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Chewy Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies

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Chewy Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies

Post sponsored by Volkswagen.

Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies

I am an adventurer at heart, I truly am. As a child I could always be found in the forests of the Canadian wilderness, exploring every tree nook and cranny, always wondering what was on the other side of the next hill.

That childhood curiosity hasn’t left me and now I enjoy taking my family along with me on adventures. We pack up the car with provisions and head out to the hills, or the cliffs, to see what fun we can get up to.

I live on a tiny island archipelago in the middle of the North Sea measuring only 80 miles from tip to tip and 35 miles wide. As a family we’ve explored quite a bit of our island home except for one area, which I have been reluctant to take my small children to, until now…

The volcanic cliffs of Eshaness, Shetland Islands

The volcanic cliffs at Eshaness, on the north west mainland of Shetland, are one of my favourite places on our islands. Before I had children I did a spot of rock climbing in this area, basking like a lizard on the sun-warmed lava rocks, climbing my first (and only!) natural chimney, and learning how to abseil. Exhilarating.

Then I had children. The issue of gravity, and whether or not I lived or died, became somewhat important, so I sold my climbing gear and settled down into a reasonably safe life of child-rearing.

My younger two children are now nearly 8 and nearly 10, respectively, and so I thought this was as good a time as ever to take them on an adventure to Eshaness. I wanted them to see these stunning cliffs for themselves, and to experience Da Grind o’da Navir, one of the most powerful storm beaches in the world. I sold it to them as ‘real life Minecraft’. No, I doubt we’d see any creepers, but you never know.

Home Made Trail Mix

So, the day before our planned road trip adventure to Eshaness I whipped up a batch of home made trail mix.

Every true adventurer knows that home made trail mix is a key component of outdoor refuelling. Portable, nutritious, tasty and with loads of slow release carbohydrates to keep you going for hours it can be tailored to your liking (you will never, ever, find dried banana in mine!).

The thing is though, trail mix can be kind of messy for kids (and there’s the choking issue of whole nuts), so I whizzed up some of the trail mix in my blender and stirred it into a chewy oatmeal cookie base for them. My youngest son even helped me mix the dough. Win!

I find that these cookies taste even better the next day. On the first day they’re hard and crunchy but come day two they’re soft, chewy and oh so incredibly moreish, and they stay that way for a good week, if kept in an airtight container. Perfect for stuffing into pockets and taking on adventures.

Chewy Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies

Eshaness has one of the highest energy coastlines in the world. Its stacks, blowholes and geos (small inlets) have been formed by the force of the North Atlantic.

350-400 million years ago the Shetland Islands were part of a large supercontinent located near the equator, an area of intense volcanic activity.

The volcanic cliffs of Eshaness, Shetland Islands

Do you see those layers in the first cliff in the foreground? Those are layers of lava and volcanic ash as eruption followed eruption. This area cuts through the flank of the volcano, and its geology is absolutely stunning.

Well it is for me. The kids weren’t that impressed, to be honest!

Nearby lies the ruined Broch of Houlland, a Pictish structure dating back approximately 2000 years. Beside that there is a stone causeway leading to a tiny island, a causeway my children insisted they had to bravely cross. It took a few attempts for them to overcome their fear of landing head first in the loch, but they both did it!

Stone causeway across the loch of Houlland, Eshaness, Shetland

Chewy Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies

Afterwards we passed by the Holes of Scraada, a collapsed sea cave in the middle of the vast fields and stopped for a cookie break before carrying on to da Grind o’da Navir.

Da Grind o'da Navir, Eshaness, Shetland

This is a remarkable area formed by the fierce storms of the North Atlantic. Huge blocks of volcanic rock have been thrown up by the sea through a breach in the line of cliffs which opens up into a natural amphitheatre. The stones you see above are 15 metres above sea level, and they have been thrown there by the sea for up to 180 feet.

If there ever was a rejuvenating Zelda-esque fairy pool here in Shetland this little body of water in the amphitheatre would be it, I am sure.

The kids thought that this was the Best. Place. Ever. Ever!

Da Grind o'da Navir, Eshaness, Shetland

Here we stopped for a spot of lunch with the sun warming the rocks and the cliffs protecting us from the cool breeze. You know when you have those days with all of the happy? Those days where everything has gone according to plan and you just sit there with a full belly and a content heart?

That.

It really was the best day ever. It definitely ranks up there as one of our best family adventures yet.

Chewy Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies

What’s your favourite outdoor adventure refuelling recipe? Do you have a favourite granola bar, trail mix or cookie? Let me know in the comments! If you’re looking for more travel-inspired recipes do visit the Volkswagen Pinterest community board – Food Bloggers for Volkswagen.

