ranger cookies Archives - Family Cookie Recipes

CHOCOLATE CHIP RANGER COOKIES

Jessica — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 16:19:09 +0000

Chocolate Chip Ranger Cookies are a classic treat that combines oats, krispie cereal & chocolate chips to create a deliciously chewy cookie! Also called cowboy cookies, they’re perfect for any occasion!

To make this chocolate chip cookie dough recipe, you will need a combination of butter, shortening, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, and a few other basic ingredients. These ingredients work together to create kitchen sink cookies that are both sweet and savory, with a unique texture that is both chewy and crunchy.

A great cookie recipe to make with your family

Making Chocolate Chip Ranger Cookies is a fun and easy activity that the whole family can enjoy. This recipe is perfect for those who want to create a delicious treat that is both sweet and crunchy. They’re crunchy, sweet, and packed with delicious flavors that everyone will love. They are perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a special dessert for a party or gathering. So why not make a batch today and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones?

Why You’ll Love These Cowboy Cookies

Amazing texture. One of the best things about these cookies is their texture. They are incredibly chewy and crunchy at the same time, thanks to the addition of quick-cooking oats, crisp rice cereal, and flaked coconut. These ingredients give the cookies a unique texture that is both satisfying and delicious.
Easy to make. With some basic ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. Plus, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the amount of chocolate chips, coconut, or oats you use.
Great for Parties: These cookies are a fun and delightful addition to any party or gathering. They are sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Ranger Cookie Ingredients

Butter: You will need ½ cup of butter to create rich tasting treats.

Shortening: For more fats that keep the cookies moist, add in ½ cup of shortening (or 114 g of lard).

Brown sugar: Use 1 cup of brown sugar, packed, for an amazing depth of flavor in these cookies.

Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together by adding 2 eggs to this cookie dough.

Vanilla extract: Enhance all the wonderful flavors with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Flour: The structural base of these cookies is 2 cups of flour.

Baking soda: 1 tsp baking soda will help these cookies leaven and puff up nicely as they bake.

Baking powder: Use ½ tsp of baking powder as the second leavening agent in this recipe.

Salt: Adding ½ tsp of salt will balance the sweetness in these cookies with a bit of saltiness.

Oats: You need 2 cups of quick-cooking oats to create incredibly chewy and delicious treats.

Chocolate chips: For sweet chocolatey goodness in every bite, add in 2 cups of chocolate chips.

Rice cereal: These cookies wouldn’t taste the same without adding 2 cups of crisp rice cereal that gives them a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the oats in this recipe.

Coconut: Use 1 cup of flaked coconut to add even more amazing flavor and texture.

How to make Chocolate Chip Ranger Cookies

Prep

Get started by preheating the oven to 350°. Then line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon mats, set them aside.

Dough

Next, in a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening (or lard), butter, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until combined.

In a separate small below, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; continue to gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stir well.

After that, stir in the oats, chocolate chips, rice cereal, and coconut flakes.

Bake

Proceed to drop dough by the rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto the ungreased baking sheets.

Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 7-9 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool. Serve slightly warm and enjoy!

Variations of Ranger Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ranger cookies are versatile and can be easily modified to suit different tastes. Here are a few variations to try:

Peanut Butter: For a nutty twist on ranger cookies, add 1 cup of peanut butter to the recipe. Reduce the amount of butter and shortening to ¼ cup each to compensate for the added fat. Use crunchy or smooth peanut butter, depending on your preference. The result will be a deliciously nutty cookie with a slightly different texture.

Trail Mix: For a hearty, energy-boosting snack, add 1 cup of trail mix to the recipe. Use a mix that includes nuts, dried fruit, and seeds for a variety of flavors and textures. Reduce the amount of oats and rice cereal to 1 cup each to accommodate the added ingredients. The result will be a cookie that is both sweet and savory, with a satisfying crunch.

Double Chocolate: For a more decadent treat, add 1 cup of cocoa powder to the recipe. Reduce the amount of flour to 1 cup to make room for the cocoa powder. Use dark chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey flavor. The result will be a rich, fudgy cookie that is perfect for chocolate lovers.

Chocolate Chip Ranger Cookies

Chocolate Chip Ranger Cookies are a classic treat that combines the goodness of chocolate chips, oats, coconut and rice cereal to create a deliciously chewy cookie.

Course Cookies, Dessert, treat

Cuisine American

Keyword Chocolate Chip Ranger Cookies, Ranger cookies

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 9

Total Time 24

Servings cookies

Calories 124kcal

Author Jessica & Nellie

Ingredients

½ cup butter
½ cup shortening or 114g lard
1 cup brown sugar packed
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 cups quick-cooking oats
2 cups chocolate chips
2 cups crispy rice cereal
1 cup flaked coconut

Instructions

Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon mats, set them aside.
Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening (or lard), butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
In a separate small below, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; continue to gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stir well.
Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, cereal and coconut.
Bake: Drop dough by the rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto the ungreased baking sheets.
Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 7-9 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool. Serve slightly warm and enjoy!

