Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

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If you’ve never tried Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies, get ready to fall in love at first bite. These cookies are famous for a reason—they’re big, bold, and loaded with texture and flavor. A perfect combination of chewy oats, sweet chocolate chips, crunchy pecans, and the comforting spice of cinnamon, they’re the ultimate all-in-one cookie. Perfect with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee, they’re a go-to for bake sales, holiday gifting, or just because.

What sets Cowboy Cookies apart is their Texas-sized personality—just like Laura Bush herself. The former First Lady’s recipe rose to fame during the 2000 presidential campaign, and since then, it’s become a timeless classic. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe delivers warm, homemade comfort with every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe

These cookies are everything you want in a dessert: chewy, chocolatey, and satisfyingly chunky. They’re hearty enough to serve as a snack but sweet enough to hit the dessert spot. The combination of oats, chocolate chips, and pecans creates a bite that’s full of flavor and texture. Plus, this recipe makes a generous batch, making it ideal for sharing (or not!).

Another win? They’re freezer-friendly and stay fresh for days. So you can bake now and enjoy later.

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What Makes Cowboy Cookies So Special?

The real magic lies in the balance of ingredients. You get nuttiness from the oats and pecans, richness from the chocolate chips, and warmth from the cinnamon. They’re like a cross between an oatmeal cookie and a chocolate chip cookie—with a hint of spice and a buttery base.

They’re also incredibly customizable. Want to swap in walnuts or coconut flakes? Go for it. These cookies are meant to be adapted to your kitchen and your cravings.

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Ingredients for the Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect cowboy cookie. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, giving structure to every bite.
• Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents make the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and puffy.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm spice that enhances all the other flavors.
• Salt: Just a pinch brings balance to the sweetness.
• Butter: Gives richness and keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
• Granulated sugar & brown sugar: A combo of sweetness and moisture, with brown sugar adding that signature chew.
• Eggs: Help bind everything together and give the cookies their structure.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with aromatic depth.
• Old-fashioned oats: Adds texture and heartiness.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: Brings subtle sweetness and chewiness.
• Chocolate chips: The star sweet component in every bite.
• Chopped pecans: Adds a nutty crunch that complements the oats and chocolate perfectly.

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How To Make the Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Measure out all your ingredients so everything is ready to go.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer, cream the butter with the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This step helps create that perfect chewy texture.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Combine the Dry and Wet Mix

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until incorporated.

Step 6: Fold in the Goodies

Stir in the oats, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans by hand. The dough will be thick and hearty.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Drop the dough by heaping tablespoonfuls (or use an ice cream scoop for large cookies) onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave enough space between cookies to allow for spreading.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers are still slightly soft. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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How to Serve and Store Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

These cookies are perfect served fresh from the oven while the chocolate chips are still melty and warm. They also taste amazing at room temperature, making them ideal for lunchboxes, potlucks, or road trips. One batch makes about 3 dozen large cookies, enough to feed 10-12 people easily—if you can resist sneaking a few for yourself!

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Just pop one in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.

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What to Serve With Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies?

Coffee or Espresso

The slight bitterness of coffee pairs beautifully with the sweetness and warmth of the cookies.

Cold Milk

A classic choice, especially for kids (and the kid in you). The creaminess complements the chewy texture.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn your cowboy cookie into a full dessert by sandwiching it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Fresh Berries

The tartness of strawberries or raspberries helps balance out the richness of the cookie.

Nutty Hot Chocolate

Warm and cozy, this combo makes a dreamy wintertime treat.

Chai Tea

The spice of chai mirrors the cinnamon in the cookies for a harmonious bite-and-sip pairing.

Greek Yogurt with Honey

A surprisingly good match, especially if you’re sneaking one of these cookies in as a breakfast treat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it come slightly to room temperature before baking so it scoops easily.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Quick oats can work in a pinch, but they will make the texture slightly softer and less chewy. For best results, stick with old-fashioned oats.

Are these cookies overly sweet?

Not at all! Despite the amount of sugar and chocolate chips, the oats, pecans, and a touch of salt keep the sweetness balanced.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Absolutely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm treat.

What if I don’t like coconut?

Feel free to leave it out or substitute it with extra oats or chopped nuts. The cookies will still be delicious and hold together well.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toast the pecans or mix in something unexpected? Did you go big with the size or keep them bite-sized?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

For more delicious recipes like this one, visit my Pinterest board here: Life With Livia on Pinterest

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Conclusion

Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are the kind of recipe that never goes out of style. Full of texture, flavor, and good old-fashioned comfort, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a family get-together or a solo treat-yourself moment, this cookie has you covered.

Bake a batch, share the love, and enjoy every chewy, chocolatey, nutty bite.

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