Wyoming: Cowboy Cookies

While many associate the cowboy cookie with former first lady Laura Bush, whose winning recipe popularized the treat in 2000, the origin of this amped-up chocolate chip cookie remains obscure. Some credit a vintage Quaker Oats recipe, which supposedly appeared on the box in an era when Hollywood leaned into the glamorization of the cowboy; others say it was a staple of the Old West. Often made with oats, pecans, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes, the cookie was a hearty, caloric option cowboys could easily carry with them for sustenance on a long ride. No matter where or how the cookie originated, the treat represents the persisting cowboy culture of Wyoming. The Cowboy State is deeply rooted in a tradition of resourcefulness and living life on your own terms. And this particular dessert, passed down through the decades, can be made with whatever additions you have on hand and altered based on preference (common variations add raisins or dried cranberries to the mix).

Small shops like Mary’s Mountain Cookies in Cheyenne and bakeries at chains including Albertson’s are home to sweet and traditional cowboy cookies. Meanwhile, the version at Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole is more about the size and presentation rather than the mix-ins. The Cowboy Cookie comes out in a cast-iron skillet, and it’s topped with either housemade frozen vanilla custard or vanilla ice cream for good measure. Either way, the delivery is chewy, crunchy, and sturdy enough to be tossed in a backpack or saddlebag. —Lydia Mansel

For more inspiration, read our guide to the most iconic dish in every US state, and the cuisine to try in each.

Credits

Lead editors: Arati Menon, Megan Spurrell

Editors: Lale Arikoglu, Jessica Chapel, Kat Chen, Oscar Dorr, Taylor Eisenhauer, Madison Flager, Charlie Hobbs, Meaghan Kenny, Shannon McMahon, Rebecca Misner, Matt Ortile, Jamie Spain, Hannah Towey, Paris Wilson

Editorial support: Erik Buckingham, Erin Florio

Copy editors: Marisa Carroll, Damien Fallon

Research: Ivette Manners, Alexandra Sanidad

Illustrations: Daniel Tingcungco

Lead visuals: Pallavi Kumar, Zoe Westman

Supporting visuals: Charis Morgan

Social media: Emily Adler, Mercedes Bleth

Audience development: Abigail Malbon

Production: Oscar Dorr

Public relations: Erin Kaplan