Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
- Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Step 5: Add Mix-Ins
- Stir in chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Form Cookies
- Scoop large tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. (They’ll spread.)
Step 7: Bake
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are set.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook Notes & Tips
- Cookie Size: These are meant to be large! Use a large cookie scoop or about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie.
- Mix-In Swaps: Feel free to substitute mix-ins (walnuts instead of pecans, etc.).
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Recipe Variations
- Peanut Butter: Add 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter to the dough.
- Fruit & Nut: Use dried cranberries instead of chocolate chips, and a mix of walnuts and almonds.
- Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt: Use dark chocolate chips and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes! Prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes! Freeze dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to baking time.
Q: How do I prevent spreading?
A: Ensure butter is room temperature (but not too soft), and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if needed.
Enjoy these delicious Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies! They’re sweet, crunchy, chewy, and bursting with flavor. A true crowd-pleaser!