Trail Mix Cookies are fun twist on the classic munchie mix, and are easy to pack for a snack during a nature walk or hike! Make some for your next adventure!

A few months ago our family moved to a gorgeous valley and as the weather has warmed up we’ve tried to get outside and explore more with short hikes and other outings. Some of the hikes have been successful, others have been an “adventure” we’ll probably not repeat — at least not with little ones. But overall, we’re loving the chance to explore our new hometown. And explorations usually “require” snacks! (Or so my kids think!)

When I was growing up my family did a lot of hiking, and I always remember my mom bringing something to munch along the way. Trail mix was usually my favorite hiking snack, probably because it was an excuse to eat M&Ms!

Now that I have my own family, I carry-on or make new traditions — and these “Trail Mix Cookies” were a fun treat-twist on the classic, and easy to pack for a snack during a nature walk or hike.

• 1 cup Butter, softened
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 TBSP Vanilla
• 2 Eggs
• 1 tsp. Baking Soda
• 1 tsp. Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Salt
• 2 & 1/4 cups Flour
• 2 cups Quick Cooking Oats
• 1 cup Raisins/Craisins*
• 1 cup Mixed Nuts*
• 1 cup M&Ms*
  * Or 3 cups pre-made trail mix

DIRECTIONS FOR TRAIL MIX COOKIES:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Beat softened butter and sugars with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients (except trail mix).
4. Add to the butter/sugar/egg mixture and mix until combined.
5. Incorporate the trail mix and mix until combined.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.
7. Then bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until light brown around the edges.
8. Cool.

This cookie recipe is one of the snack ideas included in our mountain-themed preschool plans and printables.