Cowboy Cookies

In 1900, Bushnell Illinois, the Nagel brothers (Henry and John) invented the first rolled oats called ‘Nagel Roller Mills’. Rolled oats are made by steaming groats, then rolling them, steaming them again, finally, toasting them resulting in the familiar thin flakes. Though processed, rolled oats are still a whole grain. Some people consider groats a berry more than a seed.

John and Henry sold there new invention after a couple of years to The Quaker Company who made it popular and, turned it into a delicious breakfast. The new rolled oats were first manufactured in the Nagel’s mill in Bushnell. The first mill burned in 1910. It was rebuilt but was struck by lightning and again damaged by fire in 1914. It was then again rebuilt in 1915.

❑ 3 cups all-purpose flour

❑ 1 tablespoon baking powder

❑ 1 tablespoon baking soda

❑ 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

❑ 1 teaspoon salt

❑ 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips

❑ 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

❑ 1 1/2 cups butter, room temperature

❑ 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

❑ 1 1/2 cups light-brown sugar, packed

❑ 3 eggs

❑ 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

❑ 2 cups sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes

❑ 2 cups chopped pecans or any type of nuts but pecans are most recommended