If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing cookie, Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are your answer! These legendary cookies are irresistibly hearty, packed with chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans for a treat that’s big on flavor and crunch. With a perfect balance of buttery richness, sweet chewiness, and a hint of cinnamon warmth, these cookies are famous for a reason—and once you try them, you’ll understand why they became a presidential favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies plays a vital role, from adding depth and color to ensuring those incredible layers of texture and flavor. Gather your items, and it’s off to cowboy-cookie bliss!
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure and holds all those wonderful add-ins together.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates tender centers.
- Baking soda: Promotes spread and aids browning for golden edges.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting hint that’s surprisingly crave-worthy.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances each layer of flavor.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Lends rich, classic flavor and ensures the perfect cookie crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookies’ crisp edges.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Creates soft, chewy centers and a caramel-like depth.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together for cohesive, luscious dough.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and provides a wonderful aroma.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Bring pockets of melty, rich chocolate to every bite.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Make the cookies hearty, chewy, and filling.
- Sweetened flaked coconut: Offers delightful chew and a subtle sweetness.
- Chopped pecans: Add nutty crunch and balance out all the other flavors.
How to Make Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats, gather your baking sheets—no need to grease them. This step sets you up for baking success and ensures your cookies lift easily from the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps distribute the leaveners and spices evenly throughout the cookie dough, guaranteeing that every bite has a little bit of everything.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate, large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until ultra-smooth and creamy. Add both the granulated sugar and brown sugar, then beat until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. This critical step creates that irresistible cowboy cookie texture and flavor.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Continue by adding the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition so your dough is extra cohesive. Stir in the vanilla extract, and breathe in that sweet, inviting aroma—your kitchen’s about to smell amazing!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, beating just until blended. Don’t overmix; you want the cookies tender and slightly airy, not tough.
Step 6: Add the Mix-Ins
Now for the fun part—fold in the chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans. You’ll see the dough transform into a thick, colorful, chunky masterpiece. This is when Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies really come to life!
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers just set. For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the baking sheet after removal.
Step 8: Cool
Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets—this helps them finish cooking and set perfectly. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, if you can resist sneaking a sample while they’re still warm and melty!
How to Serve Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies
Garnishes
For a special touch, sprinkle extra chocolate chips or a dusting of flaky sea salt on top right as the cookies come out of the oven. The salt highlights the chocolate, and a touch of sweet coconut over the top can make your Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies look bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair these hearty cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, hot apple cider, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cookies are so loaded with goodies, they become the life of any dessert table—just add coffee, and your guests will be over the moon.
Creative Ways to Present
To really show off the cowboy spirit, stack these cookies high on a rustic wooden platter or wrap a bundle in parchment and twine for a sweet homemade gift. You can even crumble them over ice cream parfaits, or tuck them into lunchboxes as a surprise treat that makes any day a little more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Be sure to layer parchment between them to prevent sticking—the flavors meld beautifully as they sit.
Freezing
To freeze, simply place cooled cookies in a zipper bag or airtight container, separating layers with wax paper. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months. You can also freeze pre-portioned dough balls and bake straight from the freezer (just add a minute or two to the baking time).
Reheating
If you want that fresh-baked warmth, pop cookies in a 300°F oven for 3 minutes, or microwave individually for about 8–10 seconds. This revives the melty chocolate and makes the whole kitchen smell like you just baked them.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts are a popular swap for pecans, but you can also try almonds or even sunflower seeds to fit different tastes or allergies. Each brings a unique crunch to Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies.
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Yes, if you prefer a slightly less sweet cookie, unsweetened coconut works well. Keep in mind, it changes the overall sweetness and texture just a little, but the cookies will still be fantastic.
What makes Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies different from other chocolate chip cookies?
It’s all about the mix-ins! The oats, pecans, and coconut create textural magic, while cinnamon brings a mellow warmth. Each bite is full of varied flavors and contrasts, making these cookies truly unforgettable.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made up to two days ahead and refrigerated (covered). Chilling helps the flavors meld and can lead to even thicker, chewier cookies.
How do I make my cookies extra soft?
Slightly underbake the cookies, and let them finish on the hot baking sheet outside the oven. This helps achieve a softer, chewier center—all the goodness you expect from Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a batch of Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies with family and friends. Each cookie is a little celebration of sweetness, heartiness, and homey warmth. Give this iconic recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s beloved coast to coast!
