Why You’ll Love Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies
- Soft & Chewy Perfection : The oatmeal base ensures a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Hearty Ingredients : Loaded with chocolate chips, pecans, and raisins (or craisins for a pop of color), these cookies are as satisfying as they are delicious.
- Beginner-Friendly : With straightforward steps and pantry staples, this recipe is easy enough for even novice bakers.
- Customizable : Swap out ingredients like nuts or dried fruit to make them uniquely yours.
How to Make Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies
This recipe makes about 24–30 cookies. Feel free to double it for larger gatherings!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 cup raisins or craisins
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them. - Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). - Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. - Fold in Mix-Ins
Stir in the rolled oats, chocolate chips, pecans, and raisins (or craisins) until evenly distributed throughout the dough. - Scoop and Bake
Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly if desired. - Bake
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. - Cool & Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tips for Making Perfect Cowboy Cookies
- Don’t Overmix : Stop stirring once the ingredients are just combined to prevent the cookies from becoming dense.
- Chill the Dough (Optional) : For thicker, chewier cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Swap Ingredients : Replace pecans with walnuts or omit nuts altogether if preferred. Substitute cranberries for raisins for a brighter flavor.
- Make Ahead : Freeze unbaked dough balls for future baking sessions—simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when baking from frozen.
Conclusion
Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies aren’t just cookies—they’re a celebration of warmth, simplicity, and wholesome goodness. With their hearty mix-ins and irresistible flavor profile, they promise to satisfy your cravings while bringing a smile to anyone lucky enough to try them. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or saved for later, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your household.
So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the most beloved cookie recipes around! Happy baking, and don’t forget to snap a picture of your creation to share with friends and family. Bon appétit!