Name: Ranger Cookies (Cowboy Cookies)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup light brown sugar; 1 cup butter (softened); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 pinch salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 2 cups corn flakes cereal; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 6 ounces chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)

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These irresistible Ranger Cookies (also known as Cowboy Cookies) deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and hearty texture in just 20 minutes. A beloved classic that combines crispy edges with a chewy center, these treats are packed with nutritious ingredients while satisfying your sweet tooth. With only 248 calories per serving, they’re a delightful choice for afternoon snacks, lunchboxes, or whenever you need a comforting homemade cookie.

Sweet & Crunchy Ranger Cookies Ingredients

Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar (1 cup each): Creates perfect sweetness and moisture
Softened Butter (1 cup): Room temperature butter ensures even mixing
Large Eggs (2): Binds ingredients and adds richness
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances overall flavor profile
Old-fashioned Rolled Oats (2 cups): Provides hearty texture
Corn Flakes (2 cups): Adds unique crunch factor
All-purpose Flour (2 cups): Base structure for cookies
Chocolate Chips (6 oz): Perfect chocolatey goodness
Leaveners & Salt: Baking soda, baking powder, pinch of salt for proper rise

Baking Instructions

Prep Step: Heat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet with parchment
Mix Base: Cream butter with both sugars until fluffy and smooth
Wet Ingredients: Blend in eggs and vanilla until well combined
Dry Ingredients: Mix in flour, leaveners, salt, and oats thoroughly
Add Crunch: Gently fold in corn flakes and chocolate chips
Shape & Bake: Drop tablespoons of dough onto sheet, bake 10-12 minutes until set
Final Touch: Let cool slightly before enjoying these delightful treats

Helpful Baking Tips

Let these cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This quick rest helps them set up perfectly! For the best texture, make sure your butter is properly softened – it should indent easily when pressed but still hold its shape. And here’s a sweet tip: gently press down on the corn flakes when measuring to fit more in the cup, but don’t crush them completely – those lovely, crispy bits make these cookies special!

Mix It Up!

These cowboy cookies are super flexible! Try swapping the corn flakes for crispy rice cereal, or use butterscotch chips instead of chocolate chips for a different flavor. Want more crunch? Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. You can even use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like taste. The recipe stays just as yummy with any of these swaps!

Storage Tips

Keep these tasty cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days – just let it warm up a bit before scooping. The baked cookies also freeze beautifully! Pop them in a freezer bag and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Serving Ideas

These cookies are amazing on their own, but try serving them slightly warm with a cold glass of milk – pure heaven! They’re perfect for cookie swaps, bake sales, or tucked into lunch boxes. Package them up in cute containers with ribbon for a heartwarming homemade gift, or pile them high on a platter for your next party. Kids and grown-ups both love these!