in the kitchen · recipes

Ranger Cookies That Are Welcoming

Sara {Go Gingham}

 

Healthy Ranger Cookies from www.GoGingham.com

A new family just moved into our neighborhood and I just delivered a plate of these ranger cookies to them. Nothing says, “Welcome to our street,” like a plate of homemade cookies, does it? They’re a young family, with two small children, and all of the teenage babysitters on our block are doing a lot of marketing.

These ranger cookies, which originated in the 1920’s, have been updated to include flax seed and whole wheat flour, which makes them practically health food! There’s also nuts – and you can add pretty much any type of nut you like.

Ingredients Ranger Cookies Go Gingham

Ranger Cookies

This is a great recipe for using eggs from backyard chickens. My chickens are slowing down their laying for the season and I actually had to buy eggs for this recipe.

Healthy Ranger Cookies Go Gingham

This recipe makes about 12-dozen and they can be frozen after baking them – for later enjoyment. You can also freeze the cookie dough after forming it into balls and then putting it in the freezer. I don’t recommend this though – it’s too easy to eat them frozen!

Ranger Cookies Silpat from Go Gingham

Ranger Cookies
Recipe Type: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Sara Tetreault
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 12 dozen
These cookies are so tasty and are practically health food! Make a batch and share with your new neighbors. They’re very welcoming!
Ingredients
  • 3 sticks butter, unsalted
  • 1-cup white sugar (organic, unrefined)
  • 1-cup brown sugar (organic)
  • 2-teaspoons vanilla ([url href=”https://gogingham.com/2013/02/homemade-vanilla-extract/” target=”_blank” title=”Homemade Vanilla Extract”]if you haven’t tried making your own, I recommend it – it’s easy and makes a nice welcome gift, too[/url])
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 4-large eggs
  • 3-cups old-fashioned oats (do not use quick oats or instant)
  • 4-cups whole wheat flour
  • 2-teaspoon baking soda
  • 2-teaspoons salt
  • 2-teaspoons baking powder
  • 1-cup flax seeds (either whole or ground)
  • 1-cup coconut, unsweetened
  • 3-cups chocolate chips ([url href=”https://gogingham.com/2012/02/frugal-grocery-shopping-buying-from-bulk-bins/” target=”_blank” title=”Frugal Grocery Shopping: Buying From Bulk Bins”]check the bulk bins and save money[/url])
  • 1-cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnut, pistachio, peanut, pecan)
Instructions
  1. Cream together butter and sugars in a large bowl or stand mixer until creamy and well combined.
  2. Add vanilla and yogurt and stir again.
  3. Crack eggs into glass bowl or cup and whisk until combined.
  4. Add eggs to wet mixture and mix until well combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder and flax seeds and stir. (I like to use a whisk for this job.)
  6. Slowly add oat and flour mixture to butter and sugar mixture and combine.
  7. Using the same dry mixture bowl, combine unsweetened coconut, chocolate chips and nuts.
  8. Add coconut, chocolate chip and nut mixture to mixer and combine again.
  9. Refrigerate batter for 1-2 hours before baking (this will help them keep their shape).
  10. Using a 1-Tablespoon ice cream scoop or 1-Tablespoon measuring spoon, place batter on parchment paper (or Silpat silicone baking sheet).
  11. Bake in 350 degree oven for 13-14 minutes. Let cool several minutes before removing cookies from baking sheet.
Notes
This batch makes about 12 dozen cookies. Store in an airtight container if freezing.

Notes for this recipe:

  • This is a great recipe for using those eggs from your backyard chickens!
  • If you haven’t tried making your own vanilla, I recommend it. It’s easy and inexpensive.
  • I like to use non-fat plain yogurt.
  • Bob’s Red Mill whole wheat flour is what I do all of my baking with. I’m lucky and live within driving distance of the company store and buy it in the 25-lb. bag size.
  • Any type of nut will do in this recipe. Pecans are my favorite but sometimes they’re too expensive and I go with peanuts. Chop so that they’re nice and small.
  • Sometimes I add 4-cups of chocolate chips and not just the 3-cups – if I’m feeling generous – but that doesn’t always happen.
  • The chocolate chips and nuts are from the bulk bins. Check the unit price to make sure you’re getting the best price but where I grocery shop, the bulk bins are less expensive than the packaged items.

What’s your favorite recipe to make when welcoming new neighbors?

Go Gingham related links:

Pantry basics for the home cook – what’s in my pantry
Refrigerator basics for the home cook – what’s in my refrigerator
New to cooking at home? Fear not!
How we keep food waste to a minimum
Confessions of a leftover food lover – that would be me!

Published by Sara {Go Gingham}

Sara, creator of Go Gingham, writes about real food, green living, and a healthy lifestyle - on fewer resources - {Stylishly Frugal Living}. She loves gingham - but tries to keep that in check.

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