If you love a cookie that’s crispy on the edges, chewy in the center, and packed with mix-ins, Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are the perfect treat. These hearty, oversized cookies are loaded with chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans, making them a Southern favorite.
These cookies gained nationwide fame during the 2000 Presidential Election, winning the First Lady Bake-Off, a tradition where First Ladies share their best cookie recipes. Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies went up against Tipper Gore’s Ginger Snaps—and won by a landslide, cementing their place in history.
To make these cookies extra flavorful, toasting the pecans is a game-changer. According to Serious Eats, toasting nuts before baking enhances their natural sweetness and crunch, giving your cowboy cookies a richer, more complex flavor.
For another Southern-inspired classic, you might also love these Southern tea cake cookies, which share a similar buttery texture and nostalgic charm.
Why You’ll Love These Cowboy Cookies
✅ Big, chunky, and full of texture – The perfect blend of crunchy and chewy
✅ Loaded with mix-ins – Chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans
✅ Winner of the Presidential Cookie Bake-Off – A recipe with history
✅ Perfect for sharing – Yields a big batch
Ingredients You’ll Need
Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies stand out because of their bold flavors and hearty mix-ins.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) – Adds richness
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Balances sweetness
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – Keeps cookies chewy
- 2 large eggs – Helps bind everything together
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Enhances flavor
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the dough
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps cookies rise
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Adds lightness
- 1 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth
Mix-Ins That Make Cowboy Cookies Unique:
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats – Creates a chewy texture
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut – Enhances moisture and chewiness
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – For melty goodness
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans – Adds crunch and nuttiness
How to Make Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add eggs and vanilla and mix until fully combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Step 3: Fold in the Mix-Ins
- Stir in oats, coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans until evenly distributed.
- Pro Tip: Chilling the dough for 30 minutes prevents spreading and creates thicker cookies.
Step 4: Scoop & Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop ¼ cup portions onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on the edges.
Step 5: Let Them Cool & Enjoy!
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for the Best Cowboy Cookies
✅ Use toasted pecans – Enhances the nutty flavor
✅ Chill the dough – Keeps cookies from spreading too much
✅ Use high-quality chocolate chips – For a rich, gooey texture
✅ Let cookies rest on the pan – They finish baking from residual heat
How to Store & Keep Cowboy Cookies Fresh
Short-Term Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Freezing Dough for Later:
- Scoop cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet and freeze.
- Once firm, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Bake from frozen—just add 2 extra minutes to baking time.
For more cookie storage tips, check out EatRight.org.
Fun Variations & Customizations
🍫 Chocolate Lover’s Version – Try Buckeye Brownie Cookies for an extra-rich twist
🌰 Nut-Free Option – Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or omit them
🍪 Classic Cookie Pairing – Enjoy with Cinnamon Bread for a cozy treat
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overmixing the dough – Makes cookies tough
❌ Skipping the chilling step – Causes cookies to spread too much
❌ Using quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats – Changes the texture
❌ Baking too long – Leads to dry, overcooked cookies
FAQs: People Also Ask
1. Why are they called Cowboy Cookies?
These cookies were designed to be filling, durable, and energy-packed, making them perfect for cowboys on long rides.
2. Can I make cowboy cookies without coconut?
Yes! You can skip the coconut or replace it with extra oats or chopped almonds.
3. What’s the best way to keep cowboy cookies chewy?
Use brown sugar, don’t overbake, and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
Final Thoughts: Why These Are the Best Cowboy Cookies
Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are the perfect combination of chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday treat, a bake sale, or just a cozy snack, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
🔥 Try this recipe and let us know how they turn out! 🍪✨