Name: Laura Bush's Cowboy Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488564H49M27S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup chopped pecans; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as bold and flavorful as Texas itself, Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. These legendary cookies are thick, chewy, and absolutely loaded with chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans. It’s no surprise they became famous during the 2000 presidential bake-off. Each bite delivers a comforting, homemade feel that’s both nostalgic and hearty—a true cowboy-worthy snack!

Whether you’re baking for a crowd, holiday swaps, or just a cozy weekend at home, these cookies are always a hit. They’re generously portioned, packed with mix-ins, and have that perfect balance of sweetness and chew. Make a batch and watch them disappear—they’re just that good.

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

Hearty and Satisfying: With oats, coconut, and pecans, these cookies are more than a sweet treat—they’re practically a meal.
Customizable: Easy to adjust with different nuts or add-ins like white chocolate or dried cranberries.
Crowd-Pleaser: Giant cookies that keep their chewy texture and never fail to impress.
Great for Gifting: Wrap them up in parchment and twine for a rustic, delicious homemade gift.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into cowboy cookie greatness, make sure you have the following kitchen essentials on hand:

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Creaming the butter and sugar properly is key for the perfect texture.
Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need more than one to separate dry and wet ingredients.
Cookie Scoop or Ice Cream Scoop: To shape those big, uniform cookie mounds.
Baking Sheets + Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Cooling Rack: Keeps the cookies from getting soggy on the bottom post-bake.

Each of these tools plays a part in giving your cookies their signature chewy centers and crisp edges. A good stand mixer saves time, while a cookie scoop makes portioning neat and fast. Don’t skip the parchment—it guarantees a golden bottom without the mess.

Ingredients for the Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

Every ingredient in this cookie recipe serves a purpose, building layers of flavor and texture:

All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the dough, providing structure.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda – The dynamic duo that gives lift and ensures the cookies don’t go flat.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and subtle spice.
Salt – Balances the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter – For that rich, buttery flavor and moist texture.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar – A combo that gives crisp edges and chewy centers.
Eggs – Binds everything together and adds richness.
Vanilla Extract – Boosts the overall flavor.
Rolled Oats – Adds hearty chew and rustic charm.
Sweetened Shredded Coconut – A touch of tropical sweetness and chew.
Chopped Pecans – Nutty crunch with a Southern twist.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Melt-in-your-mouth chocolate pockets in every bite.

How To Make the Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and gather all ingredients to room temperature for best mixing results.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is essential for a cookie that’s soft in the middle but has crisp edges.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. This ensures even distribution of moisture and flavor.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

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

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Fold in the Good Stuff

Gently fold in the oats, coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips. The dough will be thick and hearty.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a large cookie scoop or 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop dough onto prepared sheets. Leave space between cookies—they’re big! Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on the edges.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storing These Cowboy Cookies

These cookies are perfect straight out of the oven with a cold glass of milk. Their size and heartiness also make them ideal for road trips, lunchbox treats, or holiday cookie trays.

To store, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies or unbaked dough scoops for up to 3 months. Just thaw slightly before baking or enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes cowboy cookies different from regular chocolate chip cookies?

Cowboy cookies are much heartier, packed with oats, coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips. They’re chewier and more substantial.

Can I substitute the pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds make a great substitute. Or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version.

How do I keep them soft?

Don’t overbake! And store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. The dough can be refrigerated for 24-48 hours or frozen in scoops.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes! Freeze baked cookies or the raw dough in scoops for up to 3 months.

Can I make them smaller?

You can, just reduce the baking time to around 9-11 minutes depending on size.

If you love Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies, check out these other irresistible bakes:

Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies – sweet, tangy, and elegant.
Quick and Easy Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies – rich and chewy.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread – sweet, salty, and totally addictive.
Pecan Pie Lasagna – layered indulgence for pecan lovers.
Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips – for a crispy snack alternative.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use dark chocolate or stick with semi-sweet? Add extra coconut? Maybe a drizzle of caramel?

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