Cathy's Cowboy Cookies 🤠🍪

Get ready to saddle up for a cookie experience that’s as hearty and delightful as a cowboy's campfire gathering! These Cowboy Cookies are a perfect blend of sweetness and crunch, making them an ideal treat for any occasion—be it a family picnic or a cozy night in. The combination of chocolate chips and nuts creates a deliciously satisfying bite that is sure to have everyone coming back for more! Pair them with a cold glass of milk to experience pure bliss! 🥛✨

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

• 1 cup Crisco (or your preferred shortening)
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda

Add-Ins

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (feel free to experiment with whole wheat flour for added fiber!)
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats (rustic and chewy!)
• 1 package (16 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips (more if you're a chocoholic!)
• 1 cup pecans (roughly chopped, but not too fine to retain crunch)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together Crisco, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.

   🥄 Pro Tip: Let your eggs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using them. This helps create a fluffier cookie!

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the baking soda and flour. Gradually add to the creamed mixture, mixing just until combined.

3. Add the Extras: Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, and pecans until evenly distributed.

4. Scoop and Bake: Drop heaping teaspoonfuls of the dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

   ⏰ Keep an eye on them toward the end of baking time; every oven varies, and you want these to be perfectly chewy!

5. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

• Nut-Free: Skip the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative.
• Dried Fruit: Add 1 cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist!
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s suitable for baking.

Storage Tips

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, consider freezing them—simply thaw at room temperature and indulge! 🍪❄️

Serving Suggestion

For a delightful treat, warm them slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Happy baking, partner! 🐴🍦