These Trail Mix Cookies are a perfect fusion of crunchy pretzels, creamy chocolate chips, chewy oats, and nutty goodness. Each bite is a delightful balance of sweet and salty, making them the ideal treat for any time of day.
They’re not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences. You can swap in your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or even add a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra kick. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, need a sweet snack, or just want to treat yourself after a long day.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/4 cup white sugar
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup rolled oats
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1/2 cup chocolate chips
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1/4 cup dried cranberries
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1/4 cup unsalted mixed nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts)
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1/4 cup sunflower seeds
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1/4 cup mini pretzels (crushed)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, cranberries, mixed nuts, sunflower seeds, and crushed pretzels.
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Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown on the edges.
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Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
Why These Cookies Work So Well
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The cookie dough benefits from a short resting period at room temperature, allowing the flour to hydrate and ensuring a soft, chewy center. The combination of butter, sugar, and peanut butter in the dough creates a rich, aerated texture that complements the chewy oats and crunchy mix-ins.
The recipe’s customization options are vast, with the ability to use different types of trail mix, dried fruits, or nuts depending on personal preference. Whether you choose a store-bought mountain trail mix or make your own blend from scratch, these cookies promise a balance of sweet and savory that everyone will love.
How to Make the Perfect Trail Mix Cookie
The dough for these cookies requires simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. The process begins by creaming together softened butter with both granulated and brown sugar, followed by adding peanut butter. This combination creates a smooth dough that has both richness and texture. Adding an egg yolk (in addition to the whole egg) contributes extra chewiness, making the cookies perfectly soft.
One of the most crucial steps is to allow the cookie dough to rest for about 20 minutes. This resting period gives the flour a chance to hydrate and helps the cookies retain their soft, chewy consistency after baking. Additionally, the dough remains light and airy, preventing the cookies from becoming too dense or dry.
Ingredient Customization and Substitutions
The great thing about these cookies is the variety of mix-ins you can use. You can stick to the classic trail mix ingredients, such as peanuts, almonds, cashews, or walnuts, or experiment with dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots. For a tropical twist, you can add dried pineapple, mango, or coconut flakes. You might even want to try swapping in white chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor or adding banana chips for extra texture.
The oats used in these cookies are quick oats, which help maintain the cookie’s chewy texture. While old-fashioned oats could be used, quick oats help achieve the perfect balance between chewy and soft. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend like Bob’s Red Mill and ensure that your oats are gluten-free as well.
Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies
Baking is always an exciting time when it comes to making cookies, but there are a few tricks that can help you achieve the perfect batch of Trail Mix Cookies. First, be sure to preheat your oven properly, as a well-heated oven ensures even baking. Use a cookie scoop to ensure your cookies are uniform in shape, which helps them bake evenly.
If your dough seems too soft or sticky, chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This step is optional but is particularly helpful if you live in a warmer climate or if your dough has become too soft from handling.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step allows the cookies to firm up just a bit more, preventing them from breaking apart when moved.
Storing and Freezing Trail Mix Cookies
If you have leftovers or want to prepare ahead of time, these cookies store very well. Simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will remain fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them for longer, freezing them is a great option. You can freeze the cookies for up to three months, either in a sealed container or a freezer-safe bag.
For cookie dough storage, you can scoop the dough into individual balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a container and store them for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the baking time to ensure they cook evenly.
Health Benefits and Customization Options
Not only are these cookies delicious, but they also offer a variety of health benefits. The addition of nuts provides a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which help to keep you fuller for longer. Oats contribute additional fiber and are also great for heart health. If you choose to make your own trail mix, you can control the ingredients, making sure you incorporate your favorite nuts and dried fruits.
For those with dietary restrictions, there are plenty of alternatives you can make. If you’re looking for a nut-free version, you can substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and avoid any nuts in the trail mix. If you’re vegan, you can easily swap the eggs for a flax egg or another egg replacement and use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips.
Serving Ideas
These Trail Mix Cookies are the perfect snack for a busy day or an afternoon treat. They’re a great addition to a lunchbox, a picnic snack, or even a post-workout refuel. The combination of oats, chocolate, and nuts gives them a satisfying texture and a balanced flavor profile. For an extra touch, serve these cookies alongside a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee to complement their rich flavors.
If you’re looking to get creative, these cookies can also be used as a base for cookie sandwiches. Simply spread a layer of peanut butter, Nutella, or cream cheese between two cookies for an indulgent treat.
Conclusion
Trail Mix Cookies are an irresistible treat that offers a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy elements. With their chewy texture and customizable mix-ins, they’re a versatile dessert option that suits various dietary preferences. Whether you enjoy them as a midday snack, a post-workout refuel, or a delightful dessert, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So gather your favorite trail mix ingredients, and bake up a batch of these delightful cookies that everyone will enjoy!