Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are famous for their hearty, flavorful, and chewy texture. Packed with chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and providing a bit of energy. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making these delicious cookies, provide helpful cooking notes, and offer variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
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) butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups light-brown sugar, packed
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups sweetened flake coconut
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Whisk together until well mixed. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- Cream the Butter:
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the room temperature butter until creamy.
- Add the Sugars:
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and light-brown sugar to the butter.
- Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
- Add the Eggs:
- Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add Vanilla Extract:
- Beat in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Combine Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined.
Step 5: Add the Mix-Ins
- Mix in the Chocolate Chips, Oats, Coconut, and Pecans:
- Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir in the semisweet chocolate chips, old-fashioned rolled oats, sweetened flake coconut, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheets:
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Scoop the Dough:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Cool the Cookies:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Enjoy the cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or as a delightful snack on their own.
Cook Notes and Variations
Cook Notes:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better consistency.
- Measuring Flour: Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for an accurate measurement.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking to prevent overbaking. The cookies should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Variations:
- Nut-Free Version:
- Omit the pecans or replace them with an equal amount of raisins, dried cranberries, or sunflower seeds.
- Gluten-Free Version:
- Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Dark Chocolate Version:
- Replace the semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- White Chocolate and Macadamia Nuts:
- Substitute the semisweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and the pecans with chopped macadamia nuts for a different twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
2. How do I store the baked cookies?
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
3. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture will be slightly different. Old-fashioned rolled oats provide a chewier texture.
4. What can I serve with these cookies?
These cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a glass of milk, coffee, or hot chocolate.
5. Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar, but it will affect the texture and sweetness of the cookies. Try reducing each type of sugar by 1/4 cup for a less sweet version.
Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are a hearty and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their combination of chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re making them for a special gathering or just because, this recipe is easy to follow and full of flavor. Give these Cowboy Cookies a try and enjoy a taste of homemade goodness. Happy baking!
