This Ranger Cookie Recipe blends oatmeal, coconut, cornflakes, and chocolate chips. This blend of yummy ingredients creates crispy edges with a slightly chewy texture. You can substitute both the flour with my gluten-free flour blend.
You’ll love this delicious cookie if you like a chewy and crispy cookie. I love these cookies so much that its difficult to stop eating just one. If you like Tates Bake Shop Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies then you’ll love this recipe. They tastes pretty similar except my recipe has a few extra ingredients.
I have many cookie recipes over here on the blog. Check out these delicious cookies!
Ranger Cookie Recipe
I love a crispy-chewy cookie, and this recipe fits the bill. It’s so easy to make, and I love that it’s one of those cookies where you can add some fun ingredients to the dough.
Inspiration For These Cookies
These cookies were popular during my childhood, but strangely my mom never made them.
My mother-in-law reminded my husband about them on a phone call the other day. She was so excited that we were interested in her recipe that she dictated her recipe to him over the phone. I love recipes handed down in families. They’re the best!
After researching the cookie, I see it’s the original recipe circulating on the web. I view its popularity as a good thing.
I made this recipe and immediately fell in love with this crispy cookie. So, I quickly created a gluten-free version for my daughter. I know some of you are on gluten-free diets, so you’ll appreciate this easy option for wheat flour.
And I’m happy to admit that my family had difficulty telling the difference between the gluten and gluten-free versions. Maybe the gluten version was a tiny bit chewier.
Ingredients you’ll need for these cookies:
Shortening – Crisco
Sugar
Brown Sugar
Vanilla Extract
Flour (I have a gluten-free blend below)
Baking Soda
Baking Powder
Quick Cooking Oats
Cornflakes
Shredded Coconut
Chocolate Chips
What Are Ranger Cookies Made Of?
I had no idea what was in a Ranger Cookie until my mother-in-law introduced them to me. They typically contain quick oats, brown sugar, Rice Krispies cereal, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips. I used cornflakes instead, but I will try Rice Krispies cereal next time.
How Can I Convert This Recipe To A Gluten-Free Cookie?
I finally came up with an excellent gluten-free blend of ingredients. Replace the recipe’s flour with this gluten-free blend.
For this unique gluten-free flour combination, you’ll need the following ingredients on hand:
I’ve tried this recipe using a few gluten-free flours from the grocery store, but I love my own blend of ingredients. I always have a container of it pre-made and ready for baking.
- Rice Flour
- Potato Starch
- Tapioca Flour
- Xanthan Gum
- Almond Flour (Super Fine)
Gluten-Free Cookie Instructions
- Mix the shortening, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Mix the rice flour, potato starch, tapioca flour, xanthan gum, and almond flour.
- Use 1 cup of gluten-free flour and add it to the dough with baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix cookie dough thoroughly. Stir in oats, cereal, coconut, and chocolate chips.
- Place your gluten-free cookie dough on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes. The middle will look bubbly and uncooked, and it is done. But make sure the cookie is dark and flat.
- Allow cookies to cool a bit on the tray. Once they are set up, remove and place them on a cooling rack.
What Ingredients Can I Add To These Cookies?
- M&M’s
- Nuts
- Butterscotch Chocolate Chips
- Reese’s Pieces
- Chopped Butterfingers
- Rice Krispies Cereal
Ranger Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup shortening Crisco
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour if making gluten free refer to notes
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup cornflakes or Rice Krispies cereal
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°
- Mix together shortening, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix cookie dough thoroughly. Stir in oats, cereal, coconut, and chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Let cool on the tray for a minute, then place on a cooling rack.
Gluten-Free Version
- Follow steps 1 and 2 of the above instructions but for the flour, use the gluten-free substitute recipe below. You can use 1 cup of gluten-free flour for 1 cup of regular flour.
- Place your gluten-free cookie dough on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes. The middle will look bubbly and uncooked, and it is done. But make sure the cookie is dark and flat.
- Allow cookies to cool a bit on the tray. Once they are set up, remove and place them on a cooling rack.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
Ranger Cookies with Cornflakes or Rice Krispies?
This is a running debate in our family!
My husband likes the crispiness of the big cornflakes. I like the tiny rice Krispies. I think if you use either, you can’t go wrong. I must admit the big crunchy cornflakes do add a nice texture to the cookie.
Can I Use Butter Instead of Crisco?
I read that someone switched out the Crisco with half butter and Crisco. I’m not sure you want to go with all butter since it may flatten the cookie.
I’m all about bringing back recipes from the past, and this ranger cookie recipe is worthy of reviving! If you like, use the base of this recipe to add some of your favorite ingredients to personalize the cookie.
If you make this fun cookie, please make sure to comment below. I always love hearing from you. Someday, I would love to add your photos to some posts and share your version with everyone.
In the meantime, happy baking!
Cheers,
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Susan Gorges
does anyone out there know of a recipe for grape-nut flakes cookies. My mom made them many times and I cannot find a recipe anywhere.
happyhappynester
Hey Susan,
I’m all about the old cookie recipes! If I come across one I will let you know. Place the grape nut flakes instead of the corn flakes and let me know how you like it 🙂
Thea
I love ranger cookies and your recipe looks delish! I can’t stomach Crisco, do you think Coconut oil would work as a substitute? Thanks in advance!
happyhappynester
Hey Thea,
I’ve never used coconut oil for this recipe, but give it a try! Let me know how your recipes comes out, I’m interested 🙂