Ranger Cookies

My grandma had the best cookie jar ever. I don't really know what constitutes a cookie jar as being the best, but I just loved hers. Maybe it was easy access. And that it was always full. It's a tough call. Anyways, since I was at her house pretty much daily growing up, I often got to make the decision on what cookie would fill the beloved cookie jar next.

These cookies, were never one of my suggestions.

Not because I didn't like them. That wasn't the case at all. I just preferred cookies with chocolate in them. And these were lacking that one detail. But whenever Grandma got tired of making the requested Chocolate Chip Cookies or Peanut Butter Cookies, she would sneak these in.

So I decided it was high time to make these myself, to fill the absouletly identical-to-Grandma's-Cookie-Jar that I recieved as a gift. I found the recipe in one of my copies of Taste of Home, which is no doubt where my Grandma originally got the recipe. She had every issue ever printed of Taste of Home. However, Grandma's version was (of course) better than what mine turned out. Her's were drier, which is a quality that I'm pretty sure that only this cookie wears well. I'm pretty sure that had I not substituted applesauce for butter, mine would have been dry as well. The applesauce, which is usually a hidden flavor when substituted in baking, actually stood out in this recipe, causing the cookies to taste slightly apple-y, which I didn't appreciate. So I'm still learning on the whole substitution thing...

Ingredients...

...1 c. shortening (as I mentioned, I substituted applesauce)
...1 c. sugar
...1 c. brown sugar
...2 eggs
...1 tsp. vanilla
...2 c. flour
...1 tsp. baking soda
...1/2 tsp. baking powder
...1/2 tsp. salt
...2 c. quick cooking oats
...2 c. Rice Krispies
...1 c. flaked cocounut (optional)

Directions...

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture and mix well. Add in oats and Rice Krispies (and coconut if you choose to use it). Drop by spoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet and bake at 350 for 7-9 minutes.

To see more great recipes, be sure to check out Slightly Indulgent Tuesday over at Simply Sugar & Gluten Free!