Easy Pioneer Woman Ranger Cookies Recipe: Sweet & Crunchy Joy

Ranger cookies blend nostalgic comfort with irresistible crunch in every delectable bite.

Sweet memories of homemade goodness dance through these classic treats that blend multiple textures and flavors.

Crisp edges meet soft centers, creating a symphony of sensations that delight the taste buds.

Unexpected ingredients transform ordinary cookie dough into something extraordinary and memorable.

Buttery richness mingles with crispy elements, offering a complex profile that surprises and satisfies.

Each batch promises a perfect balance between chewy and crisp, making these cookies a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Generations have cherished this beloved recipe that connects families through shared culinary joy: grab your mixing bowl and start baking.

A Cookie You Won’t Stop Eating: Pioneer Woman’s Ranger Cookies

Ranger Cookies embody culinary nostalgia with their complex texture and playful crunch.

Pioneer Woman’s recipe weaves together classic ingredients into an extraordinary sensory experience.

Crispy rice cereal and chewy coconut create unexpected flavor harmonies that dance across taste buds.

Pecans add delightful nutty dimensions, elevating these cookies beyond ordinary sweet treats.

Baking becomes an adventure when combined with such a spirited recipe that connects generations through shared moments.

Passionate bakers and cookie enthusiasts: share this delightful discovery, sprinkle some cookie magic across social networks, and spread deliciousness with fellow comfort-food lovers!

Why Pioneer Woman’s Ranger Cookies Are the Ultimate Crunchy Treat

• Texture Treasure Trove: Dive into a delightful cookie experience with multiple crunch levels from crispy rice cereal, chewy oats, and crunchy pecans that dance together in every single bite.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these ranger cookies in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for spontaneous baking adventures or last-minute dessert cravings.
• Versatile Flavor Fusion: Enjoy a balanced blend of sweet, nutty, and toasty notes that come from coconut, pecans, and perfectly caramelized cookie edges, creating a complex taste profile that appeals to both kids and adults.

What You Need for Pioneer Woman’s Ranger Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for cookies with smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens cookies and helps create golden, crispy edges.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertone.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and foundation for the cookie.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and achieve soft, tender texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Quick-Cooking Oats: Provides hearty texture and nutty flavor to cookies.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical sweetness and interesting chewy element.
• Crispy Rice Cereal: Introduces delightful crunch and unexpected texture.
• Chopped Pecans: Optional ingredient that brings rich, toasty nutty flavor.

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Ranger Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats. Set your oven to warm up at 350°F.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture.

Step 3: Incorporate Liquid Ingredients

Gently crack eggs into the buttery mixture, adding them 1 at a time. Stir in vanilla extract until everything looks silky smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Components

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Slowly fold this powdery blend into the wet ingredients, stirring until no flour streaks remain.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Extras

• Quick-cooking oats
• Shredded coconut
• Crispy rice cereal
• Chopped pecans (optional)

Mix until the dough looks wonderfully bumpy and rich.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Delights

Using a cookie scoop or spoons, form round dough balls. Place them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets to give each cookie room to dance and spread.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for edges turning golden brown while centers remain slightly soft.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before devouring these texture-packed treats.

Pro Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Ranger Cookies

• Swap Mix-Ins Creatively: Replace traditional ingredients with unexpected flavor combinations like white chocolate and cranberries or butterscotch and pecans.
• Check Baking Soda Freshness: Test your leavening agent by adding a spoonful to vinegar – if it bubbles vigorously, it's ready for cookie magic.
• Level Flour Precisely: Gently spoon flour into measuring cups and sweep excess with a straight edge to guarantee perfect cookie texture.
• Rotate Sheets Strategically: Spin baking sheets halfway through cooking to eliminate hot spots and achieve uniform golden edges.
• Chill Dough Patiently: Rest cookie mixture in refrigerator for minimum 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and preventing excessive spreading during baking.

How to Store Pioneer Woman’s Ranger Cookies

• Freezer Method: Pack cookies in stackable, flat layers between sheets of wax paper inside a hard-sided freezer container. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from the storage bag and sealing tightly. Label container with date and cookie type for easy tracking.
• Refrigerator Method: Separate cookie layers using parchment paper to prevent sticking. Stack in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness. Keep cookies away from strong-smelling foods to preserve their delicate flavor profile.
• Counter Storage Method: Place cookies in a ceramic cookie jar with a rubber seal to lock in moisture. Keep jar away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Consume within 3-4 days for best taste and texture, as crisp edges will soften over time.

Creative Twists for Pioneer Woman’s Ranger Cookies

• Chocolate Chip Champion: Replace some crispy rice cereal with mini chocolate chips for a sweet, melty addition that kids and adults will love. The chocolate brings rich depth to the classic ranger cookie flavor.
• Tropical Paradise: Swap pecans for macadamia nuts and add dried pineapple chunks. Toasted coconut flakes will enhance the island-inspired profile, creating a vacation-worthy cookie experience.
• Nutty Harvest Mix: Incorporate a blend of chopped almonds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds alongside the original mix. This variation delivers extra protein and a robust, earthy crunch that elevates the traditional ranger cookie.
• Spiced Autumn Version: Mix in ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of ginger to the dry ingredients. Sprinkle some dried cranberries for a seasonal twist that captures warm, cozy autumn flavors in every bite.

Pioneer Woman Ranger Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Ranger Cookies bring classic American comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, packed with crispy rice cereal, coconut, and oats. Sweet chocolate chips mingle with buttery dough, creating irresistible treats perfect for sharing with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Quick-cooking oats
• 2 cups Crispy rice cereal
• 1 cup Shredded coconut

Sweeteners and Binding Agents:

• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 cup Brown sugar (packed)
• 1 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• ½ teaspoon Baking powder
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ½ cup Pecans, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ease cookie removal.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth foundational base for the cookies.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure complete integration. Gently stir in vanilla extract, distributing the flavor evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Separately, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a uniform, lump-free batter forms.
5. Gently fold in quick-cooking oats, shredded coconut, crispy rice cereal, and chopped pecans, creating a rich and textured dough with multiple layers of crunch.
6. Utilizing a cookie scoop or two spoons, form consistent dough balls and arrange them approximately 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, allowing sufficient space for spreading during baking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges. The centers should remain slightly soft, as they will continue to set while cooling.
8. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 4-5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to achieve the perfect Ranger cookie consistency and texture.

Notes

• Customize the recipe by swapping pecans with your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for a personalized touch.
• Crisp edges and chewy centers make these ranger cookies a textural delight that keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Precise measurements guarantee consistent results, so break out those measuring cups and spoons for cookie perfection.
• Mixing dry ingredients before combining with wet components prevents clumping and ensures even flavor distribution.
• Baking on parchment paper or silicone mats makes cleanup a breeze and helps cookies release easily from the pan.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg