Name: Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
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 (toasted optional)

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Introduction

Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are a delightful treat packed with oats, chocolate chips, and pecans. These cookies have a perfect balance of chewy and crispy textures and a rich, buttery flavor that will steal your heart in just one bite.

The image shows a close-up of three homemade cookies stacked slightly on a white plate, placed on a white marbled texture surface. The cookies have a golden-brown base with a slightly crispy texture on the edges and a softer center. Each cookie is loaded with chunky pieces of milk chocolate and chopped nuts, which add a mix of smooth, glossy dark brown and light cream colors across the surface. The texture is crumbly with visible cracks and small sugar crystals that glisten subtly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides halfway through.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
Step 5: Gently fold in the rolled oats, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers still look slightly underdone.
Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

Toast the pecans before adding to enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch.
Try mixing half semi-sweet and half milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier taste.
Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to help achieve the perfect cookie texture.
Use old-fashioned rolled oats for hearty texture; avoid quick oats to maintain the cookie’s bite.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, warm in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or let come to room temperature for best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Two thick, golden-brown cookies sit stacked on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. The top cookie is broken in half, revealing a soft, gooey inside filled with melted dark chocolate chunks and bits of pecans. The cookies have a rough, slightly crumbly texture with visible pieces of chocolate and nuts embedded throughout. The edges are a bit darker and crispier, while the center is tender and rich with melty chocolate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute nuts in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or your favorite nuts. Toast them before adding to bring out their flavors.

Will these cookies be chewy or crunchy?

These cowboy cookies have a delightful balance of chewy centers and slightly crispy edges, thanks to the combination of oats, butter, and baking powder.