TRAIL MIX COOKIE Bars

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Trail Mix was one of the OG flavors I created when I started DŌ back in 2011. It is a spin off of our Oatmeal M&M, with a little extra saltiness and crunch, and baking it into bar form makes it the perfect after *remote* school snack. We’ve added pretzels here but the best thing about this recipe is that you can really add whatever you want - nuts, dried fruit, potato chips (yes, you heard me), or whatever chocolate you have on hand! Better yet, have the kids help out… baking is basically math and chemistry and reading combined!

TRAIL MIX COOKIE BARS

Time: 2.5 hours // Servings: 9

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 1/2 cup oats

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp cornstarch

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, at room temperature

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • 1 egg

  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

  • 1/2 cup pretzels, broken into pieces

  • 1/2 cup m&ms

  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips

  • 1 tsp coarse sea salt, for topping

DIRECTIONS

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, cornstarch, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the granulated and brown sugars and mix on medium until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the bowl. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until fully incorporated, about 2 minutes.

  • Add half of the flour mixture and mix on low just until the powdery texture of the flour disappears, about 15 seconds. Immediately add the rest of the flour mixture and mix until combined. Scrape the bowl and mix a final 15 seconds.

  • Remove the bowl from the mixer and fold in chocolate chips, M&Ms, and pretzel pieces.

  • Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper. Press mixture into pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the top. Freeze for at least 2 hours.

  • Once dough is chilled, preheat oven to 350. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until edges are golden brown and the center is just set. Allow to cool and cut into 9 squares. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week!

Kristen Page