Trail Mix Cookies

These cookies are perfect to take along on a hike, picnic, or road trip. They are filled with a delicious blend of nuts, coconut, and dried fruit. The addition of molasses and orange zest adds a nice touch. I found the recipe here . I adapted it to my liking.

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• Zest of a medium sized orange
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 cup large flaked oatmeal
• 1 1/4 cups trail mix, you can purchase trail mix or make up your own favorite mix.
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling on top of cookies.

1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and mix.
2. Stir in egg and orange zest until well blended.
3. In a separate bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, spices, and oatmeal. Stir into creamed mixture.
4. Add trail mix and stir until combined.
5. Scoop rounded tablespoon sized balls of dough and place on parchment lined pans.
6. Using the bottom of a glass dipped in coarse or granulated sugar, press down on each ball of cookie dough to flatten slightly. I sprinkled extra coarse sugar on top.
7. Bake in a 375º oven for 10 minutes. Don't over bake, you want soft and chewy cookies. If you want them more crisp bake them a few minutes longer.
8. Yield: 28 cookies