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Dorothy Thomas

Laura Bush Cowboy Cookies Recipe

A hearty, flavorful cookie packed with oats, chocolate, coconut, and pecans—inspired by former First Lady Laura Bush’s famous recipe. These cookies are crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  •  (250g) 2 cups  All-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Baking soda
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ( 226g) 1 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
  • (150g) ¾ cup Granulated sugar
  • (150g) ¾ cup Brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 2 tsp Vanilla extract
  • (180g) 2 cups  Old-fashioned oats
  • (270g) 1½ cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • (85g) 1 cup Sweetened shredded coconut
  •  (120g) 1 cup Chopped pecans (or walnuts)

Equipment

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone mats
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a stand mixer, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (~3 minutes).
  4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  6. Fold in oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans with a spatula.
  7. Drop ¼-cup portions of dough onto baking sheets (space 3" apart). Flatten slightly.
  8. Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are golden but centers are soft.
  9. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze dough for 3 months.
  • Variations: Swap pecans for walnuts or omit coconut for a simpler version.
  • Pro Tip: For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the cookies.