Yum-m-m-m
Feeling out of sorts these days? Know someone who could use a hug? Time for the ultimate comfort food: Trail Mix Cookies. They’re crispy on the edges, chewy on the inside and full of nuts and dried cranberries. They have a buttery, brown-sugar flavor that feels like a bear hug from your favorite person. My dad is that person for me. Who is your best hugger?
“Desperate times call for...comfort cookies.” Kasha Linka
The first time I baked these, I knew I’d found a keeper. They hit all the right notes for texture and flavor, plus they’re super easy to make. Because of these cookies, I now have roasted pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas) and sunflower seeds in my freezer at all times. When the need arises, I can whip up a batch, regardless of what time of the day — or night — it is. And when a friend is going through a rough patch, I always give them a dozen Trail Mix Cookies to help them cope. As an added bonus, they’re a healthy cookie, packed with whole grains, nuts, dried fruit, and less sugar than you’d think.
Today I made them to celebrate my nephew’s birthday and to fill my sister’s request for her favorite “breakfast cookie.” Win-Win.
Cookie specifics
Trail Mix Cookies. Inspired by the cookie from America’s Test Kitchen, these are delicious and good for you! They are packed with whole-grains — like oats and whole-wheat flour — and a variety of my favorite mix-ins. You might guess from the name that they contain a blend of healthful yet tasty ingredients — dried fruit, seeds, nuts, and chocolate chips. You can actually use any combination of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit that you enjoy and I often change things up. Using brown sugar rather than white sugar means a richer flavor and less sugar. Ah, yes ... a very comforting bite indeed.
Shape and Size
Each ball of dough flattens out to about 2½ to 3 inches. But because of all the add-ins, they also stay thick and chewy.
Original Cookie Recipe from...
Trail Mix Cookies. The original recipe for these cookies comes from The Perfect Cookie, (cookbook) America’s Test Kitchen, 2017.
I tweaked the recipe a bit by using salted butter and salted roasted nuts and seeds. I also baked mine for a shorter time to ensure a chewy texture. I usually use white chocolate chips when I’m making a batch for my sister who can’t eat “real” chocolate.
Trail Mix Cookies
Cookies
Trail Mix Cookies: old-fashioned oats, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, butter, egg, vanilla extract, brown sugar, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, special dark (or white) chocolate chips
Plate, Box or Bag?
Plate. When I’m sharing my cookies at a local event, I simply arrange them on a pretty plate. These are homey cookies and don’t need any fancy packaging. They are often the first thing to disappear from the dessert table.
Box. My favorite way to transport my cookies is to package them in a cardboard bakery box with a clear window on top that makes the contents visible to anyone who wants to peek. The boxes I use can hold about 12 to 18 cookies.
Mailing. In the past, I have mailed Trail Mix Cookies to family members who are in the military and far from home. I double-wrap the cookies, place them in air-tight freezer bags and use the Priority Mail boxes provided by the Post Office to mail them. I know the packages are appreciated when they arrive because of the texts I get with all those smiling faces.
What I’ve learned...
The nuts and seed mix-ins for these cookies can be anything I want or have on hand. I always use the best ingredients I can find, though. I’ve experimented with less expensive ingredients, but have come to the conclusion that flavor is best when I use the best. Why spend all this time baking if taste and texture are just so-so? Baking is an enjoyable process for me and I know that those who receive them appreciate what I give them. Life is just better when you can share something you love with someone you love. Don’t you agree?
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