If you are craving a cookie that brings together a perfect blend of hearty texture and sweet, comforting flavors, look no further than Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe. This classic treat is a delightful mix of rolled oats, chocolate chips, pecans, and coconut, all wrapped up in a beautifully spiced dough. Each bite delivers a wonderful balance of chewiness, crunch, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate goodness, making these cookies the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or simply want to indulge in a homemade sweet, Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe is guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like pure happiness and keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies truly spectacular is the thoughtful combination of simple, yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a unique role in creating that signature flavor and texture— from the cinnamon-spiced flour to the rich butter and the satisfying crunch of pecans.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): Forms the sturdy base of the cookie, providing structure and balance.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Helps the cookies rise perfectly for that tender yet fluffy texture.
- Baking soda (1 tablespoon): Works alongside baking powder to ensure the cookies spread just right and get that beautiful golden color.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Adds a warm, inviting spice that elevates the flavor without overpowering.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness, bringing out the depth of all other ingredients.
- Unsalted butter (1½ cups): At room temperature, it gives the cookies their rich and tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1½ cups): Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
- Light brown sugar (1½ cups, packed): Adds moisture and a luscious caramel note you won’t be able to resist.
- Large eggs (3): Bind everything together while contributing to the soft texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Brings an aromatic, sweet depth to the dough.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups): Adds a hearty chew and rustic texture that defines cowboy cookies.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (2 cups): Introduces a subtly sweet tropical twist and delightful chewiness.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (3 cups): Melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that perfectly contrasts the crunchy bits.
- Chopped pecans (2 cups): Lends a buttery crunch and nutty flavor, rounding out every bite.
How to Make Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s nice and ready when your dough is done. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures your leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed, resulting in perfectly textured cookies with a balanced flavor.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, beat the unsalted butter on medium speed until creamy and smooth. Then add both the granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. This process is key for creating tender cookies with an airy crumb and subtle caramel notes.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, giving each a moment to fully combine before adding the next. This builds a rich, cohesive batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely, aromatic warmth that makes these cookies so irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter and egg mixture, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender and prevent a tough texture.
Step 5: Fold in the Oats, Coconut, Chocolate Chips, and Pecans
This is the fun part where the cookie truly comes to life. Stir in the oats, shredded coconut, gooey chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans. These mix-ins create an exciting medley of textures and flavors that define Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a pretty golden brown. Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet before moving them to wire racks to cool completely. This little patience step lets them set perfectly without falling apart.
How to Serve Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are downright delicious on their own, you can add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast that elevates every bite. Alternatively, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar before baking adds an extra touch of sparkle and warmth.
Side Dishes
Pair these cowboy cookies with a cold glass of milk or your favorite cup of coffee or tea. Their hearty, nutty flavors also complement ice cream beautifully, turning your treat into an indulgent dessert sandwich or sundae topping.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cowboy cookies around a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream and roll the edges in chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips. They also make charming gifts when packed in mason jars layered with the dry ingredients, tied with a rustic ribbon, and shared with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them sealed preserves their delightful chewy and crunchy texture, so every cookie tastes just as fresh as when you baked them.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough itself by scooping it into portions on a parchment-lined tray, freezing until solid, and then transferring to a freezer bag. This lets you bake fresh cookies anytime you crave a homemade treat without starting from scratch. Baked cookies can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop your cookies in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds. This warm-up revives their gooey chocolate and soft crumb beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans in Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts are a great alternative that will add a slightly different but equally delicious nutty crunch. Feel free to swap them in equal measure without any changes to the rest of the recipe.
Is it necessary to use both baking powder and baking soda?
Yes, the combination helps achieve the perfect rise and texture. Baking soda reacts with the brown sugar’s acidity, while baking powder provides additional leavening, resulting in tender yet sturdy cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
With some adjustments, yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Just be mindful that texture might vary slightly.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly browned edges and a set center. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy in the middle.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet?
Definitely! Using dark chocolate chips will give these cowboy cookies a richer, slightly less sweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the coconut and brown sugar.
Final Thoughts
Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe is truly one of those special treats that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. From the rich combination of classic southern ingredients to the perfect chewy-yet-crisp texture, these cookies have earned their place as a beloved favorite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the joy it brings—trust me, once you do, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: About 36 large cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are hearty, chewy cookies packed with oats, coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans. These classic American cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them a beloved treat for gatherings and everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1½ cups packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter on medium speed until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy and pale.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, followed by mixing in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Stir in Add-ins: Gently fold in the rolled oats, shredded coconut, semisweet chocolate chips, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Shape Cookies: Drop heaping tablespoons of the cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 1 to 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- You can freeze the cookie dough in pre-portioned scoops to enjoy fresh-baked cookies anytime you like.
- For variation, substitute walnuts for pecans or use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate for a richer flavor.
