The Best Classic Ranger Cookies Recipe: Chewy, Crunchy & Irresistible
Ranger cookies are a beloved classic cookie recipe, celebrated for their hearty blend of textures and flavors. Each bite delivers a delightful combination of sweet chocolate chips, wholesome oats, tropical coconut, and the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies and cornflakes. These cookies boast a soft, chewy interior perfectly balanced by crispy edges and the unique snap from the cereal additions, making them a truly unforgettable treat.
Whether you’ve grown up enjoying these nostalgic treats or are just discovering them and asking, “What exactly are Ranger Cookies?”, this easy-to-follow recipe is an absolute must-try. It promises to bring a touch of old-fashioned goodness right into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
If you have a fondness for classic, heartwarming desserts like these incredible Ranger Cookies, then you’ll undoubtedly appreciate some of my other time-honored cookie recipes. Favorites such as Old-Fashioned Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies, No Bake Oatmeal Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, and the Original Quaker Oatmeal Cookie Recipe offer that same comforting, timeless flavor profile that everyone loves.
What are Ranger Cookies? The Origin of a Classic Cookie
Ranger Cookies, sometimes affectionately known as Texas Ranger Cookies, are renowned for their distinctive blend of textures and robust flavor. These delightful cookies typically feature a medley of wholesome ingredients including rolled oats, sweet chocolate chips, shredded coconut flakes, and unique crispy cereals like corn flakes and Rice Krispies. The name “Ranger Cookies” is thought to derive from their inclusion of these hearty, energy-packed ingredients, reminiscent of what a Texas Ranger or anyone needing sustained energy might carry on a long journey or patrol. Much like a homemade granola bar, these cookies provided a substantial and satisfying snack, perfect for those needing a significant boost of energy throughout their day. This makes them not just a delicious treat, but a nod to a simpler time when ingredients were chosen for both taste and sustenance.
Ranger Cookies vs. Cowboy Cookies: What’s the Difference?
Both Ranger Cookies and Cowboy Cookies are celebrated for being generously loaded with delicious mix-ins, such as oats, chocolate chips, and coconut, resulting in a rich, satisfying, and flavorful experience. However, a key distinction lies in their signature crispy elements. Ranger Cookies are uniquely defined by the inclusion of crunchy cereals like cornflakes and Rice Krispies, which provide an unparalleled textural contrast that sets them apart. This addition creates a lighter, crispier bite while still maintaining a chewy core. In contrast, Cowboy Cookies typically feature a denser, chewier texture, often incorporating chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts instead of cereals. While both are hearty, old-fashioned favorites, the choice between them often comes down to a preference for a cereal-infused crunch (Ranger Cookies) versus a nutty chew (Cowboy Cookies). Our Ranger Cookies recipe leans into that delightful crispy texture, making them a standout treat.
Why You Will Love This Ranger Cookies Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly straightforward, featuring simple steps that even beginner bakers can master. No fancy equipment is needed – just a mixing bowl, a spoon or mixer, and your oven!
- Loaded with Mix-Ins: Prepare for a flavor explosion in every single bite! These cookies are absolutely packed with a generous amount of chocolate chips, chewy oats, sweet coconut, and, of course, the signature crispy cereals.
- Unique Texture: Get ready for an extraordinary sensory experience! These Ranger Cookies offer a perfect contrast: wonderfully soft and chewy centers that gradually give way to satisfyingly crunchy edges, thanks to the cornflakes and Rice Krispies.
- Customizable: Feeling creative? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Easily swap out or add different mix-ins to perfectly suit your taste preferences. From different chocolates to various nuts, the possibilities are endless.
- Perfect for Sharing: A true crowd-pleaser, these Ranger Cookies are ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re bringing them to a cookie exchange, selling them at a bake sale, or simply treating your family and friends, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients for Perfect Ranger Cookies
This section provides detailed ingredient notes and helpful substitution options to ensure your Ranger Cookies turn out perfectly every time. For exact measurements, the complete list of ingredients, and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post.
- Butter: For the best results in baking, I highly recommend using unsalted butter. This gives you complete control over the total salt content in your cookies. If you opt to use salted butter, remember to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to ¾ teaspoon to avoid an overly salty flavor. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming.