Chewy Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies

Chewy Trail Mix Oatmeal Cookies

Home made trail mix forms the base of this delicious and chewy oatmeal cookie - perfect fuel for adventuring.
0 from 0 votes
Print Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Author: Elizabeth

Ingredients

for the trail mix

  • 1.5 parts mixed nuts almonds, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts
  • 1 part mixed seeds sunflower, pumpkin, coconut shavings
  • 1 part mixed dried fruit raisins, apricots, apple rings
  • 0.5 part sweet stuff dark chocolate, popcorn, marshmallows

for the cookies

Instructions

  • To make your trail mix use a scoop and measure out the required parts of each component. Store in an airtight container and consume within one week.
  • Preheat oven to 180 C/ 160 C fan/ 350 F. Lightly grease two cookie sheets or line them with silicone baking mats.
  • Combine the flour, sugars, spices, salt, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda in a large bowl.
  • Rub the vegetable fat into the mixture with your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  • Add the porridge oats and the finely chopped trail mix and stir to combine.
  • Whisk together the egg, milk and vanilla and add to the dry ingredients. Stir well to make the cookie dough.
  • Pinch off bits of dough about the size of a walnut and roll into a ball. Place on the prepared cookie sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes, until golden.
  • Leave to cool for five minutes on the cookie sheets before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • The cookies will keep for up to a week in an airtight container. They also freeze well.
Tried this recipe?Mention @TangoRaindrop or tag #elizabethskitchendiary!

 

Eshaness Lighthouse, Shetland Islands

Eshaness lighthouse from da grind o’da navir, Shetland Islands

This is a commissioned recipe post for Volkswagen although all thoughts and opinions expressed are our own. Thank you for supporting the brands who make it possible for me to do what I love: mess up my kitchen and share recipe stories.

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Comments

  4. Camilla says

    December 27, 2016 at 9:22 pm

    Wow those views are so stunning, you really are lucky to be surrounded by such awesome scenery! Your Trail Mix Cookies sound like the perfect energy boost for a day of exploring with the kids!

    Reply

  9. Elizabeth O. says

    December 21, 2016 at 6:13 am

    This looks so good! I love chewy cookies and so do my kids! This recipe is definitely a keeper and it’s perfect for keep your full in between meals!

    Reply

  13. Debra @ Traveling Well For Less says

    December 20, 2016 at 11:45 pm

    LOVE the structure of this post. How you weaved in a story with your cookie recipe. And that lunch box, TO DIE FOR!

    Reply

  20. Davena Ma says

    December 20, 2016 at 6:24 am

    Loved your photos, and story of a lovely day! We went for ” a picnic by mistake” one day when the kids were little, and so we understand the opposite kind of event!

    Reply

  36. Leah LS says

    December 19, 2016 at 12:10 pm

    These are my type of cookies – I prefer nutty and fruity to chocolate to be honest. Thanks for the recipe – I find cookies easier to make than cakes so I will give this a go in the new year x

    Reply

  38. Cristina L. says

    December 19, 2016 at 11:31 am

    Those cookies looks so delicious, and the box in the photos is amazing. I love boxes and now I want one like that as well.

    Reply

  39. Emily says

    December 19, 2016 at 11:23 am

    Wow, you live in a truly stunning part of the world. It looks like it’s just begging you to explore. With kids in tow I find snacks can make or break a day of adventures – those cookies sound perfect for keeping their energy levels topped up.

    Reply

  40. Tanya Brannan says

    December 19, 2016 at 10:47 am

    I love oatmeal cookies – they are my favourite kind, and these sound fantastic with the mix of spices and trail mix. I do like a good blend of fruit and nuts in them, so this is a fantastic idea. Will be trying them out soon! xx

    Reply

  42. kirsty-rose says

    December 19, 2016 at 9:32 am

    These look absolutely amazing! I am definitely going to pin these for later! Also, I love how you did not just share a recipe but you shared a whole story. it is such a good idea and definitely one that I should try!

    Reply

    • Elizabeth says

      December 19, 2016 at 8:51 am

      If you can read you can bake. 😉 You just need to follow the instructions – I bet you’d be impressed with your skills, and they only get better with practise!

      Reply

  52. francesca says

    December 18, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    wow these look and sound irresistible!! They would definitely make for great little baked goods gifts this christmas too!

    Reply

  54. Nicola Cassidy says

    December 17, 2016 at 11:21 pm

    This is a fabulous post. Love the background to your adventuring, your pictures and setting – it’s really stunning – so like the Northern Irish coast too with it’s cliffs and causeways and all combined with a recipe too. I would never eat trail mix, but I would these cookies. Great work.

    Reply

  57. Sally - My Custard Pie says

    December 17, 2016 at 6:48 pm

    I absolutely loved going on that adventure with you … via this post. The recipe is excellent too. Loved the background about the rock formations. Living here in the UAE I’ve seen some amazing geology. That fairy pool though… beam me up

    Reply

    • Elizabeth says

      December 17, 2016 at 7:36 pm

      Oh thank you for your lovely comment! It’s comments like these that keep me blogging 🙂 Isn’t that a crackin’ fairy pool? Would LOVE to visit the UAE one day. One day, definitely. 🙂

      Reply

  59. Lisa @garlicandzest.com says

    December 17, 2016 at 3:33 pm

    I just love your adventures — and that trail mix. Mine never looks like that. I never thought to use it for cookies! Brilliant!

