A finished plate of trail mix cookies ready to serve

Trail Mix Cookies

Quick Answer

To make Trail Mix Cookies, cream butter and sugar, fold in oats, chocolate chips, and raisins, and bake only until the edges set so the centers stay tender. They work because the center gets pulled while it still has a little give left in it.

Jump to Recipe

These trail mix cookies fold oats, chocolate chips, and raisins into a soft, chewy cookie base, basically turning snack mix into dessert. They're a good way to use up whatever mix-ins are left in the pantry.

They're a good treat for a lunchbox or an afternoon snack. Pull them from the oven while the edges are just set so the centers stay chewy.

Prep15 minutes
Cook12 minutes
Total27 minutes
Serves24 cookies
DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups oats
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon raisins

Instructions

  1. 1Heat the oven to 350°F and line sheet pans with parchment.
  2. 2Cream the butter and sugars until lighter and fluffy, then beat in the eggs and vanilla.
  3. 3Whisk the dry ingredients separately and mix them into the butter mixture just until combined.
  4. 4Fold in the oats and chocolate chips.
  5. 5Scoop onto the trays and bake until the edges set and the centers still look slightly soft.
  6. 6Cool on the pan briefly before moving so the cookies finish setting without drying out.

Pro Tips

  • Slightly underbaked centers finish perfectly as they cool.
  • Use parchment for better spread and less sticking.
  • A sprinkle of flaky salt fixes a lot of sweet cookie problems.

Substitutions

Chocolate chips, raisins, nuts, or sprinkles can rotate through the same base.
Brown butter makes a deeper cookie if you have a few extra minutes.
A gluten-free 1:1 flour blend usually works in cookies better than people expect.

Storage Instructions

Store airtight at room temperature for 4 days.

Make Ahead

Scoop the dough ahead and chill or freeze it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Trail Mix Cookies ahead of time?

Yes. Scoop the dough ahead and chill or freeze it.

How do I store leftover Trail Mix Cookies?

Store airtight at room temperature for 4 days.

Can I freeze Trail Mix Cookies?

Usually yes. Cool it completely, pack it well, and freeze for up to 2 months if the texture of the dish supports it.

What should I serve with Trail Mix Cookies?

Trail Mix Cookies works best with simple sides or toppings that support the main texture instead of competing with it.