- Sugar: This recipe calls for a combination of both white granulated sugar and brown sugar. Granulated sugar provides crispness and sweetness, while brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a lovely caramel-like depth of flavor. You can use either light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference for a richer molasses taste.
- Eggs: Eggs are crucial for binding the ingredients and adding structure and moisture to the cookies. Like butter, it’s best to bring your eggs to room temperature before mixing. This helps them incorporate more evenly into the dough, leading to a smoother texture and better rise.
- Other Baking Staples: Don’t forget the essentials! You’ll need pure vanilla extract to enhance all the other flavors, all-purpose flour for the main structure, baking soda as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise and spread, and a touch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats are a cornerstone of Ranger Cookies, contributing significant texture and a delightful chewiness. They absorb moisture, preventing the cookies from becoming too dense. While quick oats can be used in a pinch, be aware that they will result in a slightly softer, less textured cookie.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The classic choice for a balanced sweetness. Feel free to experiment with your favorite type of chocolate: dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense flavor, milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier taste, or even chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) if you want a different kind of mix-in.
- Cornflakes: This is one of the signature ingredients that give Ranger Cookies their incredible crunch and unique texture. The light, crispy flakes add an unexpected but welcome element. If you don’t have cornflakes, crushed bran flakes can be a decent substitute, or you can omit them entirely for a softer cookie, though you’ll miss out on that classic crunch. Don’t let leftover cornflakes go to waste – use them to make these delicious peanut butter cornflake cookies!
- Rice Krispies Cereal: Another essential crispy component, Rice Krispies (puffed rice cereal) add a light, airy crunch that perfectly complements the chewiness of the oats and the richness of the chocolate. Any brand of crispy rice cereal or simply puffed rice can be used as a substitute.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut: This ingredient adds a wonderful tropical sweetness and an extra layer of chewiness. The fine shreds integrate beautifully into the cookie dough. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, unsweetened coconut can be used. For a different flavor profile, consider chopped dried fruit like cranberries or apricots.
How to Make Ranger Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
This section provides a visual guide with step-by-step photos and detailed instructions to help you successfully bake these delightful Ranger Cookies. For the full printable recipe, including precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, please scroll down to the recipe card below.
Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉ (175°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper is key to preventing sticking and ensuring easy cleanup, as well as promoting even baking and slightly crispy bottoms.
Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ final texture. Next, beat in the room-temperature eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, old-fashioned rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Finally, gently stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened shredded coconut, cornflakes, and Rice Krispies cereal until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. A spoon or spatula works best here to avoid crushing the cereals.
Bake: Using a 2-Tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, drop uniform balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving approximately 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. This ensures even baking and prevents cookies from merging. Bake for 10-13 minutes. The cookies are done when their edges are set and lightly golden, but their centers still look slightly soft and underdone. Remember, overbaking is the enemy of a chewy cookie!
Pro Tip for Bakery-Style Ranger Cookies:
For that irresistible, professional bakery-style finish, press a few extra chocolate chips (and maybe a sprinkle of cornflakes or coconut!) into the tops of your cookie dough balls just before baking. Alternatively, you can do this as soon as they come out of the oven while they are still warm and soft. This makes the mix-ins more visible and appetizing, enhancing their homemade charm.
Storage Tips for Ranger Cookies
Proper storage is essential to keep your Ranger Cookies fresh, chewy, and crunchy for as long as possible. Once completely cooled, store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their delicious flavor and texture for up to 1 week. To maintain their unique crispy-chewy balance, ensure the container is truly airtight.
For longer storage, Ranger Cookies freeze exceptionally well. You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. To do so, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.
You can also freeze the cookie dough for future baking. Scoop the dough into balls as if you were going to bake them, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour, or until firm. Once firm, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag, labeling it with the date. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time. This allows for warm, fresh-baked Ranger Cookies anytime the craving strikes!
Tips for the Best Ranger Cookies Every Time
- Room Temperature Ingredients: This is a crucial step for achieving the perfect cookie texture. Using room-temperature butter and eggs allows them to cream together more smoothly, creating an emulsified mixture that holds air better. This results in a lighter, more uniform cookie dough and a superior final texture.