Notes

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

How does altering the amount of butter affect Ranger Cookies?

Altering the amount of butter in the recipe can affect the texture and flavor of Ranger Cookies. Using more butter will create a richer, softer cookie, while using less butter will create a crispier, drier cookie. It is important to note that altering the amount of butter may also affect the spread of the cookies during baking, so it is best to experiment with small batches to find the perfect balance.

How to store Chocolate Chip Ranger Cookies?

When it comes to storing cookies, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here are some tips for storing your cookies:

Room Temperature: If you plan on eating your cookies within a 3-5 days, storing them at room temperature is perfectly fine. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale or dry.
Refrigerator: If you live in a hot or humid climate, it might be best to store your cookies in the refrigerator. This will help keep them fresh for longer. However, keep in mind that refrigeration can cause some cookies to become hard or lose their texture.
Freezer: If you want to keep your cookies for an extended period, freezing them is the best option. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.

Can Ranger Cookies be made without any cereal ingredients?

Yes, Ranger Cookies can be made without any cereal ingredients. However, the addition of cereal, such as rice cereal, gives the cookies a unique texture and flavor that is characteristic of Ranger Cookies. If a baker chooses to omit the cereal, they may need to adjust the amount of flour in the recipe to compensate for the missing ingredient.

What are the key components that define a Ranger Cookie?

The key components that define a Ranger Cookie are the combination of oats, chocolate chips, and cereal. These ingredients give Ranger Cookies their signature texture and flavor. The addition of coconut, brown sugar, and vanilla extract also contribute to the distinct taste of Ranger Cookies.

Chocolate Chip Ranger Cookies are a classic treat that combines oats, krispie cereal, coconut & chocolate chips to create a deliciously chewy cookie!

What is the significance behind the name ‘Ranger Cookies’?

The origin of the name ‘Ranger Cookies’ is unclear, but it is believed to have originated from the Texas Rangers, a law enforcement agency in Texas. Some believe that the cookies were a popular snack among the rangers during their patrols.

How do butter and shortening compare in their effects on cookie texture and flavor?

Butter and shortening have different effects on cookie texture and flavor. Butter adds richness and flavor to cookies, while shortening creates a lighter, fluffier texture. Shortening also has a higher melting point than butter, which can help cookies retain their shape during baking. However, some bakers prefer the taste of butter and choose to use it exclusively in their cookie recipes.

For more of our favorite Chocolate filled recipes, try these:

Chocolate Chip Ranger Cookies are loaded with oats, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and many other amazing ingredients that make these deliciously chewy and crunchy treats! Make cowboy cookies for your next family gathering or event, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.

Chocolate Chip Ranger Cookies are a classic treat that combines oats, krispie cereal, coconut & chocolate chips to create a deliciously chewy cookie!

The post CHOCOLATE CHIP RANGER COOKIES appeared first on Family Cookie Recipes.

RANGER COOKIES

Jessica — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 18:33:06 +0000

Simple Ranger Cookie recipe made with quick oats and lots of chocolate chips! Soft & chewy chocolate chip cookie with added oats for fantastic flavor & texture.

When I was in high school, my best friend often brought “Cowboy” cookies to share. I absolutely adored these cookies and found myself asking for the recipe many years later. She asked her mom, and this was her response:

“This raises mixed feelings! I’m rather possessive of that recipe, but have in the past shared it with those who asked. And it really isn’t my recipe! Mom got it from a newspaper food column early in her married life. In the 1950’s cowboy shows were a big thing in movies and on TV. Thus, Cowboy Cookies were aimed at all the little aspiring cowboys in the country. My mom must have made a zillion and her descendants have probably a six zillion more! It has always been the family favorite. An internet search shows several recipes by that name, but none match Mom’s simple recipe!”

Pictured here is my dear friend, Gen, her mother and her Grandmother. I’m so grateful they were willing to pass along this cherished cookie recipe!

Cowboy Cookies or Ranger Cookies?

Doing a bit more research I did find that “Cowboy Cookies” generally have lots of added ingredients like coconut, raisins or dried cranberries, even rice krispies! Ranger Cookies are a simpler cookie; a heartier version of regular chocolate chip, but not quite enough oats to be classified as an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. Thus, Ranger Cookies it is!

Ranger Cookie Ingredients

Butter: I stray slightly from my friend’s original recipe here and use half butter in the recipe. You’ll need 1/2 cup total.

