Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies: A Cozy Treat from the Heart

There’s a unique warmth that fills a home when the smell of fresh cookies wafts through the air. These Cowboy Cookies, inspired by Laura Bush’s cherished recipe, encapsulate that feeling perfectly. As they bake, their edges turn golden, and the promise of a chewy, chocolatey bite beckons you from the kitchen. They’re not just any cookie; they’re a delightful blend of creamy butter, rich chocolate, and the wonderful crunch of pecans — each bite is like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Whether you’re looking to bring a taste of nostalgia to your holiday gatherings or just need a comforting treat for a cozy evening at home, this recipe is the perfect solution. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started! This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: This easy recipe comes together in no time, perfectly suited for a busy weeknight or an impromptu gathering.
• Family-Friendly: With a delightful mix of oats, chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans, these cookies are sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Bake a batch and attract compliments at your next potluck or family get-together — everyone will be asking for seconds!
• Customizable: With a few fun variations, you can switch these up to fit any flavor profile or dietary preference.
• Perfect with a Warm Beverage: Pair them with a cup of cocoa or chai for an extra cozy experience during the chilly months.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

To whip up these delightful cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans

How to Make Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

Let’s make it together! Follow these simple steps for a delicious batch of cowboy cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy; make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the pure vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the rolled oats, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and chopped pecans until everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Using a tablespoon, drop rounded dollops of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underdone — this will give you that soft, chewy texture we all love.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Delicious Variations to Try

Here are some creative twists to make these cookies even more special:

• Nut Lovers: Substitute the pecans for walnuts or mixed nuts for an added crunch.
• Coconut Delight: Add 1 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flair that complements the chocolate beautifully.
• Dried Fruits: Toss in a cup of dried cherries or cranberries for a tart contrast to the rich chocolate.
• Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a cozy, warm flavor that pairs perfectly with the oats and chocolate.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

To ensure your cowboy cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Make-Ahead: The cookie dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just let it come to room temperature before baking!
• Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version, or use almond flour for a gluten-free option.
• Storage: Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last for up to 3 months!
• Even Baking: If your oven tends to bake unevenly, rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking time for consistent results.

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

Here’s a brief look at the nutrition information per serving (1 cookie):

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 150mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about these cowboy cookies? Here are some answers to help you out:

• Can I make this ahead? Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for later.
• Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! You can swap out the nuts or mix in different types of chocolate as you like.
• How do I store leftovers? Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for long-term storage.
• How long does it last? These cookies can stay fresh for a week at room temperature or longer if frozen.

A Cozy Closing Note

These Cowboy Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a comforting treat that brings laughter, joy, and warmth to every gathering. Whether enjoyed alone with a cup of tea or shared with friends around the table, they create memories that linger long after the last crumb is gone. So go ahead, save this Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies recipe to your cozy desserts board so it’s ready for those chilly evenings when you need a little sweetness in your life!

Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

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• Author: Chef Emma
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These delightful Cowboy Cookies are a cozy treat infused with creamy butter, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting evening at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to wet ingredients.
5. Fold in rolled oats, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
6. Drop rounded dollops of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown and centers look slightly underdone.
8. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Make-Ahead: The dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ingredient substitutions can be made for dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: cookies, dessert, cowboy cookies, baking, American treats