Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the heartiness of oats, the sweetness of chocolate, and a hint of nuttiness from pecans, making them perfect for any occasion. These cookies are remarkably versatile—whether you crave a tasty snack or a delicious dessert to share with friends and family, they fit the bill perfectly. Not only do they offer a wonderful combination of flavors and textures, but they’re also simple to make, ensuring that both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices can whip up a batch with ease.
Why Make This Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies
These cookies are more than just a delightful dessert; they come with a rich history tied to former First Lady Laura Bush, who popularized the recipe. What’s more, each bite is an experience of crunchy edges, chewy centers, and bursts of chocolate. The combination of old-fashioned rolled oats and chopped pecans gives them an incredibly satisfying texture, while the buttery flavor melds beautifully with the sweetness of the sugars. Perfect for a cozy evening at home, a holiday party, or even a bake sale, these cookies are guaranteed to impress everyone who tries them.
How to Make Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies
Making Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies is a straightforward process. You’ll start by preparing your ingredients and setting the oven. The method involves creaming the butter and sugars, mixing in the eggs and vanilla, and then combining your dry ingredients. Finally, you’ll fold in the oats, chocolate chips, and nuts before dropping the dough onto a baking sheet. Whether you’re making a batch for a gathering or just to stock up your cookie jar, these steps will lead you to scrumptious results!
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
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the softened butter and both sugars together for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the oats, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed in the dough.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underdone.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie (assuming the recipe makes around 24 cookies) contains approximately:
- Calories: 178
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 36mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind these values can vary based on your measurements and specific brands of ingredients used.
How to Serve Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies
These cookies are fantastic on their own but can be elevated further by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee for a comforting treat. They also make great gifts; simply package them in a decorative box or tin for a delightful homemade present.
How to Store Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them! Place baked and cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, and they can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature.
Expert Tips for Perfect Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter is softened and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they look slightly underdone for a chewy center.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts or add in shredded coconut or dried fruit for variety.
- Consistency Check: If your dough seems too wet, add a tablespoon or two more of flour, one at a time.
Delicious Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) instead of regular eggs.
- Nut-Free: Omit the pecans or substitute them with sunflower seeds to maintain crunchiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies without pecans?
- Absolutely! You can omit pecans entirely or substitute with another nut, like walnuts, or leave them out for a nut-free version.
Can I chill the dough before baking?
- Yes! Chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
How can I make these cookies chewier?
- For chewier cookies, consider adding an additional egg yolk to the mixture.
What if I don’t have old-fashioned oats?
- You can use quick oats if needed, but the texture may vary slightly. Old-fashioned oats give the cookies a heartier chew.
How can I soften butter quickly?
- You can cut the butter into small cubes and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, or microwave it in short 10-second bursts until softened but not melted.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
- Yes! You can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What other flavors can I incorporate?
- Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a dash of espresso powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
- Make sure your butter isn’t melted when creaming with the sugars and chill the dough as mentioned above.
Can I add different types of chocolate?
- Yes! Feel free to use dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Are these cookies suitable for special diets?
- With minor modifications, such as the gluten-free or vegan alternatives provided, they can be enjoyed by many dietary preferences.
Conclusion
Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies combine tradition and flavor in each delightful bite. They are not only easy to make but also customizable for various dietary needs and preferences. Quit waiting—get into the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and try your hand at these amazing cookies. You won’t just be making a treat; you’ll be creating a moment of joy for yourself and those you love. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share the love!
Laura Bush's Cowboy Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the softened butter and both sugars together for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the oats, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed in the dough.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of the cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underdone.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.