Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies
If you’ve never tried Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies, buckle up, my friend because you’re about to meet your new favorite cookie. These aren’t your average chocolate chip cookies. Nope, they’re big, bold, and absolutely packed with flavor and texture. Think oats, coconut, chocolate chips, pecans… all cozied up in one giant, chewy, golden-brown cookie. It’s the kind of treat that makes you want to pour a cold glass of milk and kick back with a satisfied grin.
Originally made famous during a presidential bake-off (yes, that’s a real thing), these cookies stole the spotlight and for good reason. They’re hearty, sweet, a little nutty, and completely irresistible. So, if you’ve got a cookie craving that just won’t quit, trust me: this one’s a game-changer.
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 baking for a holiday, packing lunchbox treats, or just treating yourself to a little home-baked joy, these cookies hit the sweet spot. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile: Great for bake sales, after-school snacks, or midnight munchies.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Quick and Easy: No fancy steps just mix, scoop, and bake.
Customizable: Swap in walnuts, white chocolate, or dried fruit to make it your own.
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 what makes these cookies stand out—they’re jam-packed with goodies, but still come together like a dream.
All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds all the deliciousness together.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: For just the right rise and texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Butter: Softened, creamy, and ready to give that classic cookie richness.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: The perfect combo for sweetness and chew.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and add moisture.
Vanilla Extract: A warm, fragrant note that deepens the flavor.
Rolled Oats: Adds a hearty, chewy texture.
Sweetened Shredded Coconut: A little tropical twist for added chewiness.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Because what’s a cookie without chocolate?
Chopped Pecans: Bring crunch, nuttiness, and a hint of southern charm.

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
Add the Good Stuff: Stir in the oats, coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans until everything is well incorporated.
Scoop and Space: Drop dough by rounded tablespoons (or use a cookie scoop) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Cook to Perfection: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still slightly soft. Let cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Finishing Touches: Cool completely before storing… if they even make it that far!
Serve and Enjoy: Pour yourself a tall glass of milk and dig in. These cookies are pure comfort in every bite.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: About 30 cookies
Calories per serving: ~200–250
(Note: these are approximate values depending on size and exact ingredients)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
How to Serve Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
– Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
– Pack a few in lunchboxes for a mid-day treat.
– Crumble over yogurt for a sweet and crunchy breakfast topper.
– Enjoy with coffee or tea during your afternoon break.
– Stack and tie with a ribbon 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.
– Lightly toast the pecans for extra depth of flavor.
– Make a double batch trust me, they’ll disappear fast.
– Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week.
– Freeze extra dough balls and bake fresh cookies whenever you like.
FAQ’s
1. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen just add a minute or two.
2. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
You can, but the texture will be a bit softer. Rolled oats are best for that chewy bite.
3. What if I don’t like coconut?
Feel free to leave it out or swap with more oats or chopped nuts.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
5. What kind of chocolate chips should I use?
Semi-sweet is classic, but dark chocolate or milk chocolate work great too.
6. How long do they stay fresh?
Up to 1 week in an airtight container, or freeze for up to 3 months.
7. Can I make them smaller or larger?
Absolutely. Just adjust the baking time accordingly less for small, more for large.
8. Can I use oil instead of butter?
Butter gives the best flavor and texture, but you can try coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
9. Are they good for gifting?
Yes! Wrap them in parchment and tie with string for the cutest cookie gift ever.
10. What’s the story behind this recipe?
It was part of a First Lady bake-off in 2000 and Laura Bush’s cookies were the clear winner!
CONCLUSION
So, whether you’re baking for a crowd, a cozy family night, or just for yourself (because hey, you deserve it), Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are here to deliver big flavor, big comfort, and big smiles. They’re chewy, chunky, a little nostalgic, and totally satisfying. Go ahead whip up a batch and taste why these cookies have earned their legendary status.
Print
Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are a delicious, hearty treat filled with oats, chocolate chips, and pecans. These cookies are big, chewy, and packed with flavor—perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the oats, chocolate chips, pecans, and coconut (if using).
- Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a chewier texture, underbake the cookies slightly.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
- You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cowboy cookies, Laura Bush cookies, oatmeal cookies, chocolate chip cookies, chewy cookies