These Laura Bush cowboy cookies are thick, chewy, and packed with oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans. If you're looking for a classic cowboy cookies recipe, this one is famous for a reason!
Years ago, when my kids were little, I stuck to easy desserts like my Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – no scooping dough, just press and bake. Now that they're older, I've been on a cookie kick and love experimenting with fun add-ins.
Favorites like my Joanna Gaines Silo Cookies and Almond Joy Cookies are always a hit in our house, so when I kept seeing the famous cowboy cookies recipe everywhere, I couldn't resist trying it.
These Laura Bush cowboy cookies are thick, chewy, and loaded with oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans. My family had the batch gone in under 3 days, definitely a cowboy cookies recipe we'll keep on repeat!
Quick Look: Laura Bush Cowboy Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 17-20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: about 24 large cookies
- Texture: Thick, chewy, slightly crisp edges
- Flavor: Buttery, chocolatey, with coconut and oats
- Difficulty: Easy
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The Story Behind Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies
These cookies gained national attention when Laura Bush shared her recipe during a presidential election year bake-off, where recipes from the wives of each candidate were shared and even compared by voters. Cowboy cookies are large, hearty cookies packed with oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans, and this version, originally known as Texas Governor's House cowboy cookies, quickly became a household favorite and one of those classic family recipes passed around for generations.
They're often called "everything cookies" because they're packed with so many delicious add-ins. Perfect for when you want a cookie that truly has it all!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Thick, chewy texture with crisp edges just like a classic cowboy cookie recipe
- Loaded with mix-ins like oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans, similar to my monster cookie bars
- Makes a large batch, perfect for sharing with family and friends
- Classic, old-fashioned cookie recipe that never goes out of style
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients you may already have in your kitchen
Ingredient Notes
See printable recipe card below for exact ingredients and directions.
- Butter: Use room temperature butter so it creams smoothly and creates a soft, chewy texture.
- Light-Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: The combo gives these cowboy cookies the perfect balance of chewiness and structure.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: Stick with rolled oats for the best texture, quick oats won't give the same hearty bite.
- Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate chips add just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering.
- Coconut: Adds subtle sweetness and texture. You can leave it out if needed.
- Pecans: Give a slight crunch and classic flavor, but can be omitted or swapped if preferred.
How To Make Laura Bush Cowboy Cookies
Step 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 2. In a large bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Gradually mix in the sugars and beat until combined, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 3. Mix in the vanilla. Stir in the flour mixture until just combined, then fold in the coconut and pecans.
Step 4. Fold in the chocolate chips and oats until evenly combined into the cookie dough.
Step 5. Drop ¼ cup portions of cookie dough onto ungreased or parchment paper lined baking sheets, spacing about 3 inches apart.
Step 6. Bake at 350°F for 17-20 minutes, until edges are lightly browned, rotating pans halfway through. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Baking Tips
- Don't overbake. Edges should be golden, centers soft.
- Space dough apart. Leave about 3 inches between cookies.
- Use rolled oats. Old-fashioned oats give the best chewy texture.
Storage
- Room Temp: Airtight container up to 5 days.
- Freezer: These cowboy cookies also freeze well, making them perfect for prepping ahead or baking in batches. Freeze baked cookies or cookie dough up to 3 months.
Laura Bush Cowboy Cookies Recipe FAQs
They're called cowboy cookies because they're packed with hearty ingredients like oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts. Perfect for a filling, energy-packed treat.
Yes, you can leave out the coconut or replace it with additional oats or chocolate chips.
Avoid overbaking and store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy.
More Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
These Laura Bush cowboy cookies are thick, chewy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for bake sales, holidays, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing dessert.
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Laura Bush Cowboy Cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups butter room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Gradually mix in the sugars and beat until combined, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla. Stir in the flour mixture until just combined, then fold in the coconut and pecans.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and oats until evenly combined.
- Drop ¼ cup portions of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing about 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 17-20 minutes, until edges are lightly browned, rotating pans halfway through. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats, quick oats won't give the same chewy cowboy cookies texture.
- Do not overbake. The centers should look slightly soft for perfectly chewy cowboy cookies.
- No coconut? You can leave it out or replace with extra oats or chocolate chips in this cowboy cookies recipe.
- Nut-free option: Omit the pecans or swap with additional chocolate chips if needed.
- Dough can be chilled for 20-30 minutes if too soft before baking to help prevent spreading.
Carol W. says
My family loves these! So easy to make and I love all the mix-in’s.
Kristin Hayes says
Yay! Love hearing this! Glad they are a favorite!