Browned Butter Salted Cowboy Cookies

Name: Browned Butter Salted Cowboy Cookies
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 1 h 38 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter; 1 1/4 cup brown sugar; 3/4 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups oats; 1/2 cup shredded coconut; 2 3.5 oz dark chocolate bars; 1-2 tablespoon sea salt

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Cowboy cookies never disappoint, especially when upgraded with browned butter, coconut, dark chocolate, and a light sprinkle of sea salt. This version is chewy, rich, and packed with layers of flavor. Every bite delivers a mix of toasted butter, deep chocolate, and soft oats that feels both nostalgic and elevated.

These cookies stand out because the browned butter adds a depth regular butter can’t match. Combined with sweetened coconut and chopped dark chocolate, the result is a salty-sweet cookie that tastes indulgent without being overly complicated. They bake into thick, chewy rounds that are easy to share and even easier to love.

Serve them to friends and family and they’ll disappear fast. They take a classic idea and turn it into something richer, bolder, and more memorable. Once you try this version, it’s hard to go back.

What Are Cowboy Cookies?

Cowboy cookies first appeared in 1938 and have remained a favorite alongside classics like oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies. Their exact origin isn’t documented, but the name likely reflects ingredients sturdy enough to pack and carry—oats, chocolate, nuts, and coconut. Traditionally made with chocolate chips, oats, chopped nuts, and coconut flakes, this updated version uses browned butter, dark chocolate, and sea salt for a deeper, more decadent flavor.

Ingredients you’ll need for Butter Salted Cowboy Cookies:

Butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Large eggs
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Oats
Shredded coconut
Dark chocolate bars
Sea salt

For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.

How to Make Browned Butter Salted Cowboy Cookies

Brown your butter by placing the butter into a saucepan over medium-high heat.
Allow the butter to melt while stirring periodically. The butter will begin to bubble and foam. Keep a close eye on the butter to make sure that it doesn’t burn. the butter will begin to show flecks and turn an amber color.
Continue to watch the butter until it turns a caramel color and then remove it from the heat and allow it to cool until solid but still soft.
Place your browned butter into the bowl of a stand mixer and cream together with the sugars. Continue to beat until nice and fluffy.
Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Carefully add the dry ingredients to the batter, mixing until incorporated.
Stir in the oats, coconut, and chopped chocolate.
Place the dough into the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and remove the dough from the fridge.
Scoop the dough by the tablespoon-sized portions and place them evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes.
Remove the cookies and immediately sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Brown Butter

Start with melting your butter over medium heat. Keep it over medium heat until the butter begins to brown.
The butter will begin to bubble and foam. This is good! This is also where you want to keep an eye on your butter. Not a good time to catch up on General Hospital, know what I mean? Your butter could go from brown to bitter rather quickly.
You will want to stir it and check your color. You are looking for amber or a nut-brown color in your butter. Yes, you will see flecks in your better, it’s normal.
When your butter is brown, remove it from heat and let it cool. You do not want it completely solid, however, just soft enough to cream in your mixer, as per most cookie recipes.

FAQs

How long are cowboy cookies with coconut good for?

These cookies are good for up to a week if kept stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will taste best when eaten within 3 or 4 days though and you are welcome to store them in the fridge if you prefer your cookies colder.

Can I freeze cowboy cookies?

Yes, feel free to store these cookies in the freezer for longer storage. You can get the cookies to last up to 3 months in an airtight container in the freezer. This is a great way to make the cookies in advance of a party, the holidays or simply enjoying a treat whenever the mood strikes. Let the cookies thaw on the counter for several minutes to soften before eating.

What is another name for cowboy cookies?

These cowboy cookies can go by a couple of different names including Texas cookies or Texas cowboy cookies. This is because cowboys are often thought of as coming from Texas. That said, the name may change but this great cookie is still fabulous.

Here are some more great cookie recipes to check out soon!

Yield: 4 dozen