Laura Bush'S Cowboy Cookies
Rich, chewy cowboy cookies loaded with chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch for satisfying treats or dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 c. flour ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. baking soda ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3 sticks butter (at room temperature) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. white sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. packed light brown sugar ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla ⓘ
- 3 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips ⓘ
- 3 c. old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 c. sweetened flake coconut ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Stir in chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and chopped pecans.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or skip the nuts altogether for a nut-free version. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar by 1/2 cup. This recipe can easily be adapted for different tastes by adding dried fruits or using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
Serving Suggestions
These Cowboy Cookies are delicious on their own but can be served with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They also make a great addition to dessert platters alongside other favorites like Great-Grandma'S Top Of The Stove Cookies. For a festive touch, consider decorating them with drizzles of melted chocolate or sprinkles.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Laura Bush'S Cowboy Cookies contains roughly 543 calories, with 3g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 591mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour to add more fiber and nutrients. However, note that the texture may be slightly denser and the cookies may require a bit more moisture.
What can I use instead of butter?
You can substitute the butter with an equal amount of coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free version. This will give the cookies a slightly different flavor and texture, but they will still be delicious.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough in cookie scoop portions. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).