Classic Ranger Cookies (Old-Fashioned, Chewy & Easy)
If there’s one cookie recipe that instantly brings back memories of church potlucks, and cookie tins on the counter, it’s Ranger Cookies. These old-fashioned cookies are soft and chewy with crisp edges, packed with oats, rice cereal, and coconut for the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Ranger Cookies are a vintage classic that never really went out of style, and for good reason. They’re easy to make, use simple pantry staples, and bake up beautifully every single time. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a school event, or just because your cookie jar is empty, this Ranger Cookies recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Scroll down for the recipe card, followed by detailed step-by-step instructions (with photos).
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Ranger Cookie Recipe ♡
Ranger Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups quick oats
- 2 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in oats, rice cereal, and shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For softer Ranger Cookies, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
- You can substitute half the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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These cookies freeze well both baked and unbaked.
Ranger Cookies are very forgiving and easy to customize.
- Butter: Can be replaced with margarine or plant-based butter if needed.
- Sugar: Swap up to half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Coconut: If you’re not a coconut fan, you can reduce or omit it, though it’s traditional in classic Ranger Cookies.
- Oats: Quick oats are traditional, but old-fashioned oats can be used for a chewier texture.
- Add-ins: Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins are popular additions without losing that classic Ranger Cookie taste.
What Are Ranger Cookies?
Ranger Cookies are a traditional American cookie made with:
- Butter and sugar
- Eggs and vanilla
- Flour and leavening
- Quick oats
- Crispy rice cereal
- Shredded coconut
The result is a cookie that’s chewy, lightly crisp, and full of texture without being dry. They’re often compared to oatmeal cookies, but the addition of rice cereal gives Ranger Cookies their signature crunch.
Why Are They Called Ranger Cookies?
Popular in Texas and the Southwest, Ranger Cookies were named because they were a favorite of Texas Rangers, ranch hands, or large ranch families. The cookies were hearty, filling, and made from shelf-stable pantry ingredients, perfect for feeding a crowd or packing for long days of work.
Like many vintage recipes, Ranger Cookies were passed down through handwritten cards, community cookbooks, and family kitchens long before they ever appeared online. That old-fashioned charm is part of what makes them so beloved today.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with simple pantry staples
- Soft and chewy with a satisfying crunch
- Perfect for freezing
- Easy to customize with mix-ins
- A true classic cookie recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Butter (softened)- the old recipe card I have calls for shortening, but I prefer to use butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Quick oats
- Crispy rice cereal
- Shredded coconut
♡Tip: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps create a light, fluffy dough that bakes evenly.
How to Make Ranger Cookies
1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy
2. Add eggs and vanilla
3. Mix dry ingredients separately
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients
5. Fold in oats, cereal, and coconut
6. Scoop and bake until lightly golden
7. They bake fast, so keep an eye on them!
Recipe Variations
One of the best things I like about Ranger Cookies is how adaptable they are. You can easily customize them while still keeping that classic flavor.
1. Chocolate Chip Ranger Cookies
Add 1 to 1½ cups chocolate chips for a sweeter, dessert-style cookie that kids love.
2. Nutty Ranger Cookies
Fold in ½–1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and richness.
3. Cinnamon Ranger Cookies
Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor.
4. Holiday Ranger Cookies
Mix in festive sprinkles or swap half the coconut for white chocolate chips during the holidays.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ranger Cookies are forgiving! Which makes them great for adapting to what you have on hand.
- Butter: Can be replaced with margarine or plant-based butter
- Sugar: Swap up to half with brown sugar for deeper flavor
- Coconut: Can be reduced or omitted if needed (though traditional recipes include it)
- Oats: Old-fashioned oats can be used for a chewier texture
- Rice cereal: Any crisp rice cereal works, not just “name brand”
Tips for Perfect Ranger Cookies
- Don’t overmix once the flour is added
- Slightly underbake for softer cookies
- Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring
- Use parchment paper for even baking
How to Store Cookies
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
- Layer cookies with parchment paper to keep them from sticking
- For longer storage, freezing is best
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze Ranger Cookies?
Yes! Ranger Cookies freeze very well.
- Baked cookies: Cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Cookie dough: Scoop dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
What substitutions can I make in Ranger Cookies?
Ranger Cookies are very flexible.
- Butter can be replaced with margarine or dairy-free butter
- Sugar can be partially swapped with brown sugar
- Coconut can be reduced or omitted
- Add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins work well
Why are they called Ranger Cookies?
Ranger Cookies became popular in Texas and the Southwest in the mid-1900s. Many believe the name comes from their association with Texas Rangers or ranch families, as the cookies were filling, durable, and made with simple pantry ingredients, ideal for feeding hardworking families.
A True Old-Fashioned Cookie Worth Keeping
Ranger Cookies are the kind of recipe every home baker should have in their collection. They’re simple, nostalgic, endlessly customizable, and always crowd-pleasing.
If you love classic cookies made from scratch, Ranger Cookies deserve a permanent spot in your recipe box.
