Name: Laura Bush's Cowboy Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
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 unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 3 cups old-fashioned oats; 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut; 2 cups chopped pecans; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Thick, chewy, and packed with everything from oats to coconut, Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are a legendary treat with serious staying power. Originally gaining fame during a presidential bake-off in the early 2000s, these cookies have become a beloved go-to for home bakers looking for a loaded cookie that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture.

Each bite delivers the perfect combo of crunchy edges and a soft, gooey center bursting with chocolate chips, pecans, and a hint of cinnamon. If you’re into cookies with substance—ones that could pass for a full snack (or even breakfast)—these cowboy cookies are going to be your new obsession.

Why You’ll Love Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

Loaded with goodies: Chocolate chips, oats, pecans, and coconut create the ultimate chewy-crunchy texture.
Big batch: This recipe makes a lot—perfect for sharing or freezing.
Freezer-friendly dough: Make the dough ahead and bake when cravings hit.
Customizable: Swap nuts, change the chocolate, or even go gluten-free.
Tried and true: This cookie beat out Tipper Gore’s in the 2000 cookie contest!

What Makes These Cookies “Cowboy” Style?

Cowboy cookies are like the rodeo of cookie recipes—they’re wild, packed with energy, and full of surprises. The name reflects their hearty ingredients, meant to satisfy serious hunger, much like a cowboy would need out on the trail. With oats for fuel, nuts for protein, and sweet add-ins for comfort, it’s no wonder they’ve earned their boots in the cookie hall of fame.

Ingredients for Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

These cookies are packed to the brim with bold, chunky, and flavorful ingredients. Here’s what brings the cowboy energy to every bite:

All-purpose flour: Forms the base and structure of the dough.
Baking powder and baking soda: Both leavening agents work together for the perfect rise.
Cinnamon: Adds warm spice and depth.
Salt: Balances all the sweet flavors.
Unsalted butter: For a rich, creamy texture.
Granulated sugar + Brown sugar: The mix gives sweetness and chewy texture.
Eggs: Help bind everything together.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie’s overall flavor.
Old-fashioned oats: For hearty chew and texture.
Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds tropical sweetness and chewiness.
Chopped pecans: Offer buttery crunch in every bite.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty, gooey chocolate is non-negotiable!

How To Make Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

This recipe makes a big batch, so make sure your mixing bowl can handle the delicious chaos!

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

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

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In another large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir in oats, coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips until just combined.

Step 5: Scoop and Chill (Optional)

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out dough. Chill for 30 minutes for puffier cookies, or bake right away for flatter, chewier ones.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place dough mounds on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or cooled!

How to Serve and Store Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

This recipe yields about 3 dozen generously-sized cookies, making them ideal for bake sales, parties, or stocking the cookie jar for the week. Serve them warm for melty chocolate moments or cooled for the full chewy-crunchy experience.

These cookies keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Want to save some for later? Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months, or freeze unbaked dough balls to bake fresh any time.

To reheat, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

What to Serve With Cowboy Cookies?

These hearty cookies shine on their own but pair wonderfully with drinks and light bites. Here are a few ideas:

Cold Milk

Classic and unbeatable. Dunking is encouraged.

Hot Coffee

The slight bitterness of black coffee balances all the cookie sweetness.

Chai Tea

Spiced tea with cinnamon and cardamom complements the cookie’s cinnamon kick.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Sandwich two cookies around a scoop for the ultimate treat.

Fruit Salad

Light and refreshing, fruit balances the cookie’s richness.

Peanut Butter Dip

Turn these into dessert dippers with a creamy peanut butter dip.

Whipped Greek Yogurt

Lightly sweetened yogurt makes a great spread or dip.

If you loved Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies, you’ll want to try these other bold and flavor-packed cookies next:

These Lemon Churro Cookies balance tart citrus with sweet cinnamon sugar.
Craving something nostalgic? The Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are a soft-centered classic.
Get cozy with Brown Sugar Maple Cookies—perfect for chilly days and fall vibes.
For chocolate lovers, don’t miss the Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies with gooey ganache inside.
Want a cookie that doubles as dessert? Try the Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for deep caramel flavor and crunch.

Each one brings something a little unexpected to the cookie tray—just like Cowboy Cookies.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Did you make them extra big or mini? Did you add white chocolate chips or sub in walnuts?

I’d love to hear your twists and versions in the comments!

Explore beautifully curated cookie creations and more on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest—your go-to spot for sweet inspiration.

Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

Author: Nora
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 36 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are the ultimate chewy-meets-crunchy treat loaded with chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans. They first rose to fame in a presidential bake-off and have held their ground as a fan favorite for good reason. Whether you need a cookie that satisfies a crowd or want to stock the freezer with delicious snacks, this easy dessert recipe is versatile, nostalgic, and impossible to resist. Perfect for cookie swaps, lunchboxes, bake sales, or an indulgent late-night snack. It’s a must-add to your list of quick baking ideas, family-friendly sweets, and make-ahead treats.