How long it takes: 5 minutes to prep, 10 minutes to bake each batch Equipment you’ll need: large mixing bowl, rubber spatula, baking sheet, parchment paper, oven Servings: makes 18 cookies Trail mix is such a satisfying snack. It’s quick energy, portable, and satisfies our sweet tooth. We used to call it gorp, or “good ol’ raisins and peanuts.” (I always wondered where the name gorp came from –Thanks, Wikipedia!). Add that tasty combo to chocolate chip cookies and you have a true winner. This cookie recipe may remind you of monster cookies which are peanut butter cookies with oatmeal, M & M’s, and chocolate chips (try monster cookie energy balls!). However, trail mix cookies are made without oats or peanut butter. If you like loaded-up cookies, be sure to try my kitchen sink cookies, too!
Trail Mix cookies
Easy peasy! With a base of prepared refrigerator cookie dough, you can make these cookies in a flash. Make a batch of easy crockpot hot chocolate and you’re all ready for a party! Kids can make them. If your kids like to help out in the kitchen, this is a perfect recipe for beginners. It’s also a perfect recipe if you’re short on time. If you’re looking for more shortcut recipes, try peanut butter cookie bars with only five ingredients (the shortcut is Bisquick or Jiffy mix). We also love cake mix blondies with only six ingredients. Both of these easy recipes are great for beginner cooks. They’re fun to customize. Keep reading for lots of ways you can mix things up to make your own special cookies.
Ingredient Notes
Refrigerated Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: The base of these cookies is one roll of pre-made cookie dough, such as Pillsbury or Toll House. M & M’s: There are lots of varieties! Choose your favorite. Dry Roasted Peanuts (Salted): While peanuts are a traditional trail mix ingredient, other nuts work fine, too. Raisins: Because your trail mix cookies need fruit, right?
How to make Trail Mix Cookies
Turn your oven on and let’s get started. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. No pans to wash! Yes! Find a nice big mixing bowl. Take the cookie dough out of the package and put it in the bowl. Add the trail mix: M & M’s, peanuts, and raisins. Mix everything together! Try to resist eating it all at this point… Drop big scoopfuls of dough onto the cookie sheet, about two inches apart. Pop into the oven and bake until the edges turn golden brown.
Recipe Variations
Substitute different mix-ins, pretty much whatever you like! Take a look at the list above or try something different: coconut flakes, peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, or other dried fruits, such as cranberries, cherries, golden raisins, etc. Try to keep the add-ins to no more than 2 cups total. Try a different variety of cookie dough. Peanut butter cookie dough, sugar cookie dough, oatmeal raisin cookie dough –there are lots of choices! Make your own cookie dough, if you prefer. Try this recipe for chewy chocolate chip cookies. Omit the chocolate chips and add trail mix ingredients instead. Or make M&M cookies instead! Rather have cereal bars? Try classic Rice Krispies treats, Cinnamon Toast Crunch bars, or Fruity Pebbles treats.
Make-Ahead Ideas
Make the cookie dough ahead. If you want to get a jump on making these cookies, mix the dough and trail mix ingredients, cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Freeze cookie dough balls to bake later. Make the dough, shape it into balls, and freeze on a cookie sheet or tray. Once the balls are firm, put them into a resealable bag, and bake whenever the craving hits for a fresh warm cookie!
Storage Suggestions
After cooling the cookies completely, store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep on the counter for at least a week or in the freezer for a month.
Leftover Love
One of my favorite ways to eat cookies is to lightly crush them and add them to ice cream as a topping. You may even want to add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or hot fudge!
Quick-Start Guide!
