Perfect Kitchen Sink Ranger Cookies
This is an evolving recipe. Im striving to make it a healthier cookie while at the same time have it taste amazing, and so will update it as I make improvements. Ive been exploring ways to reduce the amount of butter, but not use shortening, and by adding extra virgin coconut oil I achieve it. This creates a wonderful light crispy texture. Perfect mouth feel. Ive also been trying different types of sugars and recently discovered palm sugar, which is made from palm flowers and is a lower glycemic index than regular sugar. It tastes wonderful also. FOR VEGAN COOKIES: substitute Earth Balance butter for regular butter and replace the 2 eggs with 1 crushed banana and 1/4 cup applesauce.
This is an evolving recipe. Im striving to make it a healthier cookie while at the same time have it taste amazing, and so will update it as I make improvements. Ive been exploring ways to reduce the amount of butter, but not use shortening, and by adding extra virgin coconut oil I achieve it. This creates a wonderful light crispy texture. Perfect mouth feel. Ive also been trying different types of sugars and recently discovered palm sugar, which is made from palm flowers and is a lower glycemic index than regular sugar. It tastes wonderful also. FOR VEGAN COOKIES: substitute Earth Balance butter for regular butter and replace the 2 eggs with 1 crushed banana and 1/4 cup applesauce.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) i like kerrygold best
- 1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil nutiva is a good brand
- 1 cup palm sugar you may also use sucanat or brown sugar. for a cakier soft/moist cookie, try reducing the amount of sugar and adding applesauce for a variation (but be careful as too much applesauce will cause the cookies to fall apart too easily).
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
- 1/4 cup ground flax
- 1 1/2 cups flaked coconut can mix flaked coconut with regular shredded coconut
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (6 ounces). even better try chopping up a bittersweet chocolate bar if you can find it. or, if you prefer, use raisins..
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts chopped, optional
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon add more to taste
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg to taste
- 1/8 tsp mace to taste
- 1/8 tsp allspice to taste
- 2 tbsp almond meal optional (adds protien)
- Carbohydrate 73.9033315138889 g
- Cholesterol 121.530666666667 mg
- Fat 34.8801034583333 g
- Fiber 3.71342741664979 g
- Protein 7.86041107638889 g
- Saturated Fat 19.8918934041667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (140g)
- Sodium 340.420341666667 mg
- Sugar 70.1899040972391 g
- Trans Fat 2.45500065416666 g
- Calories 624 calories
Step-by-step
- Put butter and coconut oil into a large bowl to soften; to speed up the process, you can place the bowl over a pot of hot water.
- In a separate container, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground flax, almond meal, and spices according to your preferences. Add dry flour mixture to the creamed mixture, blending well. Mix in the vanilla.
- Cream together softened butter, coconut oil and sugar(s) in a large mixing bowl. Beat eggs in small bowl and then add and blend into butter/sugar mixture. Should be fluffy and creamy consistency.
- Now for the fun part: get a bit wooden spoon and stir in the rolled oats, coconut, nuts and chocolate chips or raisins.
- For baking, I recommend the double-walled cookie sheets and parchment paper. These make the best cookies. Form mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter for small cookies or 2 inches in diameter for large ones (my preference). Press down with a fork on greased baking sheets or use your fingers if not too sticky.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Makes about 5 dozen small or 2.5 dozen large chocolate chip ranger cookies.
Perfect Kitchen Sink Ranger Cookies: A Baking Journey
As a busy working mom, finding time to bake is a luxury, not a given. But there's something deeply satisfying about creating something delicious from scratch, the aroma filling my kitchen with the promise of a sweet treat. These Kitchen Sink Ranger Cookies are my go-to recipe – a testament to adapting and perfecting a recipe over time. What started as a simple chocolate chip cookie recipe has evolved into a healthier, more flavorful, and incredibly versatile creation.
My journey with this recipe began with a desire for a less-guilty indulgence. I wanted that classic cookie crunch, that melt-in-your-mouth texture, but with a bit more nutritional finesse. I started experimenting, reducing the amount of butter (goodbye, artery-clogging guilt!), and incorporating extra virgin coconut oil for a lighter, crispier texture. The result? A cookie that's both satisfying and subtly healthy, a perfect balance that allows me to enjoy a sweet treat without the post-cookie slump.
The search for the perfect sugar blend was another adventure. I discovered palm sugar, a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index than traditional white sugar. It adds a unique depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. The subtle caramel notes of the palm sugar elevate this cookie beyond the ordinary. It’s a small change, but it makes a world of difference.
Of course, no baking journey is complete without a few happy accidents. This recipe has been a process of adaptation. The addition of almond meal was an unexpected boost of protein, the ground flax for a healthy dose of fiber, and the spices are a matter of personal preference; experimentation is key.
But my favorite part of this recipe is its flexibility. Want vegan cookies? Simply substitute Earth Balance butter and replace the eggs with a mashed banana and applesauce combination. Want to add a touch of flair? Mix and match your nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chips – the possibilities are endless. This recipe is a blank canvas, ready for your creative culinary strokes.
These cookies are more than just a recipe; they are a reflection of my evolution as a baker, a testament to the joys of culinary experimentation, and a delicious treat that fits seamlessly into my busy life. Whether it's a quick after-school snack for the kids or a delightful accompaniment to a cup of coffee on a hectic weekday morning, these Kitchen Sink Ranger Cookies are a constant source of sweet comfort and satisfaction.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are common household staples, making it easily accessible. The process is straightforward, even for less experienced bakers, and the results are consistently delicious. It's a recipe that invites customization – tailor it to your preferences, add your favorite ingredients, and make it your own.
Ultimately, these cookies are a celebration of the simple pleasures. They're a reminder that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, there's always room for a little sweetness, a little indulgence, and a whole lot of love – baked into every bite.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure that’s both rewarding and delicious. These Kitchen Sink Ranger Cookies are more than just a recipe; they're an experience.