Shortening: I love the light, crisp texture shortening gives cookie recipes. You’ll need 1/2 cup either butter flavored or original shortening.

Granulated Sugar: We need 1 cup of regular granulated sugar. No brown sugar!

Eggs: 2 eggs gives these cookies great texture

Vanilla extract: I’m a fan of good vanilla! You’ll need 1 tsp.

Leavening Agents: You’ll need 1 tsp baking soda AND 1/2 tsp baking powder

Salt: Balances flavors, you’ll need 1/2 tsp

Flour: I use just regular all-purpose flour, but bread flour works too. You’ll use 2 cups.

Quick Oats: The smaller size of 1 1/2 cups quick oats contributes toward the chewy thickness of these Ranger cookies.

Chocolate Chips: I used a total of 3 cups split between chocolate chips and chocolate chunks. Reserve about 1/2 cup to use on the tops of the cookies!

How to Make this Ranger cookie recipe

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and shortening. Add in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; stir into the sugar mixture.
Stir in the oats and chocolate chips just until incorporated.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheets. Top each cookie with an additional 3-5 chocolate chips.

Bake 8-10 minutes until light and dry looking around the edges. Do not over bake- since these cookies don’t have brown sugar, they’ll naturally be more light in color than traditional chocolate chip cookies.

Let cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack. Enjoy!

Do you use a Cookie Scoop?

Yes! I love my cookie scoops! They come in three sizes- 1/2 tablespoon, 1.5 tablespoon and 3 tablespoon scoops. I used the middle size- 1.5 tablespoons- for these cookies. When I’m serving a large crowd, I like to use the small cookie scoop. People love having a smaller cookie, especially at an event with several other desserts.

For jumbo cookies, I piled 2 of the medium scoops of cookie dough on top of each other!

Ranger Cookies

Simple Ranger Cookie recipe made with quick oats and lots of chocolate chips! Soft & chewy chocolate chip cookie with added oats for fantastic flavor & texture.

Course Cookies, Desserts

Cuisine American

Keyword Ranger Cookie Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 242kcal

Author Jessica & Nellie

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups quick oats
2.5- 3 cups chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter & shortening. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla and mix until smooth.
Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; stir into the sugar mixture.
Stir in the oats and 2 cups chocolate chips just until incorporated.
Drop by rounded scoops onto cookie sheets. Top each cookie with 3-4 additional chocolate chips.
Bake 8-10 minutes until edges begin to brown. Cookies appear fairly light in color even when fully baked! Remove from the oven and let cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

To Make JUMBO Cookies

Pile 2 medium scoops of cookie dough on top of each other and space so that just 6 cookies are on each tray. Again, add additional chocolate chips to the tops of the cookies. Bake 12-14 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Nutrition

CAN YOU FREEZE Ranger COOKIES?

Yes, you can freeze most traditional chocolate chip cookies! There are several ways you can freeze them. First, you can freeze the dough in a large airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge, then scoop the dough and bake when you’re ready to eat them.

My favorite way is to scoop the dough into balls and freeze the cookie dough balls on a parchment lined baking tray. Once the dough is frozen, you can transfer the dough balls to a large ziplock freezer bag and store for 4-6 weeks in your freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, place the dough balls on a cookie sheet and preheat the oven while the dough thaws on the tray. I love enjoying fresh baked cookies this way!

The third way is you can freeze the cookies after you bake them. I recommend storing cooled cookies in an airtight container. They’ll be good for 3-4 weeks this way.

QUICK COOKING OR OLD FASHIONED OATS IN OATMEAL COOKIES?

Normally, I’d say I’m a big fan of using whatever you have on hand. However, for this recipe, Quick Cook oats are fairly critical in order to get the correct texture. If you don’t have quick oats, you can pulse Old Fashioned Oats 2-3 times in a food processor and that will more closely mimic Quick Oats.

HOW DO YOU SOFTEN BUTTER?

I like to soften butter by using the defrost function on my microwave. Since you need the full 1/2 cup cube of butter, you can leave it in the paper wrapper, otherwise, place the amount of butter you need in a glass or porcelain bowl. I use the lowest defrost setting on my microwave and just let it run for 20 seconds. Check the butter and see how soft it is by pressing it with a rubber scraper. If it is still not soft to the touch, meaning it doesn’t indent when you press into it, let it warm for another 5-10 seconds. Watch it closely! Butter softens very quickly.

More Cookie Recipes with Oats:

Simple Ranger Cookie recipe made with quick oats and lots of chocolate chips! Soft & chewy chocolate chip cookie with added oats for fantastic flavor & texture.

The post RANGER COOKIES appeared first on Family Cookie Recipes.