This kit provides all the dry ingredients and a delicious base for a classic batch of hearty Hiking Cookies, packed with old fashioned oats, and your choice of energy-boosting nuts, seeds, fruits, and treats! Customize your flavor even further with your preferred nut butter choice.

Makes: 36 cookies

Components to Package:

1. Main Dry Mix Bag (Airtight, labeled “Dry Mix – Add Last”):

4½ cups old fashioned oats

2 teaspoons baking soda

2. Sugar Packet (Separate, airtight, labeled “Sugars”):

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1 cup granulated white sugar

3. Trail Fuel Blend Packet (Separate, labeled “Your Custom Trail Fuel Blend”):

This bag is for your chosen mix-ins 2 cups of mix-ins from the following options:

Nuts and Seeds Options:

Slivered or Sliced Almonds

Chopped Walnuts

Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)

Sunflower Seeds

Fruit Options:

Dried Cranberries

Dried Cherries

Raisins

Treats & Toppings Options:

Turbinado Sugar & Sea Salt Topping

M&M’s Milk Chocolate Candy

M&M’s Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Candy

Instructions: To Make Your Hiking Cookies

You Will Need:

1½ cups creamy or chunky peanut butter OR creamy almond butter (see note below on “Natural” options)

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

3 large eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract (See below for options if you don’t have or want to include vanilla.)

The enclosed “Dry Mix – Add Last”

The enclosed “Sugars” packet

The enclosed “Your Custom Trail Fuel Blend” packet (approx. 2 cups total, your custom selection)

Instructions:

Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray cookie sheets with nonstick spray, or line with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Cream Butter, Sugars & Nut Butter: In a large bowl, combine your chosen peanut or almond butter, the entire contents of the “Sugars” packet, and the softened butter. Use an electric mixer to mix until well combined.

Add Eggs & Vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.

Add Dry Mix: Gradually add the entire contents of the “Dry Mix – Add Last” bag to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Choose Your Mix-in Method (IMPORTANT!):You have two great options for adding your “Trail Fuel Blend”:

Option A: Mix into the Dough: For even distribution throughout every bite, add the entire “Your Custom Trail Fuel Blend” packet to the dough and stir until evenly distributed.

Option B: Press into Tops: For a visually appealing cookie where the mix-ins stand out, form the cookie dough balls first (Step 6), then gently press your chosen mix-ins into the tops of each cookie before baking. You may not use the entire packet this way.

Form Cookies: Drop the cookies by heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.

Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Do not overbake; the cookies will firm up as they cool.

Cool: Cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheets until the cookies are set. Then, transfer to wire racks to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Nut Butter Choice:

Almond Butter: For a milder flavor that allows your chosen “Trail Fuel Blend” mix-ins to shine through, use creamy almond butter.

Natural Peanut Butter: If using a “natural” peanut butter (where oil separates), be sure to stir it very thoroughly until it’s completely smooth and re-combined before measuring. This ensures proper fat distribution in your cookies.

Baker’s Tip: What if I don’t have Vanilla Extract?

No problem! Vanilla adds a nice background flavor, but your cookies will still be delicious without it. Here are some easy substitutions:

Easiest Option: Simply omit the vanilla extract. Your cookies will still be fantastic!

Sweet Depth: Use 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup in its place for a similar warm, sweet note.

Nutty Twist: If you have it, use 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Remember, it’s stronger than vanilla, so a little goes a long way!

Subtle Floral: You can use 1 tablespoon honey for a touch of sweetness and subtle floral aroma.

Gluten-Free Version: If you are preparing these cookies as gluten-free, please ensure you are using brands of your chosen nut butter, vanilla, oats, and any selected mix-ins that are certified or known to be gluten-free.