Trailside Cookies
Trailside Cookies are hearty, chewy treats packed with oats, chocolate, and raisins, perfect for outdoor adventures or satisfying homemade snacks for all ages.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup creamy or chunk style peanut butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups sifted flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups quick or old-fashioned uncooked oats ⓘ
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
Instructions
- Beat together butter, peanut butter, and sugars until creamy.
- Blend in eggs, milk, and vanilla.
- Sift together flour, soda, and salt.
- Add to creamed mixture; blend well.
- Stir in oats, chocolate pieces, and raisins.
- Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake in preheated 350° oven for about 15 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting almond butter for peanut butter or using a mix of chocolate and butterscotch chips. Ensure your butter is softened for easier mixing. If you prefer a chewier cookie, reduce the baking time slightly. You can also add chopped nuts for extra crunch or substitute the raisins with dried cranberries for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies make a great snack on their own or can be served alongside a glass of cold milk or hot coffee. For a fun twist, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. They also complement savory dishes like Snuggled Hot Dogs, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Trailside Cookies contains roughly 1862 calories, with 22g protein, 322g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (79% of the Daily Value), calcium (64% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2407mg per serving (105% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may alter the texture slightly. Natural peanut butter tends to be thinner, so you might need to adjust the flour to achieve the right cookie consistency.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, try using flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or applesauce (1/4 cup for each egg). These substitutions work well in cookies and will keep them moist.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Cookies are typically done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so be careful not to overbake them.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).