If you love a perfectly chewy, hearty cookie stuffed with fun bits and pops of flavor in every bite, Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies are about to become your new favorite snack. Think of them as the happiest marriage between a classic oatmeal cookie and all the best pantry treasures—nuts, dried fruits, chocolate, and even coconut if you’re feeling extra. These cookies are endlessly customizable, crowd-pleasing, and so easy to bake that you’ll want to whip up a batch at the smallest excuse. Enjoy the perfect intersection of comfort food and on-the-go energy with every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies couldn’t be more effortless. Each item plays an important role—bringing flavor, chew, crunch, or a hint of sweetness—making these cookies truly irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need and a handy tip for each:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This creates a rich, tender cookie and allows you to control the salt level perfectly.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Gives structure and classic sweetness to balance the heartier mix-ins.
- Packed brown sugar (3/4 cup): Boosts the cookies’ chewiness and infuses a subtle caramel flavor.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough beautifully while adding softness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds that familiar home-baked warmth to every bite.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure so the cookies hold together with all the delicious add-ins.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies spread just right.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of lift for the perfect texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out every flavor.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (2 1/2 cups): The heart of any oatmeal cookie, adding chew and a rustic feel.
- Trail mix (1 cup, mixed nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate chips): Personalize with your favorites—add pepitas, raisins, or even a handful of colorful mini candies.
- Shredded coconut (1/2 cup, optional): Offers extra chew and a toasty note, if you enjoy coconut.
How to Make Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly hot when the dough is ready. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this makes for easy cleanup and prevents the cookies from sticking. If your oven heats unevenly, consider rotating the trays halfway through baking for golden, even cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and noticeably lighter in color—this step gives Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies their signature soft texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract next, blending just until combined. These wet ingredients ensure your cookies are rich and flavorful.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This prepares the leavening ingredients to distribute evenly throughout the cookies, avoiding any surprise bites!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter-sugar mixture. Mix gently—overmixing can make cookies tough. Stir just until combined to keep everything soft and tender.
Step 6: Stir in Oats, Trail Mix, and Coconut
Fold in the rolled oats, your chosen trail mix, and coconut if using. Distribute everything evenly so each cookie has plenty of mix-ins. This is where Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies go from ordinary to outstanding!
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, with about 2 inches between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes—the edges should be golden, but the centers should look slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, delivering that irresistible chewy middle.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; they’ll be delicate and need to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Your kitchen will smell amazing and the first bite is pure cookie bliss!
How to Serve Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, press a few extra pieces of trail mix or chocolate chips on top of each cookie right after they come out of the oven. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on warm cookies also works wonders, elevating the sweet and salty experience.
Side Dishes
Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies pair delightfully with cold milk, a cozy chai latte, or even a tangy cup of Greek yogurt. Serve them on a platter with assorted fresh fruit for a fun afternoon snack spread, or tuck one alongside your morning smoothie for a little indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Package these cookies in cellophane bags with colorful ribbons for thoughtful homemade gifts. Arrange them in a mason jar for a rustic treat, or layer them on a tiered stand for a party display. You can even build a “cookie charcuterie board” using Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies, fresh fruit, nuts, and dark chocolate squares—a guaranteed hit at gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They retain their chewy texture and taste just as fresh, especially if you pop a slice of bread in the container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Stack them with parchment between layers, seal tightly in a freezer-safe container, and enjoy them for up to three months. For longer-term cookie cravings, freeze scoopfuls of dough instead so you can bake fresh cookies anytime.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-baked magic, reheat cookies in a 300°F oven for about five minutes or zap them in the microwave for 10 seconds. This little trick restores the texture and releases all those delicious aromas once more.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Quick oats will work in a pinch, but old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best chew and rustic texture for Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies. If you do substitute, expect a slightly softer, less hearty cookie.
What are some good mix-in ideas for the trail mix?
Go wild! Try sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, pecans, dried cherries, cranberries, golden raisins, or even mini M&Ms. Variety keeps every batch of Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies exciting and new.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix and ensure your oats and trail mix ingredients are certified gluten-free. The cookies might spread a little less, but they’ll still be delicious.
Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake later?
Absolutely. Prepare the dough, cover, and refrigerate for up to three days. Chilled dough even leads to thicker, chewier Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies. Just bring it slightly to room temp before scooping and baking.
What’s the best way to keep the cookies soft?
Store cooled cookies with a slice of sandwich bread in the airtight container—the bread provides moisture, helping Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies stay irresistibly soft for days.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a lunchbox treat, an energizing hike snack, or just something to brighten up the cookie jar, Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies fit the bill every time. Give them a try and discover how completely satisfying (and fun!) homemade cookies can be. Happy baking!
Print
Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies are chewy, hearty, and packed with the goodness of oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. They make a perfect healthy snack or dessert option.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
Additional Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup trail mix (mixed nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate chips)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Add Mix-Ins: Stir in oats, trail mix, and shredded coconut if using.
- Bake: Drop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let cookies cool on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Customize your trail mix with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
