Description

This easy, no-bake trail mix combines creamy peanut butter cookie dough chunks with crunchy pretzels, peanuts, chocolate chips, and M&Ms for a sweet, salty, and chewy snack that’s perfect for parties, road trips, or lunchboxes. It’s customizable, kid-approved, and travels well.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup mini M&Ms or candy-coated chocolate pieces
1 cup mini pretzels, broken into pieces
3/4 cup roasted salted peanuts
2/3 cup crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
1/2 cup more mini M&Ms or chocolate chips
1/2 cup sunflower seeds (optional)
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots or cherries (optional)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat together peanut butter and softened butter until fluffy (1–2 minutes).
Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Stir in oats and salt until a thick, soft dough forms.
Fold in mini chocolate chips and mini M&Ms gently.
Portion dough into bite-sized chunks (about 1–1.5 tablespoons each) and place on a baking sheet or plate. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up (optional).
In a separate large bowl, combine mini pretzels, roasted salted peanuts, crispy rice cereal, and dried cranberries or raisins if using.
Add extra mini M&Ms or chocolate chips and any optional mix-ins (sunflower seeds, coconut flakes, dried fruit).
Gently fold chilled cookie dough chunks into the trail mix base using a spatula.
Toss until evenly distributed. If the mix looks dry, add a spoonful of peanut butter or a drizzle of honey.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container or zip-top bags in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.

Notes

For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and pretzels. Nut-free options include sunflower seed butter and pumpkin seeds. Chill dough chunks for easier mixing. Customize with your favorite mix-ins like butterscotch chips, granola, or dried fruit. Store in fridge for best texture; freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Snack
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup (about 60g)
Calories: 300
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 180
Fat: 16
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 34
Fiber: 5
Protein: 9

Keywords: monster cookie, trail mix, cookie dough, sweet snack, no-bake, peanut butter, party snack, kid-friendly, easy recipe, lunchbox snack