Trail Mix Cookies are the perfect combination of chewy, crunchy, and sweet, loaded with all your favorite trail mix ingredients. These cookies are great for a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a dessert packed with texture and flavor. Whether you’re heading out for a hike, packing lunchboxes, or simply enjoying a treat at home, Trail Mix Cookies offer a delicious way to energize your day.
This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize the mix-ins to suit your preferences or use whatever you have on hand.
Why You’ll Love Trail Mix Cookies
- Wholesome and Filling: Packed with nuts, dried fruit, and whole grains for a nutritious boost.
- Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients for a unique flavor every time.
- Perfect for On-the-Go: A convenient and portable snack for busy days or outdoor adventures.
- Soft and Chewy: A delightful texture that’s satisfying to bite into.
Ingredients
For the Base Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
Mix-Ins (Customize to Your Liking)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, or cashews)
- ½ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, or cherries)
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional, for added nutrition)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- Stir in the rolled oats until evenly distributed.
Step 2: Add the Mix-Ins
- Gently fold in the mix-ins of your choice (nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, seeds, etc.). Be sure to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 3: Scoop and Bake
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will set as they cool.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Trail Mix Cookies
- Balance the Mix-Ins: Aim for a mix of textures and flavors—crunchy, chewy, sweet, and salty.
- Don’t Overbake: To maintain their soft and chewy texture, remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are just golden.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
- Use Old-Fashioned Oats: Rolled oats provide a better texture compared to quick oats.
Variations
- Vegan Trail Mix Cookies
Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) instead of eggs. - Gluten-Free Trail Mix Cookies
Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free. - High-Protein Cookies
Add 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite protein powder to the dough. - Nut-Free Version
Use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of nuts to make these cookies school-safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Should I Store Trail Mix Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it in pre-portioned balls for quick baking later.
What Other Mix-Ins Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! Try adding mini pretzels, butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, or freeze-dried fruit for unique flavors and textures.
Conclusion
Trail Mix Cookies are a deliciously wholesome treat that combines the best of a classic cookie with the nutritious goodness of trail mix. Perfectly soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, these cookies are as versatile as they are tasty. Customize them with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy a snack that’s as satisfying as it is fun to make. Try this recipe today and bring the adventure of the trail to your kitchen!