    Reply

    • Elizabeth says

      December 17, 2016 at 7:38 pm

      Aw thank you! I just whipped up what I had in my cupboard for my trail mix (I detest dried papaya and banana so that will never feature!). So simple to make – what do you put in yours?

      Reply

  60. MyCookingSecrets.com | Krystallia Giamouridou says

    December 17, 2016 at 3:14 pm

    Wow! Beautiful landscape… Loved both the pics and the cookies recipe. It is ideal to have a treat containing fiber and dried fruits while been in nature and descovering new places. It helps you a lot by providing so much energy! I like the fact that you baked them yourself, you seem such a caring mom! Thanks for sharing the recipe…

    Reply

  61. Nadia says

    December 17, 2016 at 1:48 pm

    It’s so nice to be able to go out on adventures exploring nature! I’m desperate to move out of the city and live closer to nature. It was a good idea making oatmeal cookies from the trial mix. They look absolutely delicious 😀 I often find homemade cookies taste better the next day 🙂

    Reply

  63. Kavey says

    December 17, 2016 at 1:05 pm

    So good to have a tasty and healthy snack to enjoy when out and about in an adventure. Oats are great to keep your energy levels up too. Love all your photos so much!

    Reply

  64. Ren Behan says

    December 17, 2016 at 12:06 pm

    What a truly wonderful part of the world to bring up your children – your photos are breathtaking! I love how you’ve blitzed up the trail mix to go into the cookies – such a neat idea for a portable energy fix.

    Reply

  65. Just Jo says

    December 17, 2016 at 11:10 am

    What an absolutely beautiful post – to read and to look at. The cookies look amazing but I am eyeing you r camper van tin up with envy lol. One day me and Hungry Hubby will buy a camper van and travel the UK in it – that’s the dream anyway. I may well take your cookies with us!

    Reply

    • Elizabeth says

      December 17, 2016 at 12:19 pm

      Aw thank you so much for your kind words! I really do appreciate it. I was gifted the tin – it’s from a German website – nostalgic-art.de You should definitely take a trip up to Shetland – it’s one of Britain’s best kept secrets, I think! 🙂

      Reply

  66. Choclette says

    December 17, 2016 at 10:44 am

    Now that is my kind of adventure. Your pictures are just stunning. Lucky kids I say. Those are my kind of cookies too. I normally whip up a batch of flapjacks for our adventures, but I might just make some of these next time.

    Oh for more of those days where everything melds into a wonderful whole.

    Reply

    • Elizabeth says

      December 17, 2016 at 12:20 pm

      Aw thank you! My kids always grumble and moan at first when I suggest we go on an adventure, and then they always have such a fantastic time. It’s great to get out exploring when the weather is fine. I’ll have to try one of your flapjack recipes – that’s something I’ve not managed to perfect yet. I’m needing inspiration!

      Reply

  71. Kate @ Veggie Desserts says

    December 17, 2016 at 9:29 am

    Oh I just loved reading this post! Your spirit of adventure is infectious and I want to go on a family travel now. Inspired idea to turn trail mix into cookies, too!

    Reply

    • Elizabeth says

      December 17, 2016 at 12:29 pm

      It is a pretty magical place, that’s for sure. 🙂 Glad you like the look of my cookies, and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, I really do appreciate it.

      Reply

  76. Sarah Bailey says

    December 16, 2016 at 9:53 pm

    What a brilliant idea to blend up the trail mix and add them to oatmeal cookies! They sound delicious and an easy way for the kids to be able to get the extra nutrition without the choking hazard of the nuts. Your pictures of your adventure are breathtaking!

    Reply

  78. Anosa says

    December 16, 2016 at 9:31 pm

    I have taking oat meal cookies with me when I am traveling away from home. These look real delicious and sounds like you guys are real adventurers

    Reply

    • Elizabeth says

      December 17, 2016 at 12:41 pm

      I ate SO many oat based treats while on my epic bikepacking trip this summer. Oats really do provide lasting fuel, and with the added boost of brown sugar and the trail mix I think it’s a winning combination.

      Reply

  81. Sharon Parry says

    December 16, 2016 at 5:20 pm

    I’m with you on the geology of this stunning place – totally fascinating. Your pictures are amazing – as are the biscuits I have to say! I’d love to go on one of your days out!

    Reply

  82. MELANIE EDJOURIAN says

    December 16, 2016 at 4:54 pm

    I must admit these look amazing, they are so my sort of thing. I’m drooling at the moment, wonder if I could make them too. It looks like the adventuring trip was fun it looks beautiful there.

    Reply

  85. Janie says

    December 16, 2016 at 2:42 pm

    OH WOW!!! Please can you take me there when we come and visit? I feel it’ll be a very fitting journey too driving all the way up there in my campervan!!!
    As far as energy treats go, muffins are always a winner or there’s a flapjeck recipe on my site that is beyond awesome. I must remember to make a batch before setting off to Scotland!
    Janie x

    Reply

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