Indulge in the irresistible charm of Ranger Cookies! These delightful treats are a perfect balance of crunchy and chewy textures, packed with a medley of flavors that will transport you to the great outdoors. Ranger Cookies are named after the rugged and adventurous spirit they embody, making them a delightful companion for any outdoor activity or simply a cozy evening at home.
Difficulty: Moderate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Serving: 24 cookies
Yield: 2 dozen cookies
Calories: Approximately 150 calories per cookie
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (180g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup (120g) sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup (160g) chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (75g) chopped pecans (optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the rolled oats, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans (if using), until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may still appear slightly soft, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks
- For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough.
- If you prefer a slightly chewier texture, reduce the baking time by a minute or two.
- Feel free to customize your Ranger Cookies by adding dried fruits or nuts of your choice.
- To enhance the cookie’s visual appeal, press a few extra chocolate chips onto the tops of the dough mounds before baking.
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crunchiness.
Nutritional Information
(Per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Final Thoughts
Ranger Cookies are the ultimate crunchy delight that will satisfy your sweet tooth and fuel your adventurous spirit. With their perfect combination of textures and delightful mix-ins, these cookies are bound to become a favorite among friends and family. So, grab a batch of Ranger Cookies and embark on a flavorful journey!
FAQ
Q1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in the Ranger Cookies recipe?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but remember to reduce the amount of salt added to the dough by half to maintain a balanced flavor.
Q2. Can I substitute the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips in Ranger Cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chips to suit your taste preferences. White chocolate chips and butterscotch chips can be delightful alternatives.
Q3. Can I make the Ranger Cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour in Ranger Cookies. The texture and taste may vary slightly, but it should still result in delicious cookies.
Q4. Can I freeze the Ranger Cookies dough and bake them later?
Certainly! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once firm, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake Ranger Cookies, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.
Q5. Can I omit the shredded coconut from the Ranger Cookies recipe?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of shredded coconut, you can omit it from the Ranger Cookies recipe. The cookies will still turn out delicious with the other mix-ins.
Q6. Can I substitute the pecans with a different type of nut in Ranger Cookies?
Absolutely! If you have other nuts on hand such as walnuts or almonds, feel free to substitute them for the pecans in Ranger Cookies. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces before adding them to the dough.
Q7. Can I make smaller or larger cookies with the Ranger Cookies recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the cookies to your liking in Ranger Cookies. For smaller cookies, use a teaspoon to drop the dough onto the baking sheets. For larger cookies, use a heaping tablespoon of dough.
Q8. How long can I store the Ranger Cookies?
Properly stored in an airtight container, the Ranger Cookies can stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze the Ranger Cookies for longer storage, up to 3 months.
Q9. Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight for Ranger Cookies?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance for Ranger Cookies and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Just make sure to tightly cover the dough to prevent it from drying out.
Q10. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats in Ranger Cookies?
Yes, quick oats can be used as a substitute for old-fashioned rolled oats in Ranger Cookies. However, keep in mind that the texture of the cookies may be slightly different.
Q11. Can I use margarine instead of butter in Ranger Cookies?
While butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture in Ranger Cookies, you can use margarine as a substitute. However, the taste and texture of the cookies may vary slightly.
Q12. How can I make the Ranger Cookies vegan?
To make the Ranger Cookies vegan, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of eggs, and choose vegan-friendly chocolate chips.
Q13. Can I add raisins or dried cranberries to the Ranger Cookies?
Absolutely! Raisins or dried cranberries can be delicious additions to the Ranger Cookies. Simply fold them into the dough along with the other mix-ins.
Q14. Can I use a hand mixer instead of an electric mixer for Ranger Cookies?
Yes, a hand mixer can be used instead of an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugars together for Ranger Cookies. Make sure to mix until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Q15. Can I substitute the vanilla extract with another flavor extract in Ranger Cookies?
Certainly! If you prefer a different flavor, you can experiment with extracts such as almond, maple, or coconut in Ranger Cookies. Just keep in mind that it will alter the overall taste of the cookies.
