My grandmother had a Tupperware container that sat on her counter, about baking pan-sized with domed lid. It was always there. Always filled with cookies. On the rare occasion it was opened and no goody to be found one did not need to worry - a walk down the stairs to the chest freezer yielded your choice of cookie to replenish.
These cookies were an absolute staple in her cookie repertoire. My grandfather must have loved them due to their frequent appearance in the container, quite frankly, we all did. The handwritten recipe has a notation that says "(our favorite)". Now they are being introduced to the next generation of Ranger Cookie fans.
Why are they called Ranger Cookies? Supposedly they originated in Texas and were called "Lone Ranger Cookies". Why do I call them Ranger Cookies I? Stay tuned...it turns out there was lesser known Ranger Cookie recipe. A long-lost cousin....
RANGER COOKIES I
1 cup margarine or butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup oatmeal
2 cups Rice Krispie cereal
1 cup shredded coconut
Cream butter or margarine with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; cream well. Sift flour with soda, salt and baking powder. Combine oatmeal, Rice Krispies and coconut. Fold the dry ingredients into the creamed mixtures. Mix well.
Drop by rounded teaspoonful onto parchment lined or greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 10-12 mins or until lightly browned.
Yield: 4 - 5 dozen cookies