I have the perfect answer for any of you who’ve ever found yourself standing at the pantry door wondering, “what can I do with extra trail mix?” Or, if like me you constantly have odd bits of baking chips, dried fruits, and nuts flitting about your pantry, trail mix cookies are a perfect way to use them up. These trail mix cookies are soft, chewy oatmeal cookies loaded with salty-sweet, nutty-fruity, chocolaty goodies. They boast the elusive soft middle/chewy edge cookie texture we crave and the hearty mix-ins we need to power through any afternoon. They are also endlessly adaptable.
Love peanut butter chips? Make these into peanut butter trail mix cookies (be sure to check out my peanut butter Monster Cookies too). More of a chocolate fan? M&M trail mix cookies will always sound delicious. Feeling fruity? Take a note from my Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies and go with dried fruit.
Like trail mix itself, trail mix cookies are graze-worthy food. Their salty-sweetness and chewy-softness will have you sneaking back to the cookie jar for bite after bite. While you are at it, go ahead and take a swig of milk right from the jug. Your secret is safe with me!
How to Make Trail Mix Cookies
Packed with nutritious, filling ingredients, these trail mix cookies are doing double duty as a sweet-tooth craving and satisfying snack. You’ll love having these on hand for easy snacks or desserts! This is also an ultra easy cookie recipe. You don’t even need to chill the dough prior to baking (WINNING!).
The Ingredients
Flour. This recipe uses the ideal mixture of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour. Whole wheat flour adds both health benefits and a lovely nuttiness that pairs well with our multitude of mix-ins.Cinnamon. A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth. (It’s the secret trick in the Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies from my cookbook.)Butter. Butter helps make the cookies delightfully tender and adds that can’t-miss flavor. Sugar+ Maple Syrup. For sweetness, I used a combination of sugar and maple syrup. Both sweeteners help make the cookies extra moist, and the maple pairs nicely with the cinnamon. Vanilla. For a hint of cozy vanilla flavor.Rolled Oats. Rolled oats are a scrumptious cookie mix-in. They give the cookies a mild nuttiness and delicious texture. (Fellow fans, don’t miss these reader favorite Healthy Oatmeal Cookies.)Trail Mix. What sets these cookies apart from the crowd! You can use any store-bought trail mix you enjoy.
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. Store cookies in an airtight storage container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To Freeze. Freeze cookies in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw and enjoy as desired.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Baking Sheet. Your cookie-making BFF.Whisk. This small whisk is incredibly easy to use.Mixing Bowls. A stackable, dishwasher-safe set of mixing bowls is ideal.
Trail Mix Cookies Video
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Chopped toasted nuts (I love peanuts or pecans)Chocolate or peanut butter baking chipsM&Ms (classic!) or other chopped candy piecesDried fruit (such as dried cranberries or raisins; chopped dried cherries are yummy too)Chopped pretzel pieces (salty sweet fun!)Granola. They add a nice bit of crunch (these Granola Cookies pack it in too).
To Freeze Dough: Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe storage container and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen as directed (the cookies may need a few extra minutes in the oven).
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