The origin of Ranger Cookies is unknown, but here’s my theory. The recipe has been around since the 1930’s which coincides with the beginning of the radio program, The Lone Ranger. The Lone Ranger was a “serial” and Rangers contain “cereal” so maybe someone named them Lone Ranger cookies because of the cereal and that got shortened to Rangers? Not sure, but they’re one of my favorite cookies and not to be confused with Cowboy Cookies which do not contain cereal.
The last time I made Ranger Cookies, I used the old City School Ranger recipe. Looking back on my photo and old review, it seems I liked them quite a bit.
Today I made a half batch of King Arthur’s Ranger Cookies, which were almost the same as City School’s Rangers, but called for shortening in place of the butter. With all the different flavors in the cookies, I didn’t miss the butter flavor and I loved the crispy texture. However, those City School Rangers were good too. Rangers are another cookie that merit some side by side taste tests.
If you decide to go on a Ranger Cookie baking binge, let me know and I’ll link to you.
Ranger Cookies Made with Corn Chex
1/2 cup (3 1/8 ounces) vegetable shortening or (4 oz) butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed, light or dark
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 cup unbleached all purpose flour, spooned and leveled (KA uses 4.25 oz per cup)
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup (1 3/4 ounces) old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1/2 cup (3 ounces) chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups (1 1/4 ounces) crispy rice cereal or Cornflakes or Chex, crushed after measuring
Beat together the shortening, sugars, vanilla and salt until fluffy; add the egg and beat until smooth.
In a separate mixing bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and baking soda; add the flour mixture to the shortening mixture and beat until well blended. Stir in the oats, coconut, chips and cereal, mixing just until blended.
Drop the dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto lightly greased or parchment-lined cookie sheets. Bake the cookies in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.
Yield: 30 (2- to 2 1/2- inch) cookies.
In the oven baking now. Delicious. Really like the crunch. May be gone before family gets to enjoy them. Thanks for sharing.
I only recently discovered ranger cookies myself, I think they’re awesome! I love the crunchiness from the cereal.
i’ve never heard of ranger cookies before, but they sound awesome!
We ALWAYS stop at the Czech Stop. They have gas, clean bathrooms, and yummy kolaches. I mean, seriously, how does anybody NOT stop? It’s always packed with happy travelers. For us, it’s part of the Austin-to-Dallas experience!
Louise, I missed National Cereal Day Boo hoo.
Katrina, thanks!
Robyn, we’re going to Dallas in April so I’ll make it a point to stop at Czech Stop for a Ranger. I don’t think I’ve ever been to Czech Stop, but I have seen the signs.
Mary, that theory sounds plausible. However, I read that the recipe has been around since the 1930s.
I have to admit I got my ‘cookie geek hat’ on and researched the origin of the name online–apparently, the Cowboy Cookie originated with Roy Rogers, who used to sell them at his eponymous restaurant during the 1950s. And the Ranger Cookie is kind of a spin-off (this is only according to one site, so it might be totally urban legend, but I thought that was kind of cool). So maybe it was inspired by the Lone Ranger, since Roy is the Cowboy Cookie inspiration.
Good lord, I love Ranger cookies. I really like the ones you can buy at the Czech Stop (combination Shell station/Kolache bakery) on I-35 in West, Texas. Yum, yum, YUM!
Love your theory about the name!
Save a few of these cookies to celebrate — tomorrow is National Cereal Day!