textures and flavors compared to traditional baking, so be prepared for some variations in the final product. It’s always a good idea to do a test batch to make sure you’re happy with the results before making a larger batch.

How do I store cowboy cookies?

Storing cowboy cookies, like most cookies, is fairly straightforward. Here are some steps you can follow to ensure your cowboy cookies stay fresh and delicious:

1. Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container and making the cookies soggy.
2. Container: Choose an airtight container to store the cookies. A cookie jar, plastic container with a tight-fitting lid, or a resealable plastic bag are all good options.
3. Layering: If you’re stacking the cookies in the container, separate layers with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
4. Moisture Control: To prevent cookies from becoming soft or stale due to humidity, you can add a piece of bread or a small moisture-absorbing packet to the container. Just make sure the bread or packet doesn’t touch the cookies directly.
5. Room Temperature: Cowboy cookies are best stored at room temperature. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or extreme temperature fluctuations, as this can affect their texture and flavor.
6. Avoid Mixing Flavors: When storing different types of cookies together, be mindful of flavors. Some cookies, like strongly spiced ones, can transfer their flavors to others if stored together.
7. Regularly Check: Periodically check the cookies for any signs of moisture or staleness. If you notice any issues, you can replace the piece of bread or moisture-absorbing packet.

Remember that cowboy cookies, like most homemade treats, are best enjoyed within a week or so of baking for the freshest taste and texture. However, proper storage can help extend their shelf life and maintain their quality for a bit longer.

Can I freeze cowboy cookies?

Yes, you can definitely freeze cowboy cookies! Freezing cookies is a great way to extend their shelf life and have them on hand whenever you want a tasty treat. Here’s how you can freeze cowboy cookies properly:

1. Cooling: Allow the cowboy cookies to cool completely after baking. This is important to prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container when you freeze them.
2. Pre-Freezing: Before placing the cookies in the freezer, it’s a good idea to individually freeze them on a baking sheet for about an hour. This prevents them from sticking together in a clump when you store them in a container.
3. Packaging: Once the cookies are individually frozen, you can transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag. You might want to separate layers of cookies with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
4. Removing Air: Squeeze out as much air as possible from the container or bag before sealing it. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the cookies fresher.
5. Labeling: Don’t forget to label the container or bag with the date you froze the cookies. This will help you keep track of their freshness.
6. Freezing: Place the container or bag in the freezer. Cowboy cookies can typically be frozen for up to 2-3 months without a significant loss of quality.
7. Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy the cookies, you can either let them thaw at room temperature or heat them briefly in a microwave or oven if you prefer warm cookies.

Remember that while freezing cowboy cookies is a great way to preserve them, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. The taste should remain largely the same, but the cookies might be a bit softer or crumblier. This is a common characteristic of many baked goods that have been frozen.

Enjoy your delicious cowboy cookies whenever you’re in the mood for a treat!