They are crisp on the edges with a chewy bite to them.

They have crunch and toastiness from the oats and the crisp rice cereal.

Further layers of flavor come from the slightly bitter chocolate chips, along with nuttiness from the coconut.

Southern Living Ranger Cookies on a plate to serve

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The proper mix-ins for ranger cookies are a topic of hot debate.

They often include oats, coconut, and cereal.

Some people swear by crisp rice cereal while others back cornflakes.

Southern Living Ranger Cookies ingredients

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Some include chocolate chips whereas others skip it.

We made a version we love, and we think you will, too.

Learn how to make ranger cookies, and share these with friends and family after a meal soon.

Southern Living Ranger Cookies beating the butter, shortening and sugar together

Credit:Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

You’ll need a little extra power to ensure these cookies come together properly.

Ranger cookie dough can be made and refrigerated overnight.

To enjoy from frozen, let the cookies sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating.

Southern Living Ranger Cookies adding the egg and vanilla

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Ingredients

2/3cupgranulated sugar

1/3cup packedlight brown sugar

1/4 cup (2oz.

)unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup (1 3/4oz.

)vegetable shortening

1largeegg, at room temperature

1 1/2tsp.vanilla extract

1 cup (about4 1/4oz.

Southern Living Ranger Cookies whisking together dry ingredients

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)semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Prepare oven and baking sheets:

Preheat oven to 350F.

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Add flour mixture to sugar mixture all at once.

Southern Living Ranger Cookies adding the flour mixture to the dough

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Beat on low speed until nearly combined, 15 to 30 seconds.

Let cool on pan 5 minutes.

Serve cookies warm, or transfer to wire racks, and let cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Southern Living Ranger Cookies folding in the mix-ins

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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Southern Living Ranger Cookies scooping out the dough

Credit:Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Southern Living Ranger Cookies on the pan after baking

Credit:Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Southern Living Ranger Cookies on a plate ready to serve

Credit:Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle