Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies: A Deliciously Classic Recipe

Name: Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-479139H15M39S
Total time: PT-479139H15M39S
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 (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

Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are a beloved classic, known for their rich flavor and hearty texture. These cookies are packed with chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans, making them a satisfying treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just because you have a sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to please. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and share some tips and FAQs to help you perfect this iconic recipe.

Introduction to Cowboy Cookies

Cowboy Cookies have a special place in American culinary history. This particular recipe became widely popular when Laura Bush, the former First Lady of the United States, submitted it during the 2000 presidential campaign. These cookies quickly won over hearts and taste buds, thanks to their rich, chewy texture and the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.

The name “Cowboy Cookies” is believed to reflect the rugged, hearty nature of these cookies, making them a perfect snack for anyone needing a little extra energy. They’re substantial, satisfying, and loaded with delicious ingredients that make each bite a joy.

Ingredients Needed for Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

Before diving into the baking process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, providing structure.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light texture.

1 tablespoon baking soda: Reacts with the acids in the dough to provide leavening.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the sweetness.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Wet Ingredients

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter, room temperature: Provides richness and moisture.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s texture.
1 1/2 cups light-brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture, sweetness, and a hint of molasses flavor.

3 eggs: Binds the ingredients together and provides structure.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds a depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste.

Mix-ins

3 cups semisweet chocolate chips: The star of the cookie, adding rich chocolate flavor.

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds texture and a chewy element.
2 cups sweetened flake coconut: Provides a sweet, tropical flavor and chewy texture.
2 cups chopped pecans: Adds a nutty crunch and complements the other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cowboy Cookies

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to have the oven at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake, ensuring that the cookies bake evenly.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This step is important because it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour, ensuring that each cookie bakes up light and flavorful.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the room temperature butter until it’s creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and light-brown sugar, mixing until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Creaming the butter and sugars together is a critical step, as it helps to create a light, airy texture in the cookies.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This ensures that the dough remains smooth and that the eggs are evenly distributed. After the eggs, mix in the vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a rich, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies.

5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Overmixing the dough can make the cookies tough, so be careful to mix just until the ingredients are combined.

6. Incorporate the Mix-ins

Using a spatula, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, rolled oats, sweetened flake coconut, and chopped pecans. These ingredients give the cookies their signature texture and flavor. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. Shape the Cookies

Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup or a large cookie scoop, drop portions of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet. Space them about 3 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.

8. Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. The cookies are done when the edges are lightly browned, but the centers may still look slightly soft. This will give the cookies a chewy texture once cooled.

9. Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a rack helps the cookies firm up and ensures that they don’t become soggy. Once cooled, enjoy your delicious Cowboy Cookies!

Baking Tips and Notes

To ensure your Cowboy Cookies turn out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix more easily and results in a smoother dough.
Measuring Flour: For accurate measurements, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Packing flour into the cup can lead to dense cookies.

Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the dough once you’ve added the flour. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough cookies.
Baking Sheets: Use ungreased baking sheets, as the butter in the dough will prevent the cookies from sticking. If you prefer, you can use parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per cookie (based on a yield of 24 cookies):

Calories: 420 kcal
Carbohydrates: 54g
Protein: 5g

Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Sodium: 220mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 30g

FAQs

1. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Scoop the dough into portions and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?

Absolutely! You can use walnuts, almonds, or even omit the nuts entirely if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the cookies will change slightly depending on your choice.

3. How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for about a week. You can also refrigerate them to extend their freshness or freeze them for up to 3 months.

4. Can I make the cookies smaller?

Yes, you can make smaller cookies by using a smaller scoop or spoon to portion the dough. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller cookies will bake faster.