Laura Bush's Famous Cowboy Cookies Are Immediately Going in My Holiday Baking Rotation

The holidays wouldn’t be the holidays without baking cookies, but between the hustle of festivities and endless to-do lists, combing through the internet and a bunch of cookbooks to find the perfect winning recipe can feel like a chore. That's why in the spirit of giving, we're sharing a cookie recipe that's not just good, it's actually award-winning. The cookie in question? Former First Lady Laura Bush's cowboy cookies.

As the story goes, Laura Bush became linked to this recipe when Family Circle Magazine hosted the First Lady Bake-Off baking competition during the 2000 presidential election between Al Gore and George W. Bush. In arguably a much less tense head-to-head than the campaigns of their husbands, Tipper Gore and Laura Bush faced off in the kitchen. It was Tipper's gingersnaps vs. Laura's cowboy cookies, a larger-than-life cookie that could feed a cowboy (hence the name). Laura won that contest and 24 years since that victorious day, Laura Bush's cowboy cookies have become a legendary recipe.

But are they worth the hype? I cranked up my oven to try the recipe in my kitchen. Here's how it went.

Get the recipe: Laura Bush's Cowboy Cookies

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Ingredients for Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

To make the former First Lady’s cookies, you’ll need all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon and kosher salt. You'll also need room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, light-brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, chocolate chips, old-fashioned rolled oats, sweetened coconut flakes and chopped pecans.

Related: My Husband's Grandpa Cracked the Code to the Best-Ever Snickerdoodles

How to Make Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. In another bowl or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating for 2 more minutes until the mixture is well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then add the vanilla. Stir in the flour mixture until just combined. Using a spatula, fold in the oats, pecans, coconut and chocolate chips.

Related: The 85-Year-Old Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe That Started It All

Drop the dough by 1/4 cupfuls onto an un-greased baking sheet. (I lined my baking sheet with parchment.) Be sure to space out the cookies about three inches apart to make room for the to spread as they bake. Bake until the edges are lightly browned, about 17 to 20 minutes. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Related: Reddit's 140-Year-Old Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

What I Thought of Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

How’s the saying go, everything's bigger in Texas? Well, these cookies are definitely bigger than expected. I didn't think I would understand how the cinnamon, oats, chocolate chips, coconut and pecans would all work together but you know what they say when you assume! In the end, this cookie was like a flavor workhorse—I'd argue that's why the cowboy cookie name fits. It's sweet enough to be a dessert, with a savory edge and each cookie is rugged enough to be enjoyed by a rancher. Personally, I would omit the coconut but I’ll be making Laura Bush's cookies for not only the upcoming holidays but also for my next hiking or camping trip.

Related: The 88-Year-Old Christmas Cookie Recipe Fans Call 'Perfect'

Tip for Making Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

• Keep 'em moving. Rotate the cookie sheets halfway through the baking cycle for an even bake. That's a great tip for these cookies and pretty much anytime you're making cookies.

More of Our Favorite First Lady Recipes

Laura Bush isn't the only first lady who has recipes to share. Check out these other White House-worthy recipes.

• Rosalynn Carter's Strawberry Cake Has a Surprising Vintage Ingredient

• Jackie O's Simple Grilled Chicken is Tender, Flavorful and the Perfect End-of-Summer Supper

• Michelle Obama’s Apple Cobbler Captures the Essence of American Baking

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