Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

Big, bold, and bursting with texture — these cookies are the kind you bite into and instantly feel like you’ve been wrapped in a warm Texas hug. Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are legendary for a reason. Packed with oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans, every bite is chewy, chunky, and absolutely unforgettable. These are not your average cookies — they’re larger-than-life, just like the Lone Star State itself. So grab your apron, friend — you’re about to meet your new favorite cookie recipe.

Why You’ll Love Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Great for bake sales, holidays, or an afternoon treat with coffee.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples, no need for fancy ingredients.

Quick and Easy: Simple steps, no fancy equipment, big reward.

Customizable: Swap out the nuts or add in dried fruits if you’re feeling adventurous.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

Here’s the beauty of these cookies — they’re loaded with ingredients that bring chewiness, crunch, and richness in every bite.

Butter: Adds richness and helps create that perfect soft center with crisp edges.

Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: The dynamic duo for sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar gives them that deep, caramel-like flavor.

Eggs: These bind the cookie dough together and contribute to the chewy texture.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of warmth that rounds out the cookie’s flavors.

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that keeps everything together.

Baking Powder, Baking Soda, and Salt: A trio that ensures proper lift and balanced flavor.

Rolled Oats: The hearty texture-maker. They add chewiness and rustic charm.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melty pockets of chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Sweetened Coconut Flakes: Adds a hint of tropical sweetness and chewy texture.

Chopped Pecans: Nutty, buttery, and the perfect crunchy contrast.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking and helps the cookies set just right.

Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates a dreamy base for the rest of the ingredients.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Fold in the Good Stuff: Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans until everything is evenly distributed.

Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and helps prevent sticking.

Scoop the Dough: Drop large spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared sheet, spacing them out well since these cookies spread.

Bake to Perfection: Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft.

Cool the Cookies: Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk, or store them for later — if they last that long!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 36 cookies
Calories per serving: Approx. 210

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

These cookies shine on their own, but here are a few ways to serve them up for maximum enjoyment:

• Pair them with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm mug of coffee.
• Stack them up on a rustic platter for parties or bake sales.
• Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a cookie sundae treat.
• Wrap in twine for a charming homemade gift.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
• Toast the pecans beforehand for extra depth of flavor.
• Use a cookie scoop for even sizing and uniform baking.
• Don’t overbake — slightly underbaked centers keep them soft and chewy.
• Make a double batch and freeze half the dough for cookie cravings later.

FAQs

1 What kind of oats should I use?
Rolled oats (old-fashioned) are best — they give the perfect chewy texture.

2 Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Scoop and freeze the dough balls, then bake straight from frozen — just add a minute or two to the bake time.

3 Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely. Walnuts, almonds, or even chopped macadamia nuts work beautifully.

4 Are they too sweet with the coconut and chocolate?
Not at all! The oats and pecans help balance the sweetness.

5 How do I keep them soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread — it helps retain moisture.

6 Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might vary slightly.

7 Can I skip the coconut?
Sure! The texture will change a bit, but the cookies will still be delicious.

8 What’s the best way to store them?
Keep them at room temp in an airtight container for up to a week.

9 Can I make them smaller?
Yes — just adjust the baking time accordingly (around 10-12 minutes for smaller cookies).

10 Why are they called “Cowboy Cookies”?
They’re big, hearty, and loaded with energy-packed ingredients — perfect for fueling a cowboy (or anyone with a big appetite!).

Conclusion

Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are the kind of treat that makes you smile with every bite. Big on flavor and personality, they’re everything a cookie should be: chewy, chunky, chocolatey, and just a little bit wild. Whether you’re baking them up for a party, sharing with neighbors, or sneaking one from the cookie jar late at night, trust me — this recipe’s a keeper. Happy baking, friend!

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