These delicious cowboy cookies have quite the presidential seal of approval. The recipe comes straight from former First Lady Laura Bush, who frequently served these irresistible cookies at the White House during her husband’s term. Packed with oats, chocolate chips, and nuts, these cookie jars staples are a favorite of the Bush family. Keep reading for the original White House cowboy cookie recipe along with tips for making them perfectly chewy and irresistible.
Recipe Origins
According to Laura Bush, this recipe originally came from a good friend in Texas. She tweaked it slightly over the years, but it remains a cherished recipe. The former First Lady would often bake up batches of her cowboy cookies to share with White House visitors and staff.
In her memoir, Laura Bush recalls always having a tin of these hearty cowboy cookies on hand for snacking in the family kitchen. They became a standard treat for the Bush family to enjoy with milk, coffee, or tea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans.
- Scoop 1/4 cup portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. The cookies will still look soft in the centers when done.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy the cowboy cookies with a cold glass of milk or hot coffee!
Tips for Making Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies
- Use room temperature butter for best results in the creaming process.
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them. For crunchier cookies, bake 1-2 minutes longer.
- Substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans if you prefer.
- Add 1 cup raisins or dried cranberries if desired for more texture.
- For thicker, cake-like cookies, use a 1/8 cup scoop. For thinner, crisper cookies, use a 1/4 cup scoop.
- Make the dough ahead of time and chill for up to 3 days before baking. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before scooping.
Storing and Freezing Cowboy Cookies
- Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- The cookie dough can also be frozen in balls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
More Cookie Inspiration
If you love these White House cowboy cookies, try some of Laura Bush’s other presidential cookie recipes:
- Laura’s Chocolate Chip Cookies – A classic chocolate chip recipe perfected by Mrs. Bush
- White House Sugar Cookies – Laura’s signature cut-out sugar cookies with royal icing
- First Family Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – An old Bush family favorite
- President Bush’s Peanut Butter Cookies – George W. Bush’s personal favorite
Enjoy a taste of White House history with these recipes from the First Lady’s cookie archives!
FAQs
1. What makes cowboy cookies different from other cookie recipes?
Cowboy cookies get their name from their mix of “cowboy” ingredients like oats, nuts, and chocolate chips. They are chewier, heartier, and denser than traditional chocolate chip cookies.
2. Should cowboy cookies be soft or crunchy?
Good cowboy cookies strike a balance between soft/chewy centers and slightly crisp edges. Some crunch comes from the oats and nuts. Underbaking them slightly helps keep the centers chewy.
3. How long do cowboy cookies stay fresh?
Cowboy cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
4. Can I make substitutions for food allergies?
Yes! Some options are: dairy-free butter, gluten-free oats, almond flour, coconut oil, or alternate nuts/chocolate. Adjust baking time as needed.
5. What can I add to cowboy cookie dough?
Raisins, dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and toffee bits also work well in these versatile cookies.
The Last Bite
Laura Bush’s favorite cowboy cookies have a special place in White House history. Chewy, chunky, and chocolatey, these cookies are sure to be a hit at your next bake sale, potluck, or family gathering. Whip up a batch and enjoy snacking like a First Family!
