Name: Ranger Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 cup white sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut; 1 cup crispy rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies®); 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Why You’ll Love Ranger Cookie Bars Recipe

The textures — crunchy corn flakes, chewy oats, melty chocolate, and nutty pecans — all come together for a delicious treat.

It’s easy to throw together in one bowl and bakes as a single pan’s worth of bars, so you get a perfect batch with minimal cleanup.

Great for sharing with family or friends — and ideal as a snack, dessert, or portable treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

unsalted butter, softened
firmly packed brown sugar
white sugar
salt
ground nutmeg
large egg, at room temperature
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour
baking soda
corn flakes
semisweet chocolate chips
sweetened shredded coconut
rolled oats
chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8‑inch square pan with parchment paper so there’s some overhang on all sides.

In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, salt, and nutmeg together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, then beat until fully incorporated.

Add the flour and baking soda; mix until just combined. Stir in corn flakes, chocolate chips, coconut, oats, and pecans. The dough will be fairly thick.

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using slightly damp hands.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the bars are puffy and golden. Let them cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into 12 bars.

Servings and timing

Makes 12 bars
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Cool time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour and 5 minutes

Variations

Swap corn flakes for puffed rice cereal or other crispy cereal for a slightly different crunch.

Use walnuts or walnuts plus pecans instead of just pecans.

For a more coconut-forward flavor, increase the shredded coconut slightly.

Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, spiced twist.

Mix in dried fruit (like raisins or chopped dates) for added chewiness and sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them — thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave to re‑soften and bring out the gooey chocolate.

FAQs

What kind of pan should I use?

An 8×8‑inch square baking pan works best; lining it with parchment paper makes it easier to lift out the bars cleanly after baking.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes — quick oats will work, though the texture might be a bit softer and less chewy than with rolled oats.

What if I don’t have corn flakes — can I skip them?

You can substitute with another crispy cereal (like puffed rice) or omit entirely; the bars will still be tasty, though with a slightly different texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You’d need to substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten‑free flour blend. You’d also need to ensure your corn flakes and oats are gluten‑free. Texture and flavor might vary somewhat.

How do I keep the bars from turning soggy when stored?

Store them in a dry, airtight container at room temperature. If you expect to store them for more than a few days, consider putting a piece of parchment or paper towel beneath them to absorb any excess moisture.

Can I cut the recipe in half or double it?

Yes — halving or doubling the ingredients should work. Baking time remains similar, but check a few minutes before the minimum time when halving or a few minutes after when doubling.

My bars came out too dry — what went wrong?

Possibly overbaked. Next time reduce baking time by a few minutes. Also ensure you don’t press the dough too thin — a thicker layer helps retain moisture.

Can I add other mix‑ins?

Definitely — try substituting or adding chopped dried fruit, white chocolate chips, nuts, or seeds to suit your taste.

Are these bars good as a snack for lunchboxes or picnics?

Yes — they travel well and don’t require refrigeration, so they’re great for lunchboxes, picnics, or as on‑the-go snacks.

Can I make them nut‑free (if I’m allergic)?

Yes — you can omit the pecans (or replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower) to make a nut‑free version.

Conclusion

Ranger Cookie Bars are a delicious, easy‑to‑make treat that combines chewy oats, crunchy cereal, sweet chocolate, and nutty pecans into a single satisfying bar. They’re perfect for sharing, snacking, or packing for outings — and their simple, forgiving recipe makes them ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers. Once you try them, they’re likely to become a staple in your baking repertoire.