Soft Baked Oatmeal Trail Mix Cookies

Soft Baked Oatmeal Trail Mix Cookies are hearty, chewy cookies loaded with oats, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds—offering the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. Great for breakfast on-the-go, lunchboxes, or afternoon snacks, these cookies are both wholesome and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are soft, thick, and packed with textures from nuts and dried fruits, without being overly sweet. They are made with simple pantry staples and can easily be tailored to dietary needs or flavor preferences. With their balanced ingredients, these cookies serve as both a treat and a nourishing snack.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Old-fashioned rolled oats

• All-purpose flour or whole wheat flour

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Ground cinnamon

• Unsalted butter or coconut oil

• Brown sugar or coconut sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates

• Chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans)

• Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds

• Mini chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

3. In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.

5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined.

6. Fold in oats, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and chocolate chips if using.

7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.

8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set and centers are still soft.

9. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 18 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes

Variations

• Use peanut butter instead of butter for a nutty flavor.

• Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

• Replace eggs with flax eggs for a vegan version.

• Use gluten-free flour and oats to make them gluten-free.

• Swap sugar with mashed bananas or applesauce for reduced sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Dough can also be frozen and baked from frozen.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a soft, fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Are these cookies healthy?

They are healthier than standard cookies, using oats, nuts, and dried fruits for natural fiber and nutrients.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, substitute eggs with flax eggs and butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats are preferred for texture, but quick oats can be used for a softer cookie.

Are they suitable for breakfast?

Yes, they’re hearty enough to serve as a quick breakfast option on busy mornings.

Can I make them nut-free?

Yes, omit nuts and replace them with additional seeds or dried fruits.

How do I make them less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar or replace it partially with mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce.

Do they spread while baking?

These cookies spread slightly. For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I add protein powder?

Yes, you can add a few tablespoons of unflavored or vanilla protein powder to boost the protein content.

How do I know when they’re done?

The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers should still look slightly soft—they’ll firm up while cooling.

Can kids eat these cookies?

Absolutely. They’re naturally sweet and filled with good-for-you ingredients, making them suitable for kids’ snacks or lunchboxes.

Conclusion

Soft Baked Oatmeal Trail Mix Cookies are a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. With their chewy texture, nutty crunch, and bursts of fruity sweetness, they’re ideal for anyone who enjoys cookies with substance. Whether you enjoy them at breakfast, during a hike, or as an afternoon treat, these cookies offer energy, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite.

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