Classic Ranger Cookies

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 02/3/22
Ranger cookies recipes

The Spruce
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Total: 22 mins
Servings: 72 servings
Yield: 6 dozen cookies
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
76 Calories
3g Fat
10g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 72
Amount per serving
Calories 76
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3g 4%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Cholesterol 7mg 2%
Sodium 73mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 10g 4%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 16mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 21mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Chewy and filling, these ranger cookies are everything you'd ever need in a treat, with the perfect amount of sweetness and a decadent buttery filling. Loaded with warming flavors like vanilla and a vibrant touch of coconut, our ranger cookies have it all—literally! Many wholesome ingredients go into a dense batter that needs just 12 minutes of cooking time, the perfect amount to prepare a black coffee, or perhaps a glass of cold milk to accompany these decadent cookies. Other ingredients include eggs, sugar, flour, corn flakes, oats, and other baking staples like baking soda and baking powder, which together make a thick batter that crisps up to the perfect bite. These ranger cookies could be your on-the-run breakfast cookie, a perfect lunchbox dessert, or a beautiful end to a family meal. There's nothing like a warm cookie right out of the oven to bring some smiles to your loved ones' faces. Gather your ingredients and make some room for these delicious cookies, because in 22 minutes you might be enjoying one.

Although there's no consensus as to why they're called ranger cookies, and sometimes cowboy cookies, it appears that they were called Texas Ranger cookies at some point. What's true is that they can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United States, after which recipes were passed down from one generation to the next with a few variations. Nowadays you can find a similar batter with all kinds of takes: optional chocolate chips, rice Krispies instead or on top of cornflakes, butterscotch chips, rolled oats, and even vegan!

Very dense and nutritious, these cookies keep you energized for a while, which might be why they make a perfect hiking treat. Protein-packed oats and eggs provide sustenance for outdoor exercise, and because they're easily carried in backpacks, cycling shirts, and running race belts, these cookies might be your new favorite sport's snack. If you're in need of more calories and nutrition in small bites, add chopped nuts to provide essential nutrients that can help your nourishment while you're outdoors. Add chopped raisins, dates, or figs for extra energy and if the dough becomes too dense, use your hands to mix it. Make extra batches, bake, cool, and freeze, thawing them slightly before a few seconds in the microwave.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening, or unsalted butter, at room temperature

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 2 cups corn flakes

  • 2 cups quick-cooking oats

  • 1 cup coconut flakes

  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients Ranger cookies
    The Spruce

  2. Heat the oven to 350 F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, or grease the baking sheet.

    Baking tray
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  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy.

    Cream sugar
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  4. Add eggs and beat until well blended and smooth.

    Add eggs
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  5. Beat in the vanilla.

    Beat in the vanilla
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  6. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl and stir to blend thoroughly.

    Combine flour
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  7. Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture.

    Add the flour mixture
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  8. Stir in cornflakes, oats, coconut, and chocolate chips, if using.

    Add chocolate chip
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  9. Drop by cookie scoop or spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet.

    Drop cookie dough
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  10. Bake at 350 F for about 12 to 14 minutes

    Ranger cookies
    The Spruce

  11. Serve and enjoy!