Wyoming Cowboy Cookies
My sister made these Wyoming Cowboy Cookies for me and I have to say that I had never heard of “cowboy cookies,” despite growing up in Texas.
I wanted to look into the history of a cowboy cookie. No one has any idea as to why the cookie is named “the cowboy cookie.” Some speculate it’s hardy enough to survive long days out west. (source)
I couldn’t find details specifically on the “Wyoming Cowboy Cookie.” But Cowboy Cookies are chewy oatmeal brown sugar cookies with chocolate chips, coconut and pecans
Interestingly, Laura Bush’s had shared a “Texas Governor’s Mansion Cowboy Cookie”. For many decades, presidential candidates shared family recipes to the public in an attempt to appear wholesome and highlight family values. What shows off family values like home cooking? (source)
Family Circle magazine has a legacy where wives of presidential candidates would submit their favorite cookie recipe, which readers would then bake and vote on those entries. Interestingly enough, this bake-off contest has unintentionally yet ultimately predicted the winners of the presidential election most of the time (source).
This history is particularly relevant in what I feel has been the craziest, unorthodox presidential election year ever! Sadly, Family Circle stopped publication, so there is no predicting cookie bake-off for the 2020 election.
Adapted from Taste of Home
Wyoming Cowboy Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups old-fashioned oats
2 cups (12 ounces) chocolate chips
Directions
Place coconut and pecans on a baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes or until toasted, stirring every 2 minutes. Set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, cream butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.
Combine the flour, baking soda and salt Add to creamed mixture; beat well. Stir in the oats, chocolate chips and toasted coconut and pecans.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 350°F about 12 minutes or until browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
