KEWANEE WEATHER

In the kitchen with Kim: Ranger Cookies


By Kim Gehling    July 26, 2025
At a work lunch, Kim was reminded of a favorite cookie from her childhood and decided to share it with her readers. [Photos by Kim Gehling]

Recently, our team at work gathered for a fun lunch with games. One of our coworkers brought in a box of the famous-on-the-Internet Costco Marshmallow Crispy Cookies for everyone to try.

They were crispy, sweet, chewy and delicious. With one bite, I was reminded of a favorite cookie from my childhood: Ranger Cookies. While the Costco version adds marshmallows, the core idea felt very familiar.

To my surprise, many of my coworkers had never heard of Ranger Cookies. So, I promised I’d bring in a homemade batch for them to try the next day.

Ranger Cookies are a classic recipe that combine traditional cookie ingredients with oats and cereal, creating the perfect balance of chewy and crisp textures. They were a regular treat in my house growing up. My mom made them, I made them, and they’ve traveled with me through the years. I even included this recipe on the single sheet of favorite recipes I brought with me to my first apartment.

This recipe isn’t fussy about which cereal you use. Anything with a mild flavor works well, and even cereals with a bit more flavor may add a fun twist. I used bran flakes this time because that’s what I had in the pantry. But if you’re aiming for a version that mirrors the flavor and texture of those famous crispy cookies, I recommend using Rice Krispies.

The combination of oatmeal and cereal gives the cookies a delightful crunch and satisfying chew. They’re simple to make, crowd-pleasing and perfect for sharing—just like I did with my coworkers.

From our kitchen to yours—enjoy!

Ranger Cookies

Makes about 40 cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 c. butter, melted
  • 1 c. brown sugar
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 t. vanilla
  • ½ t. baking powder
  • 1 t. baking soda
  • ½ t. salt
  • 2 c. flour
  • 2 c. oatmeal
  • 2 c.ereal

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and sugar until smooth.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla, and mix well.
  4. Stir in baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add flour, then mix in oatmeal and cereal.
  6. Roll into 1-1/2” balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.