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Home » By Meal » Dessert

Published: May 11, 2021

Healthy Salted Cowboy Cookies

5 from 12 votes
Jump to Recipe Pin Print
healthy and gluten-free salted cowboy cookies
healthy and gluten-free salted cowboy cookies
healthy and gluten-free salted cowboy cookies

The best healthy salted cowboy cookies that are gluten-free and topped with pretzels and chocolate chips. These almond flour oatmeal cookies have slightly crisp edges but super soft and super gooey centers. Everyone will love them!

stack of salted chocolate chip pretzel cookies

The best gluten-free salted cowboy cookies

Homemade chocolate chip cookies are hands down my favorite baked good! They are addictive, to say the least, and definitely a childhood favorite. I remember begging my mom to let me bake cookies after school so I could bring them in and share them with my friends. Did anyone else do the same?

These gluten-free cowboy cookies are so good that you can’t tell they are healthy! They are made with almond flour, oats, coconut sugar, butter, and vanilla. Plus, the chocolate chunks and crushed pretzels add the best sweet and salty crunch.

If you are looking for an easy and healthier cookie recipe, try these healthy salted cowboy cookies. They are insanely soft, buttery, gooey, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Once you test out this cookie recipe, it’s hard to eat just one!

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • These chocolate chip pretzel cowboy cookies are gluten-free and healthier.
  • The best almond flour oatmeal cookies.
  • Soft and chewy.
  • Packed with chocolate chips and crushed pretzels.
  • Sweetened with coconut sugar.
  • Refined sugar-free.
  • Made with almond flour.
  • Try these gooey oat flour chocolate chip cookies next!
gooey salted cowboy cookies with pretzels and chocolate chips

Ingredients needed

Healthy salted cowboy cookies are so easy to make. In fact, you’ll only need a few, simple ingredients to get these almond flour oatmeal cookies going! Here are the 10 ingredients you need:

  • Butter: First up, you’ll need 1 stick of softened room temp butter for these gooey and soft cookies.
  • Coconut Sugar: Next, you’ll need 1/2 cup of coconut sugar to sweeten these gluten-free cowboy cookies. These gluten-free almond flour oatmeal cookies are refined sugar-free.
  • Eggs: You’re going to need 2 eggs for this recipe.
  • Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla goes a long way and is a total must!
  • Almond Flour: Instead of regular flour, we use almond flour. Blanched almond flour gives these chocolate chip cookies a light texture. Avoid almond meal, it’s not the same!
  • Baking Soda: Remember that baking soda is not the same thing as baking powder.
  • Rolled Oats: For these almond flour oatmeal cookies, you’ll need about 1/2 cup of rolled oats. Remember to use certified gluten-free if you need and do not substitute with steal-cut oats.
  • Chocolate Chips: You’ll add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chunks.
  • Pretzels: Crush up your favorite pretzels to make these healthy salted cowboy cookies extra fun and delicious.

Kitchen tools required

Here is a list of kitchen utensils you will need to make these gooey almond flour oatmeal cowboy cookies. Clean-up is so easy.

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
  • Spatula
  • Cookie dough scooper
  • Measuring cups: 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup.
all ingredients in recipe in small bowls with labels

How to make healthy salted cowboy cookies from scratch

These healthy pretzel chocolate chip cowboy cookies are incredibly easy to make! Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level baker can make them. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are at the bottom of this page in the recipe card.

Step 1:

First, preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2:

Next, using a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer, beat the softened butter and coconut sugar on medium-high. It should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Then, scrape the sides with a spatula and add in the eggs and vanilla extract; beat again on medium-low until just combined, for about 15 – 20 seconds.

how to beat butter and eggs together

Step 3:

After that, add in the almond flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix on medium-low until just combined. Then, using a spatula, hand fold in the rolled oats and chocolate chips.

step three folding in rolled oats and chocolate chunks

Step 4:

Using a cookie scooper or your hand, roll dough into equal-sized balls (2 Tablespoons of dough for each). Make sure to evenly space them out as they will spread a little. If the dough is too soft, I recommend popping it into the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.

Step 5:

Next, gently press a few crushed pretzel pieces into each cookie dough ball. Do not flatten into a patty shape. Then, bake for 10 – 12 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the center is still a bit doughy.

Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, sprinkle with flaky salt, and enjoy the salted cowboy cookies warm!

almond flour oatmeal cookie dough balls

Baking tips for gooey & soft gluten-free cookies

Here are my top 5 tips and trick to making the very best, gooey, and soft gluten-free chocolate chip cookies:

  1. Use room temperature ingredients. Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temp before beating them with a mixer. This will make sure you get the softest and gooiest cookies possible!
  2. Use a standard electric mixer or a hand electric mixer. This healthy chocolate chip cookie recipe calls for an electric mixer. I highly recommend using one to whip the butter and achieve maximum softness.
  3. Avoid overmixing the cookie batter. The cookies might fall flat or break apart by overbeating the butter, eggs, and flour.
  4. Do not flatten the cookie dough balls while you press the pretzels into the dough. Right before you bake these cookies, make sure to only gently press the crushed pretzel pieces into the balls. Check out the picture above for reference! If you are having a hard time, you can certainly place the cookie dough into the refrigerator or freezer for 15 minutes to firm up before baking.
  5. DO NOT overbake these cookies! They will look a little underdone when they are ready to come out of the oven but trust me; these cookies will finish baking on the tray while they cool.

What makes these cowboy cookies healthy?

I love making baked goods that taste delicious with good-for-you ingredients! And these homemade salted cowboy party cookies are as clean and nutritious as they can be without taking away from the gooey chocolate chip cookie taste. You only need a few very simple ingredients, all of which are healthier alternatives to what you’ll find in store-bought brands. There are no preservatives, no refined sugars, and random ingredients!

