Name: Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1 tbsp baking soda; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp salt; 1 and 1/2 cups butter, softened at room temperature; 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 and 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed lightly; 3 eggs; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips; 3 cups rolled oats (quick oats); 2 cups sweetened flake coconut; 2 cups chopped pecans

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 37 reviews

There is nothing quite like biting into a warm, chewy cookie filled with a delightful mix of textures and flavors, and that’s exactly what makes Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe such a beloved treat. This classic cookie combines a harmonious blend of rolled oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans with a touch of cinnamon spice, delivering a hearty cookie that’s both comforting and delicious. Whether you’re gathering around the kitchen table or packing these for a snack on the go, this recipe promises a crowd-pleasing experience packed with nostalgic warmth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large silver mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with four distinct layers of ingredients not yet mixed. Starting from the left, there is a rough mound of white shredded coconut with a fine, flaky texture. Next to it, moving right, a small amount of light beige, grainy dough or batter sits in a dense blob. The largest area on the right side is filled with many small dark brown chocolate chips, topped with scattered medium brown pecan halves that add a rough texture. A wooden spoon with a thick handle rests inside the bowl, touching the shredded coconut layer. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe truly lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one brings its own special character, from the tender butter and sugars that make the dough irresistibly soft and sweet, to the oats, coconut, and pecans that provide that signature cowboy cookie crunch and chew.

3 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and stability to the cookies.
1 tbsp. baking powder: Helps your cookies rise just right, giving them a soft, tender crumb.
1 tbsp. baking soda: Adds leavening and helps with the golden color.
1 tbsp. ground cinnamon: Introduces a warm spice note that lifts every bite.
1 tsp. salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
1 and 1/2 cups butter, softened at room temperature: Creates rich tenderness and helps bind everything beautifully.
1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and a slight crispness to the edges.
1 and 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed lightly: Adds deep caramel tones and moisture for chewy goodness.
3 eggs: Bind the ingredients together while ensuring a soft texture.
1 tbsp. vanilla: Enhances all the flavors with its sweet floral warmth.
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips: Melts to gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the cookie.
3 cups rolled oats (quick oats): Adds chewiness and rustic heartiness that makes these cookies stand out.
2 cups sweetened flake coconut: Brings a tropical sweetness and a delightful chew.
2 cups chopped pecans: Adds a buttery crunch that balances the softness perfectly.

How to Make Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and prepare dry ingredients

First things first, heat your oven to 350°F, setting the stage for perfectly baked cookies. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This dry mixture is the foundation upon which the cookies’ texture and flavor are built.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars

In a separate, extra-large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed for about one minute until it becomes silky and smooth. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and light brown sugar, continuing to beat until the mix is light and fluffy, setting a sweet, creamy base for the cookie dough.

Step 3: Incorporate eggs and vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating each for about 30 seconds. This slow addition ensures an even texture and helps the ingredients meld effortlessly. Then beat in the vanilla extract, which will give the cookies a wonderfully warm aroma and depth of flavor.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into your bowl of dry ingredients. Stir well using a wooden spoon or clean hands to combine everything thoroughly without over-mixing. This step is crucial to achieve the perfect balance of a tender yet chewy cookie.

Step 5: Add the signature mix-ins

Now is the fun part: fold in the chocolate chips, rolled oats, sweetened flake coconut, and chopped pecans. Using clean hands for this part can make the task easier, ensuring every bite is packed with the rustic texture and flavor that defines Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe.

Step 6: Portion and bake

Using a quarter cup scoop or measuring cup, drop spoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about three inches apart to allow the cookies to spread out beautifully. Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them and rotate the sheets halfway through to ensure even baking. When the edges are lightly browned and the centers are still soft, it’s time to pull them out. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a minute or two before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe

Six round cookie dough balls are placed spaced evenly on a well-used dark baking tray with a worn, rusty texture. Each dough ball is light beige with visible dark chocolate chips and small nut pieces mixed in. The dough has a thick, chunky texture and looks ready to bake. The tray has raised edges and sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies are delightful on their own, you can dress them up a bit by dusting a light sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top for a festive touch. Alternatively, drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or caramel sauce to elevate their look and flavor, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy treat.

Side Dishes

These hearty cowboy cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Their texture and rich flavors mean they hold their own even next to more decadent accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking these cookies with parchment paper in between to create a rustic dessert tower at your next gathering. They also make fantastic cookie sandwiches filled with peanut butter or cream cheese frosting for a playful and impressive treat that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and chewy for up to a week. Keeping them sealed properly ensures the coconut and pecans stay crunchy and the chocolate remains melty without becoming hard.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe later, freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag once frozen solid. They freeze beautifully for up to three months without losing their texture or flavor.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat frozen or refrigerated cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle warming melts the chocolate chips slightly and refreshes their soft, chewy perfection as if they had just come out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats in Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Using old-fashioned rolled oats will give the cookies a bit more chew and texture, which many people enjoy. Just be sure to mix them in thoroughly so they distribute well throughout the dough.

Are Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour and oats, both of which typically contain gluten. To make a gluten-free version, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free oats, and the cookies should still turn out delicious.

Can I substitute nuts in the recipe?

Yes, feel free to swap the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even leave them out entirely if you have nut allergies. Each substitution will slightly change the flavor profile but still deliver a delicious cookie experience.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored correctly at room temperature in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is the best bet to preserve their chew and flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe is straightforward and forgiving, perfect for bakers of all levels. The mixing steps are simple and the ingredients are pantry staples, so you can confidently treat yourself or your loved ones to a wonderful homemade cookie.

Final Thoughts

Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe is more than just a cookie; it’s a delightful experience that warms both the heart and the kitchen with every batch you bake. From its rich yet balanced flavors to its inviting texture, it’s easy to see why this recipe has become a cherished favorite. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to share this wonderful taste of home with your friends and family. You are going to love every bite!