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Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Will Steal Your Heart in 1 Bite

These Cowboy Cookies are big, hearty, soft, chewy, and packed with everything people love in a cookie — chocolate chips, rolled oats, nuts, and buttery sweetness. This famous recipe has been loved for decades because it delivers texture and flavor in every bite. They feel nostalgic, homey, and special — like something fresh out of a warm kitchen on a Sunday afternoon. The oats bring chewiness, the chocolate chips add melt-in-your-mouth richness, pecans give a soft crunch, and the buttery dough ties everything together in perfect harmony. These cookies are incredibly satisfying — one cookie feels like a treat, a snack, and a hug all in one. If you love cookies with cozy, bakery-style texture and heartwarming flavor, this recipe is absolutely unforgettable.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
bake time 13 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 30 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1 cup pecans chopped (optional but delicious)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars
  1. In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2–3 minutes, until pale and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs & Vanilla
  1. Add the eggs and vanilla extract.
  2. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
  1. In another bowl, whisk together:
  2. flour
  3. baking soda
  4. baking powder
  5. salt
Step 5: Blend
  1. Add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently.
Step 6: Add Mix-Ins
  1. Fold in:
  2. rolled oats
  3. chocolate chips
  4. pecans
Step 7: Scoop & Bake
  1. Scoop dough into large balls (about 2 tablespoons each).
  2. Place onto baking sheet, leaving room for spreading.
  3. Bake 10–13 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers look soft.
Step 8: Cool & Enjoy
  1. Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

🧊 Storage
Store airtight for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months.
Freeze dough balls for fresh-baked cookies anytime.
🥄 Variations
No Nuts:
Simply omit pecans — cookies will still be perfect.
Dark Chocolate Lovers:
Use dark chocolate chunks for intense richness.
Coconut Twist:
Add ½ cup shredded coconut for extra chew.
Big Bakery Cookies:
Chill dough 30 minutes + scoop jumbo-size.
Extra Cozy Cinnamon:
Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the dough.
❓ 10 FAQs
Do I have to use rolled oats?
Yes — quick oats won’t give the same chewy texture.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes — just reduce added salt to a pinch.
Why are my cookies flat?
Butter may have been too warm — chill dough 15 minutes next time.
Can I toast the pecans first?
Yes — it makes them extra flavorful.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use 1:1 gluten-free flour and certified GF oats.
Can I halve or double the recipe?
Absolutely — it scales perfectly.
How do I get thicker cookies?
Chill dough or use a taller scoop.
Can I add raisins?
Yes — swap some chocolate chips for them.
Are these good for gifting?
Yes — they stay soft and travel well.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes — freeze portioned balls and bake as needed.
🏁 Conclusion
These Cowboy Cookies are hearty, buttery, chewy, rich, and completely irresistible. They taste like comfort, home, and sweetness in every bite — no fancy equipment or complicated steps needed.
Warm. Chewy. Legendary.
A cookie recipe you’ll come back to forever.