A Healthy Snack for Kids

Trail Mix Cookies

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup + 2 tbsp butter (soften)
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup chopped dried cranberries
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup untoasted shredded coconut

Directions:

1. In a bowl sift the flour.  whisk in the remaining dry ingredients including the chopped nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit and shredded coconut.  Set aside.
2. In a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure all the ingredients are properly incorporated.  Add in the eggs one by one, and beat until well incorporated.  Add in the vanilla.
3. With the mixer on low or pulsing the the mixer, slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Remove the cookie batter from the mixer and spoon the batter onto parchment lined baking sheets.  This recipe yields approx. 40 large cookies but you can spoon out the cookies to your own desired size but ensure they are consistent for even baking. If you do not want to bake the cookies all at once freeze the portioned batter until ready to bake.  Bake at 325 in the middle rack on your oven for approx. 15mins or until the edges and sides of cookies are a light golden brown.

Note: you can get creative with this recipe by substituting your favourite trail mix ingredients to this recipe such as dried apricots, banana chips, almonds, M&Ms, caramel pieces etc.