Name: Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon salt; 1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature; 1½ cups granulated sugar; 1½ cups packed light brown sugar; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips; 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut; 2 cups chopped pecans (toasted if desired)

If you’re searching for a delightfully simple and nostalgic dessert, look no further than Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies. These cookies are not only the ultimate treat for bake sales and holiday cookie swaps but also serve as a cozy weekend baking project that the whole family will enjoy. With crispy edges, soft centers, and a harmonious blend of chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans, these cookies promise to tickle your taste buds and evoke fond memories with every bite. The beauty of these cookies lies not only in their taste but also in their versatility; they’re freezer-friendly, making them an excellent choice for those busy days when you need a quick sweet fix.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for easy cookie recipes or comforting snacks that can be made ahead of time. Whether you’re making these scrumptious treats for a gathering or enjoying them at home with a glass of milk, they are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. If you haven’t tried baking Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies yet, you’re in for a wonderful experience that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your heart with happiness!

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Cookie Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate chips, oats, and coconut creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch at a moment’s notice.
Texture Perfection: These cookies offer the perfect balance of crispy and chewy, satisfying any cookie lover’s craving.
Freezer-Friendly: Bake in advance and store them in the freezer for quick access to delicious treats whenever the mood strikes.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make for a delightful gift during holidays, showcasing your baking skills.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this delectable cookie-making adventure, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking process. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. These mats not only prevent the cookies from sticking but also help in achieving an even bake.

For this recipe, you will need two large mixing bowls, a whisk for combining dry ingredients, a hand or stand mixer for creaming the butter and sugars, and a spatula or wooden spoon for folding in the chunky ingredients. A large cookie scoop or a ¼-cup measuring cup is also essential for portioning your dough, ensuring that all cookies are the same size and bake evenly.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
1½ cups granulated sugar
1½ cups packed light brown sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
2 cups chopped pecans (toasted if desired)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To ensure an even baking environment, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and allow for easier cleanup later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This step is crucial as it helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices, ensuring a balanced flavor and rise in your cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. The creaming process incorporates air into the butter, which helps the cookies rise and achieve a soft chewy texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then, add vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage, as this can lead to tougher cookies.

Step 6: Fold in the Goodness

Now, it’s time to fold in the stars of the show! Gently incorporate the rolled oats, semisweet chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans into the dough using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the dough light and airy.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a large cookie scoop or a ¼-cup measuring cup, portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each scoop to allow for spreading. This is where the excitement builds as you see your cookie dough start to take shape!

Step 8: Bake

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be golden while the centers should look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook slightly while cooling.

Step 9: Cool on Baking Sheet

After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps the cookies firm up a bit for that perfect texture.

Variations

Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder or some nut butter to increase the nutritional value.
Vegetables: Incorporate grated zucchini or shredded carrots for added moisture and nutrients.
Spices: Experiment with other spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Notes

Ensure your butter is at room temperature, as this affects the creaming process and overall texture.
For a twist, try substituting half the chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips.
You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
If desired, toast the pecans in a pan before adding them for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the perfect afternoon treat.

Tips

For best results, use a digital kitchen scale to weigh your flour instead of using measuring cups.
Do not skip the resting time after baking; it helps the cookies firm up and enhances their flavor.
Consider rolling the dough in shredded coconut before baking for an extra touch of coconut flavor.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 200 per cookie
Protein: About 3g
Sodium: 150mg

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version of these cookies.

How do I store the cookies?

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I add more chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to increase the amount of chocolate chips according to your preference.

What can I use instead of pecans?

Walnuts or almonds can be a great substitute if you prefer a different nut or want to vary the texture.

Conclusion

Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of sweet and chewy, making them a memorable centerpiece at any gathering. Their versatility makes them not just a tasty snack, but also a comforting cookie to enjoy with friends and family. Whether you share them or keep them all to yourself (we won’t tell!), these cookies are bound to bring smiles. So roll up those sleeves, gather your ingredients, and experience the joy of baking these classic cookies. Don’t forget to share your results or any variations you’ve tried in the comments below; we love hearing your baking stories!