Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe

These Cowboy Cookies are the ultimate treat—big, chewy, and packed full of delicious mix-ins like oats, chocolate chips, pecans, and shredded coconut. Originally popularized by Laura Bush, these cookies are perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying a big craving. They are a great choice for bake sales, potlucks, or anytime you need a classic, hearty cookie. Each bite is loaded with texture and flavor, making them one of the best cookie recipes around.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Fold in the Mix-Ins

Stir in the chocolate chips, rolled oats, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Form the Cookies

Scoop large tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies will spread as they bake.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cook Notes & Tips

Portion Size: These cookies are meant to be large, almost like bakery-style cookies. Use a large cookie scoop or about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie for the best results.
Mix-In Adjustments: If you’re not a fan of one of the mix-ins (like pecans or coconut), feel free to replace it with something else, like walnuts or additional chocolate chips.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage—just thaw before serving.

Recipe Variations

Peanut Butter Twist: Add 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the dough for a nutty twist on these classic cookies.
Fruit & Nut: Substitute the chocolate chips with dried cranberries for a different flavor combination, and use a mix of nuts like walnuts and almonds.
Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt: Replace the semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sophisticated twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, then scoop and bake as directed when ready.

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough in scoops on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Q: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
A: Make sure your butter is at room temperature but not too soft, and chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking if you find the cookies are spreading too much.

These Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are packed with everything you could want in a cookie—sweet, crunchy, chewy, and bursting with flavor. The combination of oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans creates a truly unforgettable cookie experience. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want a delicious treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Try them out and enjoy the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite!