Peanut Butter Ranger Cookies (aka Cowboy Cookies)

I started to call these my “Everything but the Kitchen Sink” cookies because I (literally) throw everything in them that you can think of. Crunchy. Salty. Sweet. Savory. It all goes in these yummy Peanut Butter Ranger Cookies. You’re going to love them because they hit all of the notes. Literally, all of the notes.

What are Ranger Cookies?

Over the years these crunchy bites of wonderment have been called many things: Texas Ranger Cookies, Long Ranger Cookies, and even Cowboy Cookies. When I think about this recipe I’m reminded of a story I read as a child. I wish I could remember the name of it. In this little children’s mystery a group of boys met for some sort of scouting event and they each brought a can of vegetables. All of the veggies were thrown into the same pot and cooked together to create a stew.

The funny thing about having the freedom to toss in everything but the kitchen sink. . .you’re surprised every time. And can I just say, I was certainly surprised when I made these Peanut Butter Ranger Cookies earlier today. Until about five minutes before I made them I didn’t have a clue what I would add to the recipe. Oh, I had a base recipe, but as for the superfluous additions? I didn’t know.

So, I gathered my basics: the usual sugars, eggs, flour, and so on. Then I started thinking about what I wanted to add to them to give them a spectacular crunch. I had a few ideas in mind. In the end, this is what I came up with.

Peanut Butter Ranger Cookie Ingredients:

• room temperature butter
• granulated sugar
• light brown sugar
• peanut butter
• eggs
• flour
• baking powder
• baking soda
• vanilla extract
• oats
• corn flakes
• sweetened coconut
• walnuts
• chocolate chips

I wasn’t altogether sure how these cookies would come together. I mean, really. . .corn flakes? (Corn?) Two kinds of nuts (walnuts and peanut butter)? Coconut mixed with nut butter? (Is that even a thing?) Oats and corn-based cereal? It all sounded a bit over-the-top.

I was seriously starting to doubt myself. Then I put it all together. And. . .y’all. Well, I’m getting ahead of myself. So, I won’t do that just yet. Instead, I’ll tell you how to put these cookies together and let you decide for yourself.

How to make Peanut Butter Ranger Cookies

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees.

Whip your butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. I used my stand mixer with the paddle attachment, but you can mix by hand if you like or with a hand mixer.

Add peanut butter and cream it together with the butter. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.

Now it’s time to add your sugars. Add both the brown and white and cream them into the butters. (Hint: you can always substitute dark brown sugar if you prefer the taste!)

Add the two eggs, one at a time, and mix thoroughly. Now add your vanilla extract!

Combine your flour, baking powder, and baking soda. (If you used unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to your dry ingredients.) Add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix well, but don’t over mix.

Now it’s time for the good stuff! Add your oats and mix thoroughly. Now add your corn flakes. Next, add the coconut.

Time to add the walnuts and chocolate chips. Both are optional, but I can’t imagine all of that crunch without the creaminess of the chocolate to counter-balance it. For the best results, don’t over mix!

Scoop your dough using a cookie scoop and put on parchment lined baking sheet.

Chill your dough balls on the tray for 10 minutes.

Bake cookies for 14 – 15 minutes or until golden brown and set.

Cool on a wire cooling rack and then enjoy these kitchen sink cookies! (Warm cookies are the best!)

Storing Tips

To store these cookies, put in an airtight container. They will keep for about 3-4 days. You can store the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator for a few days but my favorite recommendation is to scoop into dough balls, place in a ziplock bag, and freeze up to six months. Pull them out any time you like for quick easy ranger cookies on the spot!

What do these Ranger Cookies taste like?

Thanks for asking! The very first thing that came to mind when I bit into that first Ranger Cookie was, “Whoa! This isn’t a bite. . .this is an experience!” It truly felt different from any other cookie I’d ever eaten.

These Ranger Cookies have the creamy goodness of a peanut butter cookie with the insanely perfect crunch of a candy bar.

They’ve got the delicious sweetness of chocolate, merged with the “chew” of the cereal. In short, they’re perfect! And you’re going to think so, too! In fact, they’ll soon be a family favorite in your home.

This is one of those great recipes you’re going to want to keep in your recipe file.

Variations on Ranger Cookies:

• Looking for a chewy cookie? Don’t have Corn Flakes? No problem! Add Rice Krispies! (Any crispy rice cereal will do, even the generic version.) Or, use whole wheat flour instead of all purpose.
• Out of walnuts? Any other type of nut will do. Pecans are always a great choice.
• No chocolate chips? Add peanut butter chips, instead. (Or white chocolate chips!)
• Not a fan of peanut butter? Skip it altogether or add another type of nut butter (like almond butter).
• Looking for something chewy to add? Consider raisins or Craisins.
• Want a lighter, fluffier version of this cookie? Substitute one cup shortening for one cup butter.
• If you want to pull one over on your guests, tell them these are Texas Ranger Cookies and rename the chocolate chips Texas Cow Chips!

Other Yummy Cookies to Try

Not in the mood for a Ranger Cookies recipe? Here are a few recipes that I enjoy baking. Maybe you will, too. Fill your cookie jar with the following possibilities:

Brown Butter Pecan Cookies: You love brown butter. You love pecans. You’re thinking about merging the two into a cookie but don’t know where to start. This cookie is the perfect place!

Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies: These yummy cookies are loaded with peanut butter, pretzels, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Talk about a flavor explosion! There’s something about that salty and sweet combination that makes me swoon!

S’Mores Kiss Cookies: You know that amazing feeling you get when you stand outside at a fire pit, holding a long stick with a marshmallow on the end? You can almost taste the sticky, scorched sweetness even before it goes into your mouth. That’s the same sense of expectation you’ll have when you eat your first S’Mores Kiss Cookie. It’s that good, y’all.

Chunky Oatmeal Craisin Cookies: I hardly know where to begin with these amazing chunky oatmeal cookies, y’all. They’re a cross between a traditional old-fashioned oatmeal cookie and a chunky, heavier bite of muffin. 

I have a host of other cookie recipes. Check out my cookie page!

While you’re perusing the web, check out Weekend Potluck over at South Your Mouth. They’ve got some yummy offerings!

And I think you’ll also love this week’s offerings over at Full Plate Thursday. There are some terrific bakers who participate in these amazing potlucks!

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