If there were ever a cookie that could win a bake-off and win over a room, it’s the famous cowboy cookie. These are the exact cookies that former First Lady Laura Bush made famous during the 2000 presidential bake-off — and spoiler alert: they beat out Tipper Gore’s ginger snaps in a landslide.
Loaded with oats, coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans, cowboy cookies are everything you love in one thick, chewy bite. They’re oversized, rustic, and totally irresistible. Think oatmeal cookie meets chocolate chip meets trail mix — all baked into one glorious dessert.
Backstory: How These Cookies Made History
Back in 2000, Family Circle magazine hosted a First Lady cookie competition, a light-hearted tradition that let readers vote on their favorite recipes submitted by political spouses. Laura Bush submitted these cowboy cookies, and the rest is cookie history.
Since then, they’ve become a staple in my baking rotation. They freeze beautifully, travel well, and are hands-down one of the most crowd-pleasing cookies you can make. They’re sweet, nutty, chewy, and just a little crunchy around the edges — everything a cookie should be.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
How To Make Cowboy Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. You’re going to need a couple of them — this recipe makes a big batch.
Dry Ingredients First
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
Combine It All
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough will be thick.
Load It Up
Fold in the chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and chopped pecans. Stir until everything is evenly distributed. You might need to switch to a sturdy wooden spoon — this dough is hefty!
Scoop and Bake
Scoop the dough into large, heaping tablespoons (or use a large cookie scoop) and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Best Ways to Enjoy Cowboy Cookies
These cookies are incredible warm from the oven — soft centers, crispy edges, and melted chocolate in every bite. But they’re just as delicious the next day, packed in a lunchbox, or served with a glass of cold milk.
They make great road trip snacks, bake sale stars, and care package MVPs. I’ve even crumbled them over vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Highly recommend.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Here are a few ideas:
- Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds
- Use dark chocolate chips or a chopped chocolate bar
- Add a pinch of cayenne or espresso powder for a twist
- Make mini cookies for parties, or jumbo ones for gifting
Don’t be afraid to experiment. These cookies can take it.
The Cookie That Deserves a Comeback
In a world full of over-the-top desserts and trendy bakes, cowboy cookies are a reminder that sometimes, the classics win for a reason. They’re hearty, sweet, nostalgic, and satisfying in a way that few cookies can match.
So grab those oats, chocolate chips, and a big bowl. These cookies are proof that a little bit of everything really can be just right.
