With a name like Billy Goats Cookies, you might expect something unusual — and in a way, they are. These hearty, old-fashioned cookies earned their quirky name because they’re packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, coconut, nuts, and sometimes even dates. In other words, they’re loaded with “everything but the kitchen sink,” much like what you’d imagine feeding a hungry goat on a farm.
But don’t let the rustic reputation fool you. Billy Goats Cookies are chewy, sweet, nutty, and incredibly satisfying. They’re the kind of cookie that feels equally at home in a lunchbox, at a holiday cookie exchange, or served warm with a cup of coffee.
What Makes Billy Goats Cookies Special?
Unlike delicate sugar cookies or thin chocolate chip varieties, Billy Goats Cookies are thick and hearty. They combine multiple textures in one bite:
Chewy oats
Sweet coconut
Crunchy nuts
Rich chocolate chips (optional but popular)
A soft, buttery base
The result is a cookie that feels homemade in the best possible way — comforting, slightly rustic, and deeply flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a classic version of the recipe:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
¾ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
½ cup chopped dates or raisins (optional)
How to Make Billy Goats Cookies
