KEWANEE WEATHER

In the kitchen with Kim: Cowboy Cookies


By Kim Gehling    April 19, 2025
A cookie recipe found in my grandma’s recipe box brought me back to my childhood. [Photos by Kim Gehling]

My family is always excited when I make a batch of cookies. I was in the mood to try something new, so I located a recipe to try in my grandma’s old recipe box called “Cowboy Cookies”. After tasting them, I’m almost certain these were the same cookies I enjoyed at her house as a child.

This recipe was cut out of a newspaper and states that it was originally published in an article about favorite cookies for students at William Carr School in Moline, IL. It is fun to know that this recipe was a favorite for many.

These Cowboy Cookies are quite different from my go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe. I usually make soft, pillowy cookies, but these baked up flatter, crispier, and delightfully chewy. I have to say, I like both versions! The oatmeal in this recipe adds a delicious heartiness and depth of flavor that makes them stand out. Oatmeal and chocolate are always a winning combination in my book.

I made a couple of small adjustments when I baked them. I used butter instead of shortening and went with old-fashioned oats. The result was fantastic. The cookies had a rich, buttery flavor with a perfectly chewy texture. I didn’t add raisins or nuts, though the original recipe mentions those as optional add-ins.

These cookies are perfect for sharing with family, packing in lunchboxes or enjoying with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

From our kitchen to yours — enjoy!

Cowboy Cookies

Makes approx. 3 dozen cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 c. shortening (or substitute butter)
  • 1 c. white sugar
  • 1 c. brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 t. vanilla
  • 2 c. flour
  • 1 t. baking soda
  • 1/2 t. baking powder
  • 1/2 t. salt
  • 2 c. oatmeal (old-fashioned or quick)
  • 1 package chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Cream together shortening and sugars.
  2. Add eggs and vanilla.
  3. Mix in dry ingredients, oatmeal and chocolate chips.
  4. Drop by spoonfuls onto a greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet.
  5. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.