Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are a delightful treat packed with oats, chocolate chips, and pecans. These cookies boast a perfect balance of chewy and crunchy textures, making them a favorite for snack time or dessert. Let’s dive into how to make these classic, hearty cookies right at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
6. Step 6: Fold in the rolled oats, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans evenly throughout the dough.
7. Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Step 8: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft.
9. Step 9: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Toast the pecans before adding them to enhance their flavor and add a subtle crunch.
• Swap half the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
• If you prefer chewier cookies, bake them for the shorter time; bake longer for crispier edges.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months. To reheat, warm in a microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture and chewiness for these cookies. Quick oats tend to make the cookies softer and less hearty, so they are not recommended for this recipe.

Do I really need both baking soda and baking powder?

Yes, using both gives these cookies the perfect rise and texture. Baking soda helps with spread and browning, while baking powder adds lift for a thicker cookie.

Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 146 reviews

Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are a delightful blend of buttery, chewy, and crunchy textures packed with oats, chocolate chips, and pecans. These classic cookies feature a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened (about 30 minutes at room temperature)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature preferred
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt

Sugars

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar

Add-ins

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional half milk chocolate)
• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted if desired)

Instructions

1. Prepare Butter and Eggs: Leave softened butter out at room temperature for about 30 minutes so it dents when pressed but still feels cool. Ensure eggs are at room temperature to blend smoothly.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a creamy texture that will help the cookies rise.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, then stir in the pure vanilla extract to infuse the batter with its rich aroma.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and toughening the cookies.
6. Fold in Add-ins: Gently stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
8. Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
9. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft for a chewy texture.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove baking sheets from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps the cookies firm up without losing softness inside.

Notes

• Using room temperature butter and eggs helps achieve the best cookie texture.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the ideal chewy texture; avoid quick oats.
• Toast pecans before adding for an enhanced nutty flavor.
• For variation, substitute half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: cowboy cookies, Laura Bush cookies, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, pecan cookies, chewy cookies, classic American cookies