Go Back
Homemade Happy Trails Cookies photo
Print Recipe Save it for later

Happy Trails Cookies

Chewy, salty-sweet cookies loaded with peanut butter, pretzels, M&M's, and chocolate chips.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time13 minutes
Total Time3 hours 38 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup peanut butter chunky or smooth
  • 1 cup pretzels broken into smaller chunks
  • 1 cup M&M's candy
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • flaked sea salt optional, for sprinkling

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and kosher salt until evenly combined; set aside.
  • In another large bowl, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.
  • Beat in the peanut butter until uniform, then on low speed add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined; do not overmix.
  • Fold in the broken pretzels, M&M's, and milk chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 3 hours or overnight to firm up.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silpat mats.
  • Use an ice cream scoop to portion the chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 12 to 13 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned.
  • Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle with flaked sea salt. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • Electric Mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • plastic wrap or bowl cover
  • Baking Sheets
  • parchment paper or silpat
  • wire cooling rack

Notes

  • Chill dough at least 3 hours for best texture.
  • Use room-temperature butter and egg for even mixing.
  • Chunky or smooth peanut butter both work fine.
  • Break pretzels into small pieces for easier biting.