- Measure Accurately: Precision in baking is paramount. When measuring flour, always spoon it into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge (like a knife). Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much flour in your dough, which can result in dense, dry, and crumbly cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: The secret to wonderfully soft and chewy Ranger Cookies is knowing when to pull them from the oven. Remove your cookies when their edges are visibly set and slightly golden, but the centers still look soft and perhaps even a little underdone. They will continue to cook and set on the hot baking sheet for a few minutes after removal, ensuring that perfect gooey center.
- Customize Mix-Ins: Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Ranger Cookies are incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap or adjust the mix-ins to suit your personal taste and what you have on hand. The most important thing is to keep the total volume of mix-ins roughly the same to maintain the correct dough consistency.
Exciting Additions and Variations for Your Ranger Cookies
While the classic Ranger Cookie recipe is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Here are some creative ideas to customize your batch and discover new favorite flavor combinations:
- Peanut Butter Chips: For a delightful nutty twist, try swapping half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips for an equal amount of creamy peanut butter chips or rich butterscotch chips. These additions add a new dimension of sweetness and a familiar, comforting flavor that pairs wonderfully with the oats and coconut.
- White Chocolate: If you prefer a sweeter, creamier profile, replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips entirely with luscious white chocolate chips. Their smooth, milky flavor creates a different kind of indulgence that brightens the overall cookie.
- Nuts for Extra Crunch: To amplify the crunch and add another layer of hearty flavor, stir in ½ cup of finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds along with your other mix-ins. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them can enhance their flavor even further.
- Cinnamon Spice: Introduce a warm, comforting aroma and taste by adding 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to your dry ingredients. Cinnamon complements the oats and brown sugar beautifully, giving the cookies a cozy, spiced flavor that’s perfect for cooler weather or a festive touch.
- Dried Fruits: For a burst of fruity sweetness and extra chew, consider adding ½ cup of finely chopped dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots. This can offer a tangy contrast to the rich chocolate and coconut.
- Pretzel Pieces: If you love a salty-sweet combination, lightly crush ½ cup of pretzels and fold them into the dough. The saltiness and extra crunch will take your Ranger Cookies to a new level.
More Family Favorite Cookie Recipes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed making these classic Ranger Cookies, you’re in for a treat with these other beloved family recipes. Each one brings its own unique flavor and charm, perfect for any occasion:
- Hot Chocolate Cookies – A comforting, rich treat perfect for cold days.
- Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies – Delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a nutty crunch.
- Lemon Cake Mix Cookies – Incredibly easy and zesty, requiring only 3 simple ingredients!
- Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies – A healthier option, great for on-the-go mornings.
- The Best M&M Cookie Bar Recipe – Chewy, colorful, and perfect for sharing with a crowd.
Ranger Cookies
Author: Jaclyn
15 minutes
12 minutes
27 minutes
40
Saved!
Equipment
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#40 Cookie Scoop
2 Tablespoons
Ingredients
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½ cup unsalted butter room temperature -
1 cup granulated sugar -
½ cup light brown sugar packed -
2 large eggs -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract -
2 cups all-purpose flour -
½ cup old fashioned rolled oats -
1 teaspoon baking soda -
1 teaspoon salt -
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips -
½ cup Cornflakes -
½ cup Rice Krispies cereal -
½ cup sweetened shredded coconut or coconut flakes
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale, which usually takes about 3 minutes.
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Add the room-temperature eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated into the mixture.
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In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned rolled oats, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
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With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the whisked flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the flour streaks disappear and the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
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Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened coconut flakes, cornflakes, and Rice Krispies cereal using a sturdy spatula or spoon until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. This helps prevent the cereals from breaking too much.
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Using a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, drop uniform balls of cookie dough onto your lined baking sheets, ensuring you leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for proper spreading during baking.
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Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-13 minutes. The cookies are ready when their edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still appear soft and slightly underdone. It’s crucial not to overcook them! They will continue to firm up and cook through on the hot baking sheet after removal.
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Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes (about 5-10 minutes) to set properly. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before storing or serving.
Notes
Store your cooled Ranger Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness.
Nutrition
Calories: 114kcal
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Carbohydrates: 17g
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Protein: 1g
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Fat: 5g
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Saturated Fat: 3g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
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Trans Fat: 0.1g
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Cholesterol: 15mg
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Sodium: 98mg
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Potassium: 48mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 10g
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Vitamin A: 115IU
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Vitamin C: 0.3mg
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Calcium: 9mg
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Iron: 1mg
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