Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

Since 1992, Family Circle magazine has hosted what is basically a presidential bake-off – but in print. Every election cycle, the two potential first ladies submit their best cookie recipe and readers vote on their favorite one. (And except for a few outliers, this cookie bake-off tends to accurately predict the outcome of the actual election!) In 2000, Laura Bush submitted this recipe for her Texas Governor’s Mansion Cowboy Cookies while Tipper Gore put up her Ginger Snaps. Laura’s Cowboy Cookies won by a landslide and have since become Family Circle’s most widely circulated presidential cookie recipe.

And it’s easy to see why. These cookies are GOOD. They’re a chocolate chip cookie… but a chocolate chip cookie that’s been loaded with a few other ingredients that bring in a ton of extra texture and flavor. They’re big (as most things in Texas tend to be) and I can promise that every time you hand them out, you’ll end up with multiple requests for the recipe.

I’ve been making them for years and I’ve found that they’re pretty much universally loved. On one occasion I made them for my mother-in-law to bring to an event. She placed them on the dessert table when she arrived, and she said that so many people snuck to the back of the room during the speaker’s presentation to grab one that there were none left for the reception afterward. (And this recipe makes three dozen.)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are not just cookies; they’re a celebration of flavors and textures. Each bite is filled with rich chocolate chips, hearty oats, crunchy pecans, and sweet coconut. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Their generous size and delightful taste make them an instant crowd-pleaser!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Electric mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Baking sheets
• Wire rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

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 (3 sticks) butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups light-brown sugar, packed
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 cups sweetened flake coconut
• 2 cups chopped pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing the Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a very large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy.
4. Gradually add both sugars to the butter and mix until well combined.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
6. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture, beating on low speed until just combined.
7. Gently stir in the chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans.
8. Drop dough by 1/4 cup portions onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart.
9. Bake for 15-17 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through, until the edges of the cookies are lightly browned.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming.
• Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent breaking.

Additional Tips or Variations

If you prefer, you can substitute walnuts for pecans or use dark chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor. For those who enjoy a hint of spice, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dry ingredients.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

These cookies are rich and indulgent, perfect for a treat! Keep in mind they are not low-calorie, so enjoy them in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. Simply portion the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a zip-top bag.

How long do these cookies stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container, they will stay fresh for about a week.

Can I make smaller cookies? Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness a few minutes earlier.

Conclusion

Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a piece of history and a beloved recipe that has stood the test of time. I encourage you to try making these cookies and experience their delightful blend of textures and flavors for yourself. When you do, please share your thoughts and any creative variations you come up with. Happy baking!