  • Almond flour adds healthy fats, vitamins, and a little protein. It also makes these cowboy cookies gluten-free.
  • Coconut sugar instead of refined sugar. By using this type of healthier unrefined sweetener, I am removing all refined sugars and sweetening these cookies more naturally!
  • Rolled oats are full of fiber and a dash of protein. Make sure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats if you need them!
gluten free cowboy cookies

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these salted cowboy cookies gluten-free?

These cookies are 100% gluten-free! Almond flour is naturally gluten-free; just make sure you buy gluten-free certified rolled oats.

What’s the best substitute for coconut sugar?

Light brown sugar is the best substitute for coconut sugar. You can also use dark brown sugar.

Can I substitute the almond flour?

NO! Do not substitute the almond flour with another type of flour for these cowboy cookies. Try these classic chocolate chip cookies or these gluten-free oat flour cookies instead.

Why are my cookies flat?

If your almond flour oatmeal cookies are flat, one of two things may have occurred: (1) your baking soda was expired, or (2) your butter and eggs were not at room temperature. Make sure to use room-temperature ingredients when baking!

Can I freeze cookie dough?

Yes! Just prepare the cookie dough, roll it into balls, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy them, let the cookie dough balls defrost at room temperature for 1 -2 hours before baking them.

Can I whisk the dough by hand?

No, I do not recommend whisking by hand. It is very important to beat the butter and sugar together, which requires an electric mixer.

How to store & freeze cookies:

Storing: Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 – 4 days.

Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Simply follow the instructions when you are ready to bake them!

almond flour oatmeal cowboy cookies

If you love this recipe, try these next!

  • Oat Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar
  • Chewy Coffee Cookies
  • Gingerbread Cookies without Molasses
  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

Super gooey healthy salted cowboy cookies made with almond flour, oats, chocolate chunks, pretzels pieces, and a pinch of flaky sea salt

Healthy Salted Cowboy Cookies

The best healthy salted cowboy cookies that are gluten-free and topped with pretzels and chocolate chips. These almond flour oatmeal cookies have slightly crisp edges but super soft and super gooey centers. Everyone will love them!
5 from 12 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Serving 22 cookies

Ingredients
 

  • ½ cup butter, 1 stick, softened at room temperature
  • ½ cup coconut sugar *
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cup superfine almond flour, packed
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup rolled oats, gluten-free or regular
  • ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks
  • ⅓ cup mini pretzels, crushed
  • Flaky sea salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Using a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer, beat the softened butter and coconut sugar on medium-high. Should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  • Scape the sides with a spatula and add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-low until just combined, for about 20 seconds.
  • Add in almond flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix on medium-low until just combined.
  • Using a spatula, hand fold in the rolled oats and chocolate chips.
  • Using a cookie scooper or your hand, roll dough into equal-sized balls (2 Tablespoons of dough for each). Make sure to evenly space them out as they will spread a little.
  • Gently press a few crushed pretzel pieces into each cookie dough ball. Do not flatten into a patty shape.
  • Bake for 10 – 12 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the center is still a bit doughy.
  • Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, sprinkle with flaky salt, and enjoy the cookies warm!

Notes

If the dough is too soft, I recommend popping it into the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
* Can substitute coconut sugar with light brown sugar.
TO STORE: in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 – 4 days.
FREEZING: freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Simply follow instructions when you are ready to bake them!

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 132mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 153IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Healthy
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Please leave a comment and star rating on this post and tag @HealthfulBlondie on Instagram & hashtag it #healthfulblondie!

I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. In full disclosure, by purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!

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Comments

  1. Janet says

    May 18, 2021 at 7:13 am

    5 stars
    Totally love this recipe!!!!

    Reply
    • Tati Chermayeff says

      May 21, 2021 at 6:56 am

      SO HAPPY TO HEAR THIS!!

      Reply
  2. Manon says

    May 22, 2021 at 5:29 pm

    5 stars
    Hey ! Would love to try this recipe but any chance I could make it lactose free? What would you replace the butter with if it was possible?

    Thanks !

    Reply
    • Tati Chermayeff says

      May 22, 2021 at 5:33 pm

      Hi Manon! I would use vegan butter or coconut oil (softened not melted) as a substitute.

      Reply
  3. Saskia says

    June 16, 2021 at 9:41 am

    5 stars
    Super fun cookies and the pretzel was an amazing add-in crunch.

    Reply
  4. Brie says

    June 24, 2021 at 10:20 am

    One of the best healthy cookies I’ve ever made! 11/10 recommend to anyone!!

    Reply
  5. Sally N says

    June 24, 2021 at 11:07 am

    5 stars
    Highly recommend!!! Best cookies ever. Can’t believe they are made with almond flour!

    Reply
  6. Ariella Hamilton says

    June 27, 2021 at 10:17 pm

    5 stars
    These were delicious, and soft! I think it would be cool to also add Carmel into the mix but it was great anyway!

    Reply
  7. The Lazy Ranch says

    June 04, 2022 at 7:26 pm

    5 stars
    Great recipe but I have to stress that you need gluten free pretzels If you’re making these for someone who can’t eat gluten.

    Reply
  8. Linda says

    July 08, 2022 at 9:59 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you
    I will buy coconut sugar
    I am very interested in your recipes as I am celiac.
    Thank you again

    Reply

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Tati, founder and creator of Healthful Blondie

I’m Tati, a foodie, recipe developer, and blogger based in Austin, Texas. I started Healthful Blondie in 2020 to celebrate life, health, and my passion for cooking and baking. If you are in search of “lightened-up,” healthier versions of classics, you are in the right spot! My recipes are easy to follow, simple, and super tasty.

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