Delicious Candy Corn Trail Mix Cookie Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat that perfectly embodies the spirit of fall, look no further than these irresistible Candy Corn Trail Mix Cookies. I first discovered this unique recipe last year when I needed something special for a Halloween gathering, and it has since become a seasonal favorite in my household. The blend of brown butter, salty pretzels, crunchy peanuts, and of course, colorful candy corn, creates a delightful sweet-salty mix that stands out from your average cookie.

The moment my neighbor’s son tried these cookies, he couldn’t resist going back for seconds and immediately requested a baking lesson for his mom. It seems that the familiar flavors combined in these cookies have a universal appeal that just can’t be denied. Even my husband, who isn’t usually big on sweets, couldn’t resist the allure of these treats, dubbing them “really good” – high praise from him indeed.

These Candy Corn Trail Mix Cookies are perfect for any fall occasion, from Halloween parties to cozy evenings at home. Pair them with a glass of apple cider for a quintessential autumn experience, or surprise your kids with a tasty addition to their lunchboxes. The versatility of this recipe also allows for creative twists – think Christmas M&M swaps or butterscotch chip additions for a new flavor dimension. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone lucky enough to taste them.

Quick Benefits

• Unique sweet-salty flavor profile from the combination of brown butter, salty pretzels, peanuts, and candy corn
• Appeals to a wide range of taste preferences, even those who aren’t typically drawn to sweets
• Versatile recipe with options for seasonal variations like Christmas M&M’s or summer fruit leather
• Rave reviews and requests for these cookies at various events and occasions

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Candy Corn Trail Mix Cookie Recipe Recipe

• The unique combination of brown butter, salty pretzels, peanuts, and candy corn creates an incredible sweet-salty mix that sets these cookies apart from regular chocolate chip cookies.
• The cookies have received high praise from picky eaters, including those who don’t usually indulge in sweets, making them appealing to a wide range of palates.
• These cookies are perfect for fall parties, Halloween gatherings, and bake sales, adding a festive and delicious touch to any occasion.
• They pair beautifully with apple cider, making them an ideal fall treat, and can be served alongside other autumn-themed snacks like caramel corn and apple slices.
• The recipe offers versatile customization options, such as using red and green M&Ms for a Christmas twist or swapping candy corn for fruit leather in a summer variation, allowing for year-round enjoyment.
• Children and adults alike will love these cookies, whether enjoyed with a glass of cold milk, packed in lunchboxes as a special surprise, or simply savored as a tasty snack any time of the year.

Ingredients for Delicious Candy Corn Trail Mix Cookie Recipe

Cookie Base

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, for browning

Mix-ins & Toppings

• Candy corn for topping (added after baking)
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
• 2 tablespoons pretzels, crushed
• 2 tablespoons lightly salted peanuts, crushed

How to Make Delicious Candy Corn Trail Mix Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Cube butter and place in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until melted, foamy, golden brown, and nutty in aroma. Remove from heat and transfer to a heat-safe bowl to cool.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

After letting the brown butter cool, sift the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl.

Step 3: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Combine cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Add Egg and Vanilla

Combine the room temperature egg and vanilla extract with the butter-sugar mixture. Whisk until smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being cautious not to overmix.

Step 7: Add Mix-ins

Carefully mix the chocolate chips, crushed peanuts, and crushed pretzels into the dough until evenly combined.

Step 8: Form Cookies

Using a ¼ cup measure or ice cream scoop, portion out 6 balls of dough onto the baking sheet, ensuring ample space for spreading. Gently press extra chocolate chips on top of each cookie.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for 10 minutes until edges are set, bottoms are golden brown, and centers appear slightly underdone.

Step 10: Shape Cookies (Optional)

If desired, use a large round cookie cutter or measuring cup to shape the cookies into perfect circles immediately after removing from the oven by gently swirling around each cookie.

Step 11: Add Toppings

While the cookies are still warm, gently press extra chocolate chips, crushed peanuts, crushed pretzels, and candy corn onto the top of each cookie.

Step 12: Cool

Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet until set before transferring.

Step 13: Serve

After cooling, either consume the cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container.

Storage Tips

Once you have made a batch of these delightful Candy Corn Trail Mix Cookies, it’s essential to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. To keep the cookies fresh for several days, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure that the container is sealed tightly to prevent the cookies from becoming stale or absorbing any surrounding odors.

If you want to store the cookies for a longer period, you can freeze them successfully. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, placing parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. Frozen cookies can be enjoyed for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature or reheat them in a microwave for a warm, freshly baked taste. By following these storage tips, you can enjoy these irresistible cookies anytime you crave a sweet and salty treat.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a different twist, you can swap out the candy corn with other seasonal candies like red and green M&M’s for a festive Christmas version. The colorful chocolate candies will add a pop of color and a different flavor profile to the cookies while maintaining the fun and festive vibe.

If you want to enhance the fall flavors, consider using butterscotch chips in place of or in addition to the chocolate chips. Butterscotch chips will add a rich and slightly caramel-like flavor to the cookies, complementing the brown butter and enhancing the overall autumn taste profile.

To customize the cookies for a summery feel, replace the candy corn with small pieces of colorful fruit leather cut into fun shapes. This substitution will introduce a fruity element to the cookies, adding a fresh and playful twist perfect for a different season. The fruit leather will also provide a chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the crunchy pretzels and peanuts.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try crumbling the candy corn trail mix cookies over a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a decadent and festive dessert. The warm cookies will melt slightly into the ice cream, creating a delicious blend of salty-sweet flavors and textures. Top it off with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

Another fun idea is to pack these candy corn trail mix cookies into small cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons for a cute and tasty party favor. These individually wrapped cookies make great treats for Halloween parties, fall weddings, or even as a sweet surprise in lunchboxes. You can customize the toppings by adding extra chocolate chips or sprinkles to make each bag unique and special.

FAQs for Delicious Candy Corn Trail Mix Cookie Recipe

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for browning?

While you can use salted butter for browning, it’s better to use unsalted butter in baking recipes to control the overall saltiness of the dish. If you only have salted butter on hand, you may need to adjust the amount of added salt in the recipe accordingly.

Can I omit the peanuts for any nut allergies?

Yes, if you or anyone consuming the cookies has a nut allergy, you can omit the peanuts from the recipe. You can replace them with an equal amount of another mix-in like more pretzels or additional chocolate chips.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time and freeze them for later. Once the cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag with layers of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

How long will these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies will stay fresh for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to prolong their freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2-3 months.

Conclusion

Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a Halloween party, a fall bake sale, or just a cozy night in, these Candy Corn Trail Mix Cookies are sure to be a hit. The unique combination of brown butter, chocolate chips, crunchy pretzels, peanuts, and of course, colorful candy corn creates a cookie that’s bursting with flavor and fun. The sweet and salty balance, along with the depth of flavor from the brown butter, makes these cookies a favorite for kids and adults alike.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe and make it your own. Swap out the candy corn for seasonal M&Ms, try different types of chips, or even experiment with different mix-ins to suit your taste preferences. These cookies are so versatile and can be easily customized to create a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these delightful Candy Corn Trail Mix Cookies. Whether you’re enjoying them with a glass of milk, packing them in lunchboxes, or sharing them at a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies!