Sweeten the Match: Low-Sugar Cowboy Cookies to Share at the Courts
The Perfect Bite to Bring to Your Next Open Play
Last year during the holidays, one of the regulars at our local pickleball courts showed up with a tray of homemade Italian cookies. It instantly shifted the vibe—suddenly everyone was smiling more, chatting between games, and dare I say... playing a little better. There’s just something about sharing good treats that brings people together.
For our part, we’ve been known to show up with a batch of cowboy cookies—chewy, chocolatey, a little toasty from the coconut, and totally irresistible. If you want to spread a little joy at your local courts, these will do the trick. Bonus: this version has a little less sugar but still delivers big flavor.
🥣 Lighter Cowboy Cookies
Ingredients (makes ~24 cookies)
¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or 1 cup flour + ½ cup white whole wheat flour)
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
¾ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt
1 ¾ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Optional: ½ cup unsweetened dried cherries or raisins for natural sweetness
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars for 2–3 minutes until fluffy and lightened in color.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix.
Fold in oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and any optional dried fruit.
Scoop dough onto the baking sheet in ~2 Tbsp mounds, flattening slightly.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are just golden and centers are still soft. Cool for 5 minutes on the pan before transferring to a rack.
These cookies hold up well in a tote or Tupperware, making them perfect for a day at the courts. Just don’t be surprised if you become everyone’s favorite doubles partner.
