If you’ve ever wanted to bake a cookie that combines all your favorite flavors in one perfect bite, then Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are the answer. These cookies are a delightful mix of chewy, crunchy, and sweet, with oats, coconut, chocolate chips, and nuts all packed into a single cookie that’s as comforting as it is indulgent. They’re the kind of cookie that makes you feel like you’re sitting around a warm kitchen with a cup of coffee, chatting with friends and family.

This recipe first came to fame when Laura Bush, the former First Lady, shared it during her time in the White House. Known for its rustic charm and hearty ingredients, these cookies have become a beloved classic. They’re perfect for everything from holiday baking to a casual snack on a quiet afternoon. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply because you crave something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress.

What I love most about these cookies is how easy they are to make. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just a handful of pantry staples and a little bit of time. And trust me, they’re so delicious that it’s impossible to stop at just one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients – Everything you need is probably already in your pantry.
Perfectly chewy – The oats and coconut give the cookies that great chewy texture.
Crowd-pleasing – These cookies are always a hit at parties, potlucks, or bake sales.
Customizable – Add your favorite mix-ins like M&Ms, dried fruit, or different nuts.
Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike will love the big, hearty bite of these cookies.
Makes a lot – This recipe yields plenty, so it’s great for sharing or keeping a stash in your kitchen.
Comforting and nostalgic – With the combination of coconut, chocolate chips, and oats, these cookies feel like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Laura Bush’s famous cowboy cookies:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
(Just your standard all-purpose flour will do the trick!)
1 teaspoon baking soda
(This helps the cookies rise and gives them that perfect texture.)
1/2 teaspoon salt
(To balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
(Butter makes these cookies rich and flavorful, so don’t skimp on this one.)
1 cup granulated sugar
(For the right level of sweetness.)
1 cup packed brown sugar
(Brown sugar adds a touch of molasses flavor and moisture.)
2 large eggs
(Helps bind the dough together and gives structure to the cookies.)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
(A dash of vanilla really enhances the overall flavor.)
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
(This gives the cookies their chewy texture and heartiness.)
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
(The chocolate chips are the best part, providing melty, gooey goodness.)
1 cup chopped pecans
(Pecans add a lovely crunch, but walnuts also work well.)
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
(Coconut brings a tropical, chewy bite that complements the other ingredients perfectly.)

(Note: A complete list of ingredients with exact measurements is included in the instructions section below.)

How to Make It (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for now—this mixture will help ensure the cookies bake evenly and have that perfect texture.

Step 3: Cream the butter and sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer or a stand mixer. Cream the mixture until it’s light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step is key because it helps the cookies spread evenly and become nice and chewy.

Step 4: Add the eggs and vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. At this point, your batter should be smooth and creamy, with just a hint of sweetness from the sugar.

Step 5: Add the dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. You don’t want to overmix here, or the cookies could turn out tough. The dough should be thick and a little sticky.

Step 6: Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans
Now, fold in the oats, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans with a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure everything is evenly distributed, so you get a bit of everything in every bite. This is where the magic happens, and your dough will start to resemble a beautiful, hearty cookie dough.

Step 7: Scoop and bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out generous portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon to create thick discs.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. Keep a close eye on them; they can go from perfect to overdone quickly.

Step 8: Cool and enjoy
Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will give them a chance to firm up without falling apart.

Helpful Tips

Make sure the butter is softened
This is a big one—don’t skip this step! If your butter is too cold, the dough won’t come together properly, and your cookies won’t spread evenly. Softened butter mixes better with the sugars, creating a smooth and fluffy dough.

Customize the mix-ins
While pecans and coconut are classic, don’t be afraid to experiment with other mix-ins. Try dried cranberries, M&Ms, or even a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility.

Don’t overbake the cookies
The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out of the oven, so err on the side of underbaking them slightly. You want them to be golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

How to store leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to stay extra soft, throw in a slice of bread with the cookies—believe me, it works! You can also freeze the dough in cookie balls, then bake fresh cookies whenever you crave them.

Freezing the dough
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just pop the dough balls onto a baking sheet and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these cookies without coconut?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of coconut, simply leave it out and add extra oats or nuts in its place. The cookies will still be delicious.

Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely. If you prefer walnuts, almonds, or cashews, feel free to swap out the pecans. The recipe is very adaptable!

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. Make sure the oats you use are certified gluten-free as well.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but keep in mind that the salted butter will add extra salt to the cookies. If using salted butter, skip the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.

A Final Note

Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy. They’re simple, straightforward, and incredibly satisfying, making them ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a family treat, a holiday gathering, or just to have on hand for a snack, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.

I’ve made these so many times, and they’re always a hit. The combination of oats, chocolate, coconut, and pecans makes them uniquely delicious, and every bite feels like a little bit of home.

Give these a try, and let me know how they turn out! They’re definitely worth baking (and eating) over and over again.