Name: Laura Bush Cowboy Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1 tablespoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon salt; 1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1½ cups granulated sugar; 1½ 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 (toasted if desired)

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If you’ve never tasted a Laura Bush Cowboy Cookies recipe, you’re in for a treat that’s both legendary and delicious. These oversized cookies are chewy, crunchy, sweet, and hearty all at once. Known for their rich flavor and substantial texture, cowboy cookies earned fame when First Lady Laura Bush’s recipe won over the public during the 2000 presidential bake-off hosted by Family Circle Magazine.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a holiday party, or just your sweet tooth, this cookie recipe brings classic Texan flair to your kitchen. Let’s dig into what makes these cowboy cookies so iconic — and how you can make them from scratch.

What Are Cowboy Cookies?

Before we dive into the Laura Bush Cowboy Cookies recipe, it’s worth asking — what exactly are cowboy cookies?

Cowboy cookies are big, chewy cookies that usually contain oats, chocolate chips, pecans, and coconut flakes. Think of them as a supersized, Texas-style oatmeal chocolate chip cookie with extra attitude. The texture is soft but hearty, and every bite offers a bit of crunch and gooey chocolate.

Laura Bush’s version takes this classic and turns it up a notch, with bold flavors and a just-right balance of sweetness, chewiness, and crunch.

Why Are Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Famous?

In the year 2000, Family Circle Magazine held a presidential bake-off between First Lady hopefuls Laura Bush and Tipper Gore. The tradition started in 1992 and quickly became a fun (if tongue-in-cheek) part of each election cycle. That year, Laura Bush submitted her now-iconic cowboy cookie recipe.

Not only did the cookies win the bake-off, but they also became an instant hit across America. Home bakers couldn’t get enough of these hearty, sweet, satisfying cookies. The recipe was shared far and wide, cementing its place in baking history.

Laura Bush Cowboy Cookies Recipe (Full Recipe + Tips)

Here’s the original Laura Bush Cowboy Cookies recipe, with clear steps, helpful tips, and pro suggestions to make sure they turn out bakery-perfect every time.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1½ cups granulated sugar
1½ 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 (toasted for extra flavor, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

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

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In another large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
Stir until well combined, but don’t overmix.

Step 5: Add the Good Stuff

Fold in the chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans. The dough will be thick and chunky — perfect cowboy cookie texture!

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Use a large cookie scoop (or about ¼ cup of dough) to drop cookies onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave at least 2 inches between each cookie.
Bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cowboy Cookies

Don’t overbake. These cookies should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out — they’ll finish cooking as they cool.
Use toasted pecans. Toasting the pecans in a dry skillet or oven enhances their flavor and adds a nutty richness.
Chill the dough (optional). If you have time, refrigerate the dough for 30-60 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading.
Mix-ins can vary. Not a fan of coconut? Swap it for chopped walnuts or extra oats. Like dark chocolate? Use bittersweet chips instead.

Storing and Freezing

These cowboy cookies store beautifully!

To Store:

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

To Freeze:

Freeze the unbaked dough in scoops on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cook time.
You can also freeze baked cookies. Just wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.

Why You’ll Love These Cowboy Cookies

✔️ Soft and chewy with crispy edges
✔️ Loaded with texture and flavor
✔️ Easy to customize
✔️ Perfect for holiday trays, bake sales, or gifting
✔️ Proven winner – literally a presidential favorite!

Cowboy Cookies vs Monster Cookies: What’s the Difference?

While they share similarities, cowboy cookies and monster cookies aren’t quite the same.

Cowboy Cookies – Typically contain oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans. They’re more oat-cookie-based.
Monster Cookies – Usually have oats, peanut butter, and M&M’s, giving them a chunkier and sweeter profile.

So, if you’re a fan of nutty, chewy textures with just the right amount of chocolate, cowboy cookies (especially Laura Bush’s version) are the perfect pick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Laura Bush Cowboy Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Q: What if I don’t like coconut?

You can omit the coconut and still get great results. You might want to add a bit more oats to compensate for texture.

Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Old-fashioned rolled oats are preferred for the best texture. Quick oats can make the cookies slightly mushier, but they’ll still taste good.

Q: How big should I make these cookies?

Laura Bush’s original recipe calls for large cookies — about ¼ cup of dough per cookie. You can size them down if you prefer smaller cookies, just reduce the baking time by 3–5 minutes.

Final Thoughts: A Cookie Recipe Worth Sharing

The Laura Bush Cowboy Cookies recipe has stood the test of time for a reason. It’s a big, bold, comforting cookie that hits every flavor note — sweet, nutty, chocolatey, and hearty. Whether you’re making a batch for the holidays or just because you crave something cozy, this is a cookie that always delivers.

Try it once, and we promise: you’ll be baking these cowboy cookies